National Kidney Month

Articles

Mar 1

During the month of March, organizations aim to raise awareness about conditions that affect the kidneys such as chronic kidney disease. There are many ways to manage kidney disease which can help lessen the severity of the disease over time, as this is a progressive condition. Kidney failure is often the result if symptoms of this condition are not properly managed. As with so many other chronic conditions, chronic kidney disease can be managed by adopting healthy lifestyle choices and altering past habits.

What Do The Kidneys Do?

Our kidneys are involved in the production of urine. They take blood and process it to remove any toxins, then release the waste as urine. If your kidneys are not properly functioning, toxins build up and are not cleaned from your bloodstream and released. In addition to cleaning your blood, the kidneys also regulate electrolytes and water throughout your body. They process sodium and potassium to maintain the correct level in your body while releasing the excess. Kidneys are also responsible for regulating the hormones related to red blood cell production and blood pressure. Your bones are supported by healthy kidney function as well. Vitamin D is processed in your kidneys — and through that process, your intestines are able to absorb calcium properly.

Recognizing Kidney Disease

Some people are experiencing kidney disease but do not know it. Often, we do not experience any symptoms until the disease is far progressed. Physical symptoms such as cramping muscles or swollen feet or ankles can be an indication of kidney disease. Also, monitoring your urine can be one way to notice a sign of kidney disease. If you have foamy urine or notice blood, contact your healthcare professional to learn more. It can also cause you to need to urinate more frequently than is typical. Puffiness around the eyes on a consistent basis can be a symptom of kidney disease as well. Other signs such as feeling excessively tired or having trouble sleeping can help pinpoint the issue. Your appetite can also lessen, due to a buildup of toxins that have not been processed in your kidneys.

Protecting Your Kidneys

The first step for anyone to take when considering kidney health is to understand your overall state of health. Your doctor or healthcare professional can help by administering the proper tests. They may test your blood pressure, urine, and process bloodwork for things like diabetes or other diseases that can impact your overall state of health. If you already have kidney disease or are diagnosed, it is important to remove or reduce the amount of NSAID pain relievers (such as Advil) you use. Your diet and nutrition always plays a major role in your overall health. Processed foods are major contributors to poor health due to the high levels of sodium, nitrates, and other substances that can cause harm to your body over time. Another factor that always plays a role in your health is physical exercise. It is so important to ensure you get regular activity to help your body maintain healthy blood pressure and keep your blood sugar in check. For those with diabetes or high blood pressure, it is absolutely critical to maintain healthy blood sugar levels to help slow down any progression of kidney disease.

Effects of Kidney Disease

While the symptoms may not be obvious until kidney disease has progressed, it is important to know what can be caused by problems in your kidneys. Because it is often linked to high blood pressure, kidney disease can negatively impact your heart and potentially cause cardiovascular disease or heart attack. The poor functioning of your kidneys can lead to other problems like osteoporosis or the weakening of bones. Other conditions that can develop are things like stroke or anemia. Because your kidneys are involved in the production of red blood cells, impairment to the kidneys can lower the red blood cell count and result in anemia. Other effects impact your daily routine, like what foods you can eat. If you have kidney disease, you may not be able to eat foods that have high levels of potassium or sodium, as impaired kidney function will typically result in an inability to filter these minerals. Excess fluid buildup over time can also occur as a result of kidney disease. As the kidneys are not able to filter out excess water or fluid from the body, it is stored. This can build up throughout your body and create problems for your heart or lungs.

Kidney disease is fairly common, affecting one in every seven adults in the US.

Treatment

Although careful maintenance of the symptoms of kidney disease can help to slow the progression of the disease, some individuals require more advanced treatment. Dialysis is a process that aids the kidneys in their function of removing excess fluid and waste from the body when they are unable. Dialysis cleans the blood using machines and depending on the type, can be done in a clinic or sometimes at home. If chronic kidney disease becomes too severe and kidney failure is likely, some individuals may undergo a kidney transplant. Kidney failure, unfortunately, cannot be managed by medical care or changes to diet or activity.

You can join us in advocating for more awareness of the causes and effects of kidney disease or kidney failure. Spread the word in your community and family by talking about the healthy habits that can keep those you love from developing symptoms of this disease.

Looking for more resources? Learn more about awareness campaigns and ways you can help those in your community. Find additional fun and therapeutic activities you can do at home to aid in your own practice.