World Kidney Day 2022: Here’s how you can protect your kidney from damage

The kidneys are two organs located in the lower back, one on each side of the spine. They are about the size of a clenched fist. The nephron is the functional unit of the kidney and consists of a special structure called the glomerulus within which the filtration of blood takes place. There are about one million nephrons in a kidney. There are many kidney functions that are important to your well-being. Their main functions and a description of each are listed below.

kidney function

Remove excess water: The kidneys filter excess water in the form of urine, which the body does not need. This water comes from the fluids you drink and the foods you eat. The kidneys have the ability to concentrate or dilute your urine as needed by your body. As they make urine, it is sent to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Eliminate waste products: Urea and creatinine are examples of waste products found in ALL. The body breaks down food into energy in the form of urea and creatinine and performs its regular bodily functions. Waste products are harmful if not removed by the kidneys. The buildup of these toxins in the body due to kidney failure can be fatal.

Restore essential chemicals: The kidneys work to keep the body’s chemicals (electrolytes and minerals) in balance. Two examples of electrolytes are sodium and potassium. An example of a mineral would be calcium. The kidneys maintain proper balance by reserving the chemicals the body needs and passing excess chemicals in the urine.

Control blood pressure: The kidneys help the body maintain normal blood pressure by regulating the excretion of sodium and water. The kidneys also produce a special hormone called renin that helps control blood pressure.

Help in the production of red blood cells: Healthy kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin. This hormone helps the bone marrow to produce red blood cells.

Help balance calcium and vitamins: The kidneys balance calcium, phosphate and vitamin D in the body. All three play an important role in the structure and formation of bones.

Tips for having a healthy kidney

1. Regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease. It can also reduce high blood pressure while promoting heart health, both of which are important for preventing kidney damage. One does not need to run a marathon to reap the rewards of exercise. Walking, running, cycling and even dancing are great for health.

2. Diabetes Mellitus: It is fast becoming the most common cause of chronic kidney failure in India and around the world. Diabetes causes blood vessel changes in the kidneys (and the body as a whole) over many years. The thickening and hardening of the renal arteries, glomeruli and tubules leads to kidney failure. However, if one can control their blood sugar, the risk of harm can be minimized. Also, if damage is detected early, doctors can take steps to minimize further damage. A simple blood test (serum creatinine) and urine test (for protein) will determine whether your kidneys are working normally.

3. High blood pressure can cause kidney damage. If high blood pressure occurs along with other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol, the impact on health can be significant. A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80 mm Hg. Lifestyle and dietary changes can help lower blood pressure. If blood pressure readings are consistently high, a diagnosis of hypertension is made. Hence, it is highly recommended for such people to consult a doctor regarding regular blood pressure monitoring while making changes in their daily lifestyle.

4. Obese people are at a higher risk of several health complications that are harmful to the kidneys. These include diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. A healthy diet can help reduce the risk of kidney damage. Focusing on eating fresh ingredients (which are naturally low-sodium, such as cauliflower, blueberries, fish, whole grains, and more) rather than packaged foods, and reducing carbohydrate intake, may play a role in reducing or preventing the occurrence of these diseases. can go a long way. ,

5. There’s no miracle behind the golden advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but it’s a perfect routine because it encourages you to stay hydrated. This is especially true for tropical climates, which have hot summers and those who toil under the sun. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters a day. Other factors such as climate, exercise, gender, overall health, and whether or not you are pregnant or breastfeeding are important to consider when planning your daily water intake. People who have had kidney stones in the past should drink at least 3L of water a day to help prevent stone accumulation in the future.

6. Smoking damages the blood vessels of the body. This slows the flow of blood throughout the body and also in your kidneys. Smoking also puts your kidneys at risk for cancer. If you stop smoking, your risk will decrease. However, it will take some time to return to the risk level of a person who has never smoked.

(The author is Dr. Arvind Kanjeevaram, Senior Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician, The Bangalore, Sagar and Trustwell Hospitals, Bangalore)

(Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not represent the views of India TV)