Protect Your Kidneys: Key Steps to Maintain Kidney Health

Protect Your Kidneys: Key Steps to Maintain Kidney Health

DREAMSWISDOM.COM / HEALTH

Every year, on the second Thursday of March, World Kidney Day is observed to raise awareness about kidney health and the importance of early diagnosis. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects nearly 850 million people worldwide and, if left untreated, can lead to kidney failure, posing serious health risks. In recognition of "World Kidney Day," Professor Dr. Ihsan Ergün, a Nephrology Specialist at Memorial Ankara Hospital, provided critical insights into kidney health and disease prevention.

Chronic Kidney Disease Could Become the 5th Leading Cause of Death by 2040

Humans are typically born with two kidneys, each containing approximately one million nephrons, the fundamental units responsible for filtering waste and excess fluids. When nephrons are damaged, they cease to function, increasing the burden on the remaining healthy ones. If this damage continues, the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter blood efficiently, a condition known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). By 2040, CKD is projected to be the fifth leading cause of death globally, emphasizing the need for urgent preventive strategies.

5 Major Risk Factors for Chronic Kidney Disease

Individuals with the following risk factors are advised to undergo regular screenings for CKD:

• Diabetes

• Hypertension

• Cardiovascular diseases

• Obesity

• Family history of kidney disease

Serious Conditions That May Affect Kidney Health

Several conditions can contribute to the deterioration of kidney function, including:

• Acute kidney injury (AKI)

• Pregnancy-related kidney diseases

• Autoimmune disorders (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, vasculitis)

• Obstructions in the urinary tract

• Kidney stone disease

• Low birth weight or premature birth

• Exposure to environmental toxins, traditional herbal medicines, hepatitis B/C, HIV, and parasitic infections

Essential Tests to Monitor Kidney Health

For individuals at high risk, simple and effective diagnostic tests are available to assess kidney health. These include:

• Blood pressure measurement to monitor hypertension

• Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations to assess weight-related risks

• Urine tests to detect kidney damage, particularly albuminuria (excess protein in urine)

• Urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) analysis

Additionally, blood tests such as fasting glucose levels, HbA1C (glycated hemoglobin), and serum creatinine can help evaluate kidney function by estimating Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR), an indicator of how well the kidneys are filtering waste.

The Importance of Early Screening for At-Risk Individuals

To reduce healthcare costs associated with kidney failure and improve patient quality of life, early screening policies should be globally implemented. Raising awareness of CKD within the general population and conducting educational campaigns can play a vital role in prevention and early detection.

Steps to Protect Kidney Health

To maintain healthy kidneys, individuals should:

• Stay physically active

• Regularly monitor blood sugar and blood pressure levels

• Adopt a balanced diet, reduce salt intake, and maintain a healthy weight

• Drink sufficient water throughout the day

• Avoid smoking

• Refrain from taking over-the-counter medications unnecessarily

• If diagnosed with diabetes, hypertension, or obesity, ensure regular kidney function tests

By incorporating these preventive measures into daily routines, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of developing kidney disease and enhance overall well-being.

www.dreamswisdom.com