Every year, the second Thursday of March witnesses the world coming together to observe World Kidney Day, a global awareness campaign on kidney health and the importance of early detection and prevention of kidney disease. The theme for this year "Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health" recognizes the critical role of early detection in preventing chronic kidney disease (CKD) and maintaining long-term kidney function.
Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the lower back area. Kidneys filter out the waste, manage fluids, and maintain the necessary minerals in the body. Despite their central role, most kidney diseases manifest late enough, thus implying an early detection. In this blog, I have outlined the significance of renal health, its risk factors, prevention, along with kidney protection tips.
Do you know about Kidney Health?
The kidneys possess several important functions that guarantee overall well-being, such as:
- Filtration: They remove toxins, excess fluids, and waste products from the blood, excreting them in the form of urine.
- Regulation of Blood Pressure: The Kidneys regulate blood pressure by controlling fluid levels and secreting hormones influencing vascular resistance.
- Electrolyte Balance: They maintain the proper levels of minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium, which are crucial for muscle and nerve function.
- Red Blood Cell Production: Kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cells to be produced in the bone marrow.
- Bone Health: They help activate vitamin D, which aids in calcium absorption and strengthening the bones.
If the kidneys are not functioning properly, wastes will accumulate in the body, leading to serious complications in one's health. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is often progressive and will lead to kidney failure if not treated.
Here are some of the common symptoms of Kidney Disease:
- Chronic weakness and fatigue
- Swelling of the hands, feet, or ankles from fluid accumulation
- Frequent urination at night
- Blood in urine or frothy urine
- Increased blood pressure
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
- Nausea, vomiting, or lack of concentration
If you experience any of these signs, it is advised to get tested for kidney disease.
Risk Factors for Kidney Disease
There are certain factors that increase the risk of a person developing kidney disease. They include:
- Diabetes: Kidney tissues are permanently harmed by excess blood sugar, so diabetes is the number-one cause of CKD.
- Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): A rise in the pressure in the blood vessels can harm the kidneys, reducing their ability to function properly.
- Family History: If your family member has kidney diseases, it increases the risk of you developing it.
- Obesity: Being overweight creates conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure that contribute to deteriorating kidney health.
- Smoking & Alcohol Consumption: These lifestyle patterns develop bad kidney health through the damage of blood vessels and increased body toxins.
- Age: People over 60 years of age are prone to it as part of the natural weakening of the kidneys with advancing age.
- Use of Painkillers & Some Medications: Overuse of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen will cause progressive damage to the kidneys.
How to Detect Kidney Disease Early?
Regular health check-ups are a crucial part of early detection. The following tests can help to assess kidney function:
- Blood Test (Serum Creatinine & eGFR): Measures creatinine levels and estimates the glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to determine how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
- Urine Test: Detects the presence of blood or protein in urine, which is a sign of damage to the kidneys.
- Blood Pressure Check: Since high blood pressure is both a cause and a consequence of kidney disease, regular monitoring is essential.
- Imaging Tests (Ultrasound or CT Scan): Helps in examining the size and shape of the kidneys for any abnormality.
Early screening is particularly important for those at high risk of getting kidney disease.
Protecting Your Kidney Health
Healthy kidney function is a result of a combination of healthy lifestyle habits and medical management for those who are at risk. Here are the ways by which you can maintain healthy kidneys:
1. Drink Adequate Water: If you consume an adequate amount of water (6-8 glasses every day), it aids the kidneys in eliminating toxins and avoiding kidney stones
2. Maintain Healthy Diet
- Reduce salt consumption to regulate blood pressure.
- Eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Limit processed food, sweetened drinks, and excessive protein intake, which strains the kidneys.
3. Regular Exercise: Regular exercise controls blood pressure, reduces obesity, and improves overall kidney function.
4. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetic patients need to control blood sugar levels in a manner to prevent kidney damage.
5. Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol Intake
Smoking and heavy alcohol intake increase the risk of kidney disease and other health complications.
6. Avoid Excessive Use of Painkillers
Regular consumption of NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen, naproxen) can cause damage to the kidneys. Always take pain killers under professional supervision.
7. Control Blood Pressure
High blood pressure harms blood vessels. Regular check-ups and medication (if advised) can keep optimal blood pressure levels.
World Kidney Day: Spreading Awareness and Taking Action
World Kidney Day acts as a reminder to individuals, clinicians, and policy makers to prioritize kidney health. It promotes:
- Public Education Campaigns on the prevention and early detection of kidney disease.
- Free Kidney Health Screening for high risk groups.
- Prevention of kidney disease through a Healthy Lifestyle by diet, exercise, and hydration.
- Advocacy for Better Healthcare Policies to increase the availability of treatment and management for kidney disease.
Why Early Detection Matters
One of the biggest challenges in kidney disease management is that there are noticeable symptoms for the disease, i.e., silent progression. The majority of people are not aware of signs until the disease is quite advanced. Early diagnosis can postpone or even prevent kidney damage, reducing the risk of serious complications such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and kidney failure.
Conclusion
Kidney disease is a growing global health concern, but it can be prevented if it is diagnosed in its early stages and paired with lifestyle modifications. This World Kidney Day, take a few minutes to assess your kidney health. Ask yourself: "Are Your Kidneys OK?" If you are at risk or have been noticing symptoms, schedule an appointment and take action. With informed choices today, you can safeguard your kidney health towards a brighter tomorrow.
Remember, early detection saves your life—protect your kidneys, save your future.
