Kidneys are the essential organs that help remove your body’s waste substance, clean toxins, and waste from your blood, and filter out half a cup of blood every minute. However, sometimes these functions can be interrupted due to the attack of certain diseases and could hamper the daily lifestyle of the individual.
To prevent this from happening, there are certain things that can be adapted to your lifestyle that will help in keeping your kidneys healthy. Apart from the regular tasks that kidneys perform such as filtering out toxins, they also regulate ph, salt, and levels of potassium in the body. Kidneys produce hormones that control the production of RBCs and regulate blood pressure. The kidneys are also responsible for activating vitamin D.
Types of Kidney Disease
There are various kinds of kidney disease including-
Kidney Stones-
One of the most common kidney diseases is getting kidney stones. Some substances like minerals crystallize and form stones or solid particles that pass through the urine. This process can be extremely painful and cause severe problems.
Chronic Kidney Disease-
This is also a major common problem and is often caused by high blood pressure. High Blood pressure increases pressure on the glomeruli, the units that are responsible for kidney function. High blood pressure hampers kidney function and reduces functionality. Diabetes is also a major cause of chronic kidney disease.
Chronic kidney disease as suggested by its name can go on for a prolonged period of time could result in dysfunctioning of the kidneys and could lead to kidney failure. Making the patient rely on dialysis and further leading to a kidney transplant.
Polycystic kidney disease-
This is also a fairly common disease. In polycystic kidney disease, many cysts are created on the surface of your kidneys that are round sacs of fluid and interfere with kidney function.
Glomerulonephritis-
Glomerulonephritis is the inflammation of glomeruli, which is responsible for the filtration of blood. It may be caused for various reasons such as autoimmune diseases, infections, congenital abnormalities, and drugs. It may require immunosuppressive medications.
Urinary Tract Infections-
These infections are bacterial infections that can be caused in any part of the urinary system. Generally, these infect bladder and urethra, and treatment is easily available. However, if left untreated for a prolonged period, it could lead to kidney failure.
Ways to keep your kidneys healthy
Regular Exercising-
Regular exercising can help you stay fit and be active. It can also help lower the risk of chronic kidney disease while reducing blood pressure. Doing basic activities such as walking, cycling, and dancing can help boost your health and prevent kidney damage.
Regulating blood pressure-
High blood pressure or hypertension can lead to kidney damage. It can occur with issues like diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. If above 140/90 with other issues as discussed, it can have a significant impact on kidneys.
Regulating blood sugar level-
People with diabetes or high sugar level are at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. When the body’s cells can’t use the glucose in your blood, the kidneys are forced to work extra and over a prolonged period, exertion can lead to kidney damage.
Eating healthy-
Eating a healthy diet and monitoring weight can reduce the risk of kidney diseases. People with excessive weight are at a higher risk of kidney damage and other related diseases such as diabetes and heart disease. Having a diet with low sodium components, and less kidney-damaging food can reduce the risk of kidney damage.
Increasing fluid intake-
Regular and frequent intake of water and other fluids is greatly essential for the body and this cannot be stressed enough. It is not just important for staying hydrated but also helps in clearing sodium and toxins from your body lowering the risk of chronic kidney diseases.
Quit smoking – Smoking puts you at risk of cancer and if not for cancer, it also damages blood vessels in the body and leads to a slower flow of blood. Even if you quit, it’ll take years for you to drop the risk to the person who has never smoked.
Getting high-function kidney test if at risk-
Who is at high risk of getting a kidney disease:
- People over 60 years of age
- People with excessive weight
- People with cardiovascular disease or with a family history of it
- People with a family history of hypertension
- People with lower birth weight
- People who believe they may have kidney damage
Conclusion
Kidney failure can not just lead you to dialysis but also to kidney transplantation and the entire process is exhausting both physically and emotionally for both the patient and the family. Therefore, it is essential to keep these basic points in mind to reduce the risk of kidney damage and other significant diseases.
Bansal Hospital Bhopal has the best nephrology department that provides a diagnosis of mild to severe kidney diseases and provides the right treatment depending upon the condition. It also provides care-driven surgery or kidney transplant if required.