Prevent Kidney Disease

Kidney failure is preventable

The kidneys function as blood filters that drain waste products while retaining other valuable blood contents like proteins. Kidney disease develops slowly, with few symptoms. It is often not recognized until the disease is advanced. If it is detected early, treatment can slow down the disease process and avoid kidney function decline.

Nowadays, diabetes mellitus (DM) and hypertension are considered as the most common causes of end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

In addition to diabetes and high blood pressure, age >60 years, female sex, African American ethnicity, obesity, high cholesterol, lack of physical exercise, smoking, and excessive salt intake are factors that increase risk of kidney disease.
Other contributing circumstances include infections or inflammatory diseases that affect the kidneys.
Inadvertent use of medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, and other painkillers and use of few herbal supplements can also damage the kidneys.
Also, imaging studies that use iodine contrast substances can have a negative effect on kidneys.
Chronic kidney disease sometimes runs in families.
High blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels all over the body, including the tiny blood vessels that do the kidneys’ filtering.

It is recommended that glycaemic control be considered as the main therapeutic goal in the treatment of these patients to prevent damage to other organs.

How to prevent kidney diseases

1. Quit Smoking.
2. Reduce Alcohol
3. Lose Weight if You’re Overweight or Obese.
4. Follow a Healthy Diet.
5. Lower Salt in Your Diet.
6. Exercise.

Healthy eating includes a diet that is/has:
• Low in sodium (salt)
• Low in fat especially saturated fat
• Low in dietary cholesterol
• Minimise trans fat
• High in dietary fibre and whole grains

Levels of awareness and knowledge among patients and providers must be improved to prevent Chronic Kidney Disease.