India, March 11 -- While drinking enough water is the most common advice for kidney health, these two bean-shaped organs need more care than just hydration to function well. Kidneys play a crucial role in keeping the body healthy by acting as the body's natural filtration and balance system. They clean the blood and maintain chemical stability in our bodies. India has about 138 million people living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), the second-highest in the world after China. According to the latest GLOBOCAN data, kidney cancer accounts for approximately 1.2% to 1.3% of total cancer cases in the country. This World Kidney Day, experts highlight habits and lifestyle choices that can help protect kidney health. Kidney disease has traditionally been associated with older adults or patients with diabetes and hypertension. However, observations from District Hospital Chhatarpur in Madhya Pradesh suggest that younger patients may also be at risk, with an increasing number of men under 30 presenting signs of renal dysfunction. Dr Ruju Gala, consultant nephrologist at Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital in Mumbai, added that certain occupational exposures may increase risk. "People working with petroleum byproducts, gasoline compounds, heavy metals such as cadmium, or in asbestos-related industries may have a higher susceptibility to kidney cancers. For them, regular screening is important," she said. A study published in the British Journal of Cancer, which analysed data from more than 1.8 million people across three continents, found that vegetarians have a 28% lower risk of developing kidney cancer. Dr Aurora Perez-Cornago, the study's principal investigator, said, "This study is really good news for those who follow a vegetarian diet because they have a lower risk of several cancer types, including kidney cancer." The findings are particularly relevant in India, where vegetarian diets are widely followed as part of cultural traditions. Dr Sanjiv Saxena, chairman and senior consultant at the Institute of Renal Science at PSRI Hospital, explained, "Non-vegetarian diets are high in protein and generate more metabolic acids, which increases substances such as urea, creatinine and uric acid that the kidneys must filter." He added that plant-based foods such as garlic, apples, berries and cabbage are easier for the kidneys to process and may help reduce oxidative stress. Doctors say kidney diseases are broadly divided into medical and surgical conditions, with kidney cancer falling into the latter category. The most common form is Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC). According to Dr Hemal Shah, nephrologist at Saifee Hospital in Mumbai, early detection can significantly improve outcomes. "Kidney cancer can often be detected through a simple sonography," he said, adding, "Individuals over the age of 50 should undergo an annual ultrasound screening to improve chances of complete cure." Doctors also recommend routine kidney screening tests, especially for people with diabetes, hypertension or a family history of kidney disease. Dr Madhavi Dadwe, consultant nephrologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, highlighted two important tests. "The uACR urine test helps detect early kidney damage by identifying protein leakage in urine, often before other symptoms appear," she said. She also added that the eGFR blood test measures how well the kidneys are filtering waste from the blood and is typically done alongside the uACR test to assess overall kidney function. Monitoring blood pressure is also crucial. "Keeping blood pressure below 120/80 is ideal, as high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney damage," Dr Dadwe said....