Kidney failure is a silent problem; here are 7 things you need to do immediately to protect your kidneys.
Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys are damaged or impaired and can no longer filter blood normally. The disease often progresses silently and only becomes apparent in its later stages.
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering blood, regulating blood pressure, and balancing electrolytes in the body. Major causes of kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, unhealthy eating habits, and overuse of painkillers.
According to doctors at Bai Chay Hospital (Quang Ninh), kidney disease is divided into two main types: chronic kidney disease and acute kidney injury.
Chronic kidney disease is a condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over time. Factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and a family history of kidney disease can increase the risk of developing the condition.
Acute kidney injury occurs suddenly and is usually caused by trauma, infection, or other factors that affect kidney function for a short period of time.
In its early stages, kidney disease often progresses silently. Photo: HT
Signs and symptoms of kidney disease
Signs of kidney disease include fatigue, weakness, difficulty sleeping, dry skin, itching, frequent urination, blood in the urine, foamy urine, swelling of the ankles and feet, loss of appetite, and frequent muscle cramps.
In the early stages (stages 1-3), the disease is often asymptomatic, and many people only discover it incidentally through blood and urine tests.
In stage 4 and above, patients exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomatitis, taste disturbances, nocturia, lethargy, fatigue, itching, mental decline, muscle twitching and cramps, fluid retention, malnutrition, peripheral neuropathy, and seizures.
Untreated kidney disease can lead to dangerous complications such as anemia, heart disease (coronary artery disease, heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death), hyperkalemia, fluid retention, bone disorders, and hyperphosphatemia, which makes bones brittle and causes calcium deposits in the eyes, lungs, and blood vessels.
The disease also increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death over time, as well as mental health problems (dementia).
When kidney function declines significantly, patients face the risk of chronic kidney failure, requiring alternative treatments such as dialysis or kidney transplantation.
When kidney function declines, patients will be forced to undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant. (Illustration: NP)
What can be done to prevent kidney disease?
To prevent kidney diseases, people should take note of the following:
ButExercise regularly
This helps maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and prevent chronic kidney disease.
According tographlineTo protect your kidneys, you need to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.
Regular exercise isn't just good for your waistline; it can reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease. It can also lower blood pressure and improve cardiovascular health, both of which are crucial for preventing kidney damage.
You don't need to run a marathon to reap the rewards of exercise. Walking, running, cycling, and even dancing are all great for your health.
ButMaintain a healthy diet.
You need to limit salt and processed foods, while increasing your intake of green vegetables and fruits. Plant-based protein, rather than animal protein, may put less stress on weakened kidneys.
ButEffectively manage underlying medical conditions.
People with underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension need to manage their conditions well. This will help slow the decline in kidney function. In particular, keeping blood pressure below 130/80 is crucial.
ButDo not smoke.
Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and increases the risk of kidney failure.
ButLimit the use of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications.
Abusing this medication can cause serious kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen, interfere with kidney function. Taking them when your body is already dehydrated can lead to kidney failure, and you may require hospitalization.
For pain relief, acetaminophen (no more than 3,000 milligrams per day) is a safer option. If you must take an NSAID, remember to drink plenty of water.
ButDrink enough water.
Drinking water regularly and consistently is good for the kidneys. Water helps remove sodium and toxins from the kidneys. It also reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease.
You should drink at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day. However, the exact amount of water you need largely depends on your health and lifestyle. Factors such as climate, exercise, gender, overall health, and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding are all important considerations when planning your daily water intake.
People who have previously had kidney stones should drink a little more water to help prevent future stone formation.
ButGet regular kidney health checkups.
Regular health checkups are essential for early detection of kidney problems, especially for those at high risk such as patients with diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
