06/06/2023
Kidneys are vital to our overall health and well-being. It acts as a filter, removing all the waste and extra fluids in the body. Likewise, the kidney removes the acids produced by the body and maintains the water, salt, and mineral balance. The kidney also plays a major role in regulating blood pressure, making red blood cells, and keeping the bones strong and healthy. Without these two bean-shaped organs, the renal system will malfunction which could be life-threatening.
To promote kidney health, by virtue of Proclamation No. 184, s. 1993, National Kidney Month is celebrated every June, and is being led by the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI). This year’s theme, “Batong Malakas sa Panibagong Bukas,” aims to raise public awareness about preventive kidney health care, especially during challenging times.
Kidney disease is described as one of the most neglected chronic diseases worldwide. In 2020, the World Health Organization recorded that the Philippines has a total of 39,380 deaths caused by kidney disease. Also, The Lancet reported that in 2017, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) global prevalence is 9.1% or an equivalent to roughly 700 million cases. Further, the CKD mortality rate is increasing over the years.
Kidney damage usually results from poor diet, unhealthy lifestyle, and complications of diabetes and hypertension. The common symptoms of kidney disease are blood in the urine, foamy urine, fatigue, itching, swelling in hands, legs, or feet, shortness of breath, lower back pain, decrease appetite, and puffy eyes.
Here are some ways to protect and maintain kidney health:
Be physically active. When kidney function decreases, it will affect the muscles and bones, so, a CKD patient needs to exercise regularly. Physical activity increases strength and energy, lowers the risk of falling, and improves blood sugar and blood pressure. Experts recommend at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day or 150 minutes per week. However, CKD patients need to consult their doctors about the type and amount of time of physical activity they can do.
Healthy diet. We need to eat the right kinds of food in appropriate amounts to stay healthy, much more with CKD patients to manage the disease. A kidney-friendly diet will help manage the disease and slow down kidney damage. Kidney disease patients are advised to eat less sweets, fatty, salty, and processed foods. Eating potassium and phosphorus-rich foods such as lentils, bananas, potato, and nuts must also be limited for these minerals may build up in the blood. It is best to consult a Nutritionist-Dietitian to know the most suitable diet for kidney disease patients.
Quit smoking. Smoking slows down the blood flow to the organ such as the kidney which can worsen the kidney disease. Smoking can help avert the progression of diabetic nephropathy, the most common cause of kidney failure.
Take appropriate fluid intake. Drinking plenty of water will help clear out sodium, urea, and other wastes in the body, thereby it helps the kidney lower its risk of developing CKD. Further, dehydration causes high mineral and waste product concentration in the urine which could lead to crystal formation that affects kidney functions. However, patient on dialysis must limit their fluid intake for it may cause swelling, raise blood pressure and damage the heart.
No to self-medication. Medicines if used inappropriately can cause harm. Self-medication is considered as one of the possible causes of kidney damage. Some medicines can adversely affect kidney functions if taken for a longer period or taken with a higher dosage without consulting a physician.
The month-long celebration also calls for everyone to take action to safeguard kidney health. Experts say that impaired kidney performance is not a disease but rather an indication of developing possible health problems.
Many will not notice if the kidney is not performing well unless it stops functioning. Thus, it is important to prevent kidney disease and further damage to ensure living a life without worrying about kidney failure.
Do not bargain your kidney health, so live healthy to keep your kidneys healthy! (NO II Arlie Joy O. Damiles,2022).