How To Prevent Having Kidney Damage

• Dr. FELICITA OGBU

Kidneys are fist-sized organs located at the bottom of your rib cage, on both sides of your spine. They perform several functions.

Most importantly, they filter waste products, excess water, and other impurities from your blood. These waste products are stored in your bladder and later expelled through urine.

It regulates PH, salt, and potassium levels in your body. They also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control the production of red blood cells.

Your kidneys are also responsible for activating Vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium to build bones and regulate muscle function.

But its disease is a major public health concern. There are usually no noticeable symptoms in early kidney disease. Therefore, kidney disease often goes undetected until it is very advanced. Unfortunately, this is when someone would need dialysis or a kidney transplant.

The key is to find kidney disease before the trouble starts. Regular testing for everyone is important, but it is especially, important for people at risk, maintaining kidney health is important to your overall health and general well-being.

Hungary-based doctor, Felicita Ogbu, in a chat, told City People that by keeping the kidneys healthy, your body will filter and expel waste properly and produce hormones to help your body function properly.

She also stated that certain foods, herbs, exercise, and supplements can also help support strong kidneys. “Regular exercise is good for more than just your waistline. It can lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. It can also reduce your blood pressure and boost your heart health, which are both important for preventing kidney damage.

“You don’t have to run marathons to reap the reward of exercise. Walking, running, cycling, and even dancing are great for your health. Find an activity that keeps you busy and has fun. It’ll be easier to stick to it and have great results,” she said.

According to her, people with diabetes, or a condition that causes high blood sugar, may develop kidney damage. “When your body’s cells can’t use the glucose (sugar) in your blood, your kidneys are forced to work extra hard to filter your blood. Over years of exertion, this can lead to life-threatening damage.

“However, if one can manage his/her blood sugar, chances of reducing the risk of damage are high, but if the damage is noticed early, a doctor can take steps to prevent additional damage,” Dr. Ogbu said.

The doctor also identified that controlling one’s High blood pressure helps in keeping the kidney healthy. “If high blood pressure occurs with other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol, the impact on your body can be significant.

“A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80. Prehypertension is between that point and 139/89. Lifestyle and dietary changes may help lower your blood pressure at this point.

“If your blood pressure readings are consistently above 140/90, you may have high blood pressure. You should talk with a doctor about monitoring your blood pressure regularly, making changes to your lifestyle, and possibly taking medication,” she said.

Dr. Ogbu, reiterated that there’s no magic behind the cliché advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but it’s a good goal precisely, because it encourages you to stay hydrated. “Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys. Water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. It also lowers your risk of chronic kidney disease.

“Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters in a day. Exactly how much water you need depends largely on your health and lifestyle. Factors like climate, exercise, gender, overall health, and whether you’re pregnant or breastfeeding are important to consider when planning your daily water intake.

“People who have previously had kidney stones should drink a bit more water to help prevent stone deposits in the future.

“I advise people not to smoke because smoking damages your body’s blood vessels. This leads to slower blood flow throughout your body and your kidneys and with all the water you take, smoke makes one demand water often and if you don’t, you are endangering your kidneys.

“Smoking also puts your kidneys at an increased risk for cancer. If you smoke and stop smoking, your risk will drop. However, it’ll take many years to return to the risk level of a person who’s never smoked,” she said.

She however, stated that there are other things to avoid for a healthy kidney. She said: “Regularly taking over-the-counter, OTC pain medication, may cause kidney damage.

“Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs, including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis.

“According to the National Kidney Foundation, these medications should not be taken for more than 10 days for pain, or more than three days for fever. Taking more than eight aspirin tablets each day may reduce your kidney function temporarily or permanently.

“People with no kidney issues who take the medicine occasionally, are likely in the clear. However, if you use these medicines daily, you could be risking your kidneys’ health. Talk with a doctor about kidney-safe treatments if you’re coping with pain,” she said.

She also advised Nigerians to avoid Energy drinks, either taking them alone or mixing them with anything, limiting the intake of red meat, and finally, avoiding keeping urine in the bladder, because it damages the kidney without the person knowing.

Dr. Ogbu, noted that when one contracts chronic kidney disease, it is difficult and near impossible to treat but if caught early, it can slow down its progression. “Without treatment, kidney disease often gets worse.

“If your Glomerular Filtration Rate, GFR drops below 15, you may feel tired and weak, with nausea, vomiting, and itching. By that point, you may need a kidney transplant or dialysis. It’s a good idea to talk with your doctor about the possibility of these therapies long before they’re needed. It takes time to understand your options, and it’s easier to figure things out when you’re feeling healthy.

“The preferred therapy for kidney failure is to have a kidney transplant, but not everyone can have a transplant,” says Kopp. Some obstacles include long waiting lists for healthy kidneys and finding a well-matched donor,” she concluded.

–Benprince Ezeh

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