National Kidney Awareness Week: Vital tips for your health
National Kidney Awareness Week, celebrated from September 2 to 6, is a time to celebrate the unsung heroes of our bodies: the kidneys.
These bean-shaped organs, nestled deep within our lower ribcage, may be small in size, but they play a colossal role in our health and well-being.
They also play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, producing red blood cells, and maintaining the health of our bones. Yet, despite their vital importance, many of us take these remarkable organs for granted, often neglecting their care until it's too late.
Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and smoking can gradually damage the delicate blood vessels within the kidneys, leading to the development of chronic kidney disease.
Dr Chevon Clark, the CEO of National Renal Care (NRC), highlighted the critical role kidneys play in maintaining our health. The diseases that cause pain and show symptoms might be serious, but the ones that people need to be worried about are the ones that have no signs, she warned.
Clark said that when our kidneys are unable to perform their essential functions, our bodies quickly become overwhelmed with waste products.
“Fortunately, there is so much we can do to help our kidneys function well,” Clark said.
“No one chooses to live with kidney disease,” Clark said. However, “with a network of over 75 dedicated dialysis units across South Africa, NRC is well-equipped to support patients and their families”.
Clark shared practical advice to help you keep your kidneys in good condition. She used the acronym BALANCE to make it easier to remember key actions that can support kidney function.
B – Balance your water intake
Clark emphasised the importance of staying hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water daily, unless advised otherwise by a healthcare provider.
This will help your kidneys flush out harmful toxins. Aim to keep balancing the fluid in your body each day to help reduce the toxins circulating in your bloodstream.
A – Alcohol in moderation
Limiting alcohol consumption is vital for kidney health. Clark warned that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure.
These increase the risk of kidney disease. Moderation is key to reducing these risks.
L – Lifestyle choices matter
Healthy lifestyle choices play a significant role in supporting kidney function: adequate rest, effective stress management, and making mindful, healthy choices every day. These habits can contribute to overall well-being and kidney health.
A – Advice from experts
Reach out to professionals who can guide you in protecting your kidney function. Expert guidance can help you make informed decisions to maintain your health.
N – Nutrition is key
Good nutrition is essential for preventing kidney disease. Higher body mass index is a concern as it correlates with a higher risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, which are both major threats to kidney health, Clark said.
C – Cut out cigarettes
Smoking significantly increases the risk of kidney disease. “There’s no getting away from it. Smokers are three times more likely to have reduced kidney function.
Giving up smoking is one of the most important lifestyle changes you can make to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.”
E – Exercise regularly
Let your heart pump blood to your organs to help reduce your risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, which in turn can increase your risk factors for kidney disease. Do what works for you, but do it.
Fact box: The kidneys perform vital functions to keep our bodies healthy:
Filtration: According to the National Kidney Foundation of South Africa, our kidneys filter about 200 litres of blood daily, reabsorbing useful substances like proteins and nutrients, and excreting around two litres of waste as urine.
pH Balance: Kidneys help control the acidity and alkalinity (pH) levels in the body.
Salt balance: They maintain the body’s balance of various salts such as sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate, and acid.
Hormone release: Kidneys release the hormone vitamin D which helps to control the concentration of calcium in the blood and is vital for the development of strong bones.
They also release erythropoietin, which plays a role in the generation of red blood cells, and renin, an enzyme which is involved in regulating blood pressure.
If the kidneys are damaged or do not function properly, it can result in kidney disease. Taking steps to protect your kidneys can help prevent this serious condition.