World Kidney Day is upon us! The kidneys do many tasks that are essential to a healthy life. Taking care of your kidneys is very important and could even save your life.
Kidneys are fist-sized, bean-shaped organs found in the human body below the rib cage and symmetrically placed on either side of the spine. Each person has two kidneys in their body.
What do your kidneys do for you?
Make urine
Remove wastes and extra fluid from your blood
Control your body’s chemical balance
Help control your blood pressure
Help keep your bones healthy
Help you make red blood cells
What is Kidney Disease?
Kidney disease is a term that describes the gradual loss of function in the kidneys. It is also known as kidney failure. Kidneys filter waste out of the blood, which are then removed from the body through urine. When this function becomes significantly impaired, attesting to advanced kidney disease, there is a large build up of electrolytes, waste, and fluid levels in the body. Kidney disease is designated as chronic kidney disease (or chronic kidney failure) after 3 months with significant issues with one's kidneys. One in ten adults has Chronic Kidney Disease - over 850 million people are affected worldwide.
The World Kidney Day committee says of diagnosis and treatment,
“Being diagnosed with kidney disease can be a huge challenge, both for the patient and those people around them. Its diagnosis and management, particularly in advanced stages of kidney disease, impacts severely upon their lives by reducing their, and that of family and friends, ability to participate in everyday activities like work, travel and socializing whilst causing numerous problematic side effects – e.g. fatigue, pain, depression, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal problems and sleep problems.”
This year, for World Kidney Day, give some love to your kidneys and start taking all steps to promote kidney health! The World Kidney Day committee cites 8 golden rules to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease and for promoting the overall health of your kidneys.
Keep fit, be active
Eat a healthy diet
Check and control your blood sugar
Check and control your blood pressure
Take appropriate fluid intake
Don’t smoke
Don’t take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory/pain-killer pills regularly
Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more of the ‘high risk’ factors; You have diabetes, You have hypertension, You are obese, You have a family history of kidney disease