How To Keeps The Human Kidney Healthy

 

 

LOCATION: Your kidneys are located a little below your rib cage on both sides of the spine, this location keeps them protected and prevents them from damage from physical causes.

 

FUNCTIONS

As we all know, our kidneys are among the very vital organs in the human body. Vital due to a very large extent of the functions they perform in your body, one of which is filtering wastes in the body as well as producing hormones. Also, your kidneys regulate pH levels as well as amounts of salt and potassium in the blood. In addition, the kidneys produce hormones that control blood pressure and the production of red blood cells. 

When these kidneys are well maintained, these and other functions in the body are carried out efficiently. 

On the contrary, an individual will face a lot of health challenges if they are poorly taken care of, or totally abandoned altogether! For instance, “in the United States, approximately 37 million adults are estimated to have Chronic Kidney Diseases” according to the National Kidney Foundation, and just 10% of these people know that they have it. 

If left untreated, kidney failure as a result of CKD may result in the build-up of toxins, resulting in other health issues, such as heart failure high blood pressure, and stroke. It can also become fatal if it progresses to a terminal stage of renal disease which may require dialysis treatment or even a kidney transplant.

It is therefore imperative to bring to the public domain the simple steps we need to take, in order to keep our kidneys healthy and vital bearing in mind that CKD can happen to anyone irrespective of gender, race background, or status!,

According to Dr. Vasil Peev a nephrologist at Rush, “ in many instances, there is a treatment available for kidney diseases, but in only a few, unfortunately, is there a cure. “that is why it’s important to intervene early and engage in preventive efforts for the disease”, he added.

In the light of this, I will examine the ways in which we can take care of our kidneys to keep them healthy!

 

1 KNOW YOUR FAMILY HISTORY

         It is highly probable for an individual with a history of CKD to suffer the disease more than someone without it! Therefore, thorough research should be carried out to ascertain the status of one’s family history regarding kidney disease. This does not imply that those without such a family history should ignore the care of their kidneys because, CKD, can still develop due to other predisposing factors. They will be highlighted in the later part of this article!

 

 

2 ADEQUATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

 

         In this aspect, many CKD sufferers are asymptomatic and nearly 40% of sufferers don’t notice the symptoms until it almost gets to the terminal stage. Some of the symptoms or pre-disposing health factors to watch out for include the following among others: aging, high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, unhealthy lifestyle, and diabetes.

To this, the first rule of the thump is to have regular physical check-ups, regular blood tests as well as carrying out urinalysis tests. The aim is to have early detection of the disease in order to safely alleviate its advancement.

 

3       REDUCE YOUR ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

         When it comes to alcohol consumption, “moderation is key” as very little amounts of alcohol do not have any negative effects on the kidneys. According to the National Kidney Foundation, regular heavy drinking of alcohol affects the kidneys and their functions and doubles the risks for kidney diseases.

Consequently, due to the vitality of the kidneys and the fact that they work with other vital organs of the body such as the liver, heart, etc, a breakdown of the entire body. 

 

4 EAT  HEALTHY, STAY HEALTHY

There is a popular saying that “if you don’t eat food like medicine, you will one day ‘eat’ medicine as food”! this saying is true because consistent consumption of non-kidney-friendly diets will expose the kidneys to the risk factors mentioned above.

According to Dr. Peev, “ a kidney-friendly diet is low in sodium and carbohydrates and includes lots of fruits and vegetables. “If you follow this type of diet consistently, it can help prevent weight gain and avoid obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes, which are risk factors of kidney diseases. ”additionally, drinking adequate quantities of water, at least 8 glasses a day can prevent the body from dehydration. Dehydration in turn would reduce blood flow in the body and eventually in the kidneys resulting in further damage.

 

5 REGULAR EXERCISE

         Physical exercise is one of the ways of improving the overall metabolism of the human body. It improves the mind as well as the general wellbeing. Including 30 to 45 minutes of yoga, jogging, meditation, dancing, biking, brisk or light walking, push-ups, sit-ups, or any physical recreational activity at the gym will keep your kidneys healthy. Don’t forget to take adequate water with you and enjoy it in between! This like I said earlier will keep you hydrated as you exercise.

 

6 CHECK FOR DIABETES

         ‘Study has shown that diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney failure’. And according to Dr, Peev, “diabetes is vastly driven by high blood pressure and cholesterol and that diabetic kidney disease is the number 1 reason for developing end-stage CKD, so it’s important that you have it under control.” Also, a study by the National Kidney Foundation shows that people with high cholesterol are twice as likely to develop CKD. 

 

7 SMOKING IS A NO-NO

         Tobacco smoking causes a lot of damage to the body. Whether as a passive or an active smoker, smoking impairs blood flow into the vital organs of the body one of which is the kidney! Smoking can make medicines used in treating other diseases less effective thus exposing the kidneys to further damage. The question now is ‘what is the hope of quitting smoking for those chronically active smokers? I recommend consulting with a health worker for a cessation program.

8 DON’T OVERUSE DRUGS

         According to Dr. Peev, “nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a specific group of over–the–counter pain relievers that include ibuprofen and aspirin, that may cause an increased risk f sudden kidney failure and progressive kidney damage.” He also says that “many common over-the-counter drugs contain certain toxins that affect the kidneys’ ability to filter them, and an excess amount can be dangerous. Also, a lot of people already have preexisting kidney damage but are unaware. So, their ability to clear the toxins is even more limited and only adds to the potential damage” he says.

It is therefore wise to limit the intake of these drugs by following the prescriptions of your doctors.

FINAL NOTE

To ensure the general wellbeing of the body in general and the kidneys in particular, we must take full responsibility for our lifestyle. Knowing that the kidneys play a very vital role in ensuring all toxic materials in the body are filtered by them. We can reduce the workload so our kidneys can stay healthy as long as we live! If you are still confused about the state of your health, don’t hesitate to visit any primary healthcare giver near you!