Are YOU constipated? Then you’re at 13% more likely to develop kidney failure

November 11, 2016

Sufferers have a 13% higher chance of developing chronic kidney disease
While they are 9% more likely to have their organ fail – which can be deadly
Either kidney condition increases the need for dialysis or a transplant
Being diagnosed with constipation early may help prevent both conditions
Experts also say a diet that incorporates more fibre could reduce the risk

Stephen Matthews For Mailonline

Published:
17:00 EST, 10 November 2016

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Updated:
20:59 EST, 10 November 2016

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Adults suffering from constipation are nine per cent more likely to develop kidney failure – which can be fatal

Being constipated increases the risk of developing kidney disease, scientists warn.

Sufferers of the common condition have a 13 per cent higher chance of developing the chronic disorder which causes the organs to not work as effectively.

While having bowel difficulties also leaves adults at higher risk of kidney failure – the last stage of the disease which can be deadly, new research suggests.

An early diagnosis of constipation may help doctors to prevent either of the conditions from occuring, experts believe.

They also say a healthier diet that incorporates more fibre and exercising could help stop the need for dialysis or a transplant.

A high fibre diet is known to keep people’s bowel movements regular.

Constipation, which is believed to affect one in seven adults, can have a variety of impacts on human health.

It is known to increase the risk of cardiovascular disease – believed to be through effects caused by stomach bacteria.

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But researchers from the University of Tennessee wanted to assess its effect on kidney health.

They studied more than 3.5 million US veterans with normal kidney function.

Participants were initially examined in 2004 before being followed up in 2006 and once again seven years after that.

Patients with moderate constipation were 13 per cent more likely to develop chronic kidney disease, they found.

Experts say a healthier diet that incorporates more fibre and exercising more could help prevent kidney problems in future

They were also had a nine per cent higher chance of suffering from kidney failure.

While adults who were more severely constipated had a much higher risk of both kidney disease and failure.

Lead researcher Dr Csaba Kovesdy said: ‘Our findings highlight the plausible link between the gut and the kidneys and provide additional insights into the pathogenesis of kidney disease progression.

‘Our results suggest the need for careful observation of kidney function trajectory in patients with constipation, particularly among those with more severe constipation.’

He added that lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet or exercising more could potentially protect kidney health – alongside probiotic supplements.

The study was published in the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.