Chronic kidney disease has become a major cause of global morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Its prevalence is approximately 800 per million of our population, out of which, 150 to 200 per million have advanced renal failure. The most common cause of kidney diseases in our country is diabetes followed by hypertension, both of which are silent diseases and hence may not be detected for several years. India is soon going to be the diabetic capital of the world and with it, we expect a drastic rise in the incidences of renal (kidney) diseases. Other risk factors for chronic kidney diseases are obesity, smoking, unhealthy and sedentary lifestyles, unrestricted uses of various over the counter medicines such as pain killers, so-called safe protein and health supplements and non judicious uses of antibiotics.
Like diabetes and hypertension, Chronic kidney disease also has silent onset and approximately 60% function loss occurs before it usually shows any sign or symptom. It is hence very important to recognize the risk factors for developing kidney problems and prevent it by early identification. Any person with family history of diabetes, hypertension, renal failure, cystic kidney disease, using a lot of self medication, having sedentary life style, obesity, heart disease or a smoker should be on a high alert and should regularly get himself checked.
Winter is here. Many people tend to drink less water especially during winter season owing to the colder weather and increased consumption of hot drinks. It may lead to dehydration (loss of too much fluid from the body) in the body causing formation of stones in the kidney and Urinary Tract Infections. If left unattended, these conditions may cause kidney damage. Hence taking care of your kidneys even in winter is also very important.
To prevent the occurrence of kidney disease, it is recommended to follow certain important habits:
• You should drink adequate amount of water to hydrate you as it not only maintains blood circulation of the kidneys but also helps in excreting metabolic wastes and prevents painful kidney stone formation.
• If you are overweight, weight reduction is very helpful as it reduces the workload on the kidneys and prevents their early burnout. Regular aerobic exercises with a 40 minute walk at least 4 times a week and secession of smoking helps by improving the blood flow of the kidneys.
• High alcohol intake may cause increased Uric acid generation and damage your kidneys and hence it is mandatory to cut down on alcohol intake.
• Excessive salts pose a threat as they not only generate excessive sodium load but also causes hypertension. Similarly, protein supplements generate a lot of acids to be excreted by the kidneys, thereby making them overwork and burnout faster.
• Increasing fruits and vegetables in your diet provide adequate antioxidants.
• Get enough sleep as it is important time when kidneys regenerate it’s damaged tissues and a poor sleep wake cycle may not only damage this organ, but also cause high blood pressure and atherosclerosis, which in turn may cause a decrease in kidney blood flows.
• Foods to eat: Have a healthy balanced diet which is low in salt. Daily intake of 2 liters of fluids and a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. However, once you develop kidney disease, patients should avoid high protein food items, processed food and non vegetarian food, restrict various kinds of fruits, juices and adhere to strict diet as advices by their kidney specialist.
Chronic renal disease is a frustrating disease to treat and once the size of your kidney decreases (become smaller) due to permanent kidney damage, there is little one can do to reverse it. Hence early identification and management is important. Kidney disease affects the health of the whole body as this organ not only performs blood purification by removing toxins and metabolic waste generated by our body on day to day basis, but it is also the organ which controls the bone and muscle health by generating Vitamin D in its active form. Loss of kidney functions can hence lead to weakness, fatigue, bony and muscular pains and weight loss. Further, our kidneys generate another hormone called erythropoietin which is essential for hemoglobin formation. With loss of this function, we will have anemia (fall in hemoglobin) which results in loss of energy and poor functioning of all the other organ systems as anemia decreases the oxygen supply. Iron absorption from our intestines is also reduced in chronic kidney disease which also contributes to anemia.
Last but not the least, kidneys are vital in controlling our blood pressure. Yes, you read it right! It’s not the heart, but the kidneys that regulate your blood pressure to a great extend. With kidney damages, a person tends to get high blood pressure, thereby increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Hence, Taking care of simple things and identifying the risk factors for developing kidney problems and go a long way in providing ourselves good kidney health. If kidney failure is diagnosed, there is no need to get disheartened as many new medicines are available to retard and even sometimes reverse the kidney issues, especially when detected and treated on time. One should refrain from going into ‘gharelu nuske’ and recognize even mild symptoms as fatigue and body pains, especially if they are occurring on regular basis. One should promptly consult your kidney specialist and get treated early.
The author is the Director & HOD, Urology & Kidney Transplant Surgery at Marengo Asia Hospitals.