Your kidneys filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, help control blood pressure, keep your bones healthy and help your body make red blood cells. Kidney disease often has no symptoms until it is advanced, and in Nigeria many people are diagnosed only when they need dialysis. The good news is that most kidney damage can be prevented or slowed.
Here are practical ways to keep your kidneys healthy, the warning signs to watch for, and who should get checked.
The two biggest causes of chronic kidney disease are:
Other causes and risks include kidney infections and inflammation (glomerulonephritis), kidney stones, sickle cell disease, HIV, and some medicines and herbal products.
1. Control your blood pressure. Check it regularly and take any prescribed medicine every day. Aim for the target your doctor sets. For people with kidney disease or diabetes, doctors often aim for below 130/80 mmHg. Read about high blood pressure.
2. Manage blood sugar. If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar within target and have your kidney function checked at least once a year. See diabetes in Nigeria.
3. Be careful with painkillers. Regular or high-dose use of anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen, diclofenac and naproxen can damage the kidneys, especially if you are dehydrated or already have kidney problems. Use them only as directed and for short periods. Paracetamol is generally safer for the kidneys at normal doses.
4. Avoid unregulated herbal mixtures and “detox” products. Some herbal remedies and bleaching creams contain substances that can harm the kidneys. Tell your doctor about anything you take.
5. Drink enough water. Most healthy adults need about 6 to 8 cups of fluid a day, more in hot weather or when active. Pale yellow urine is a good sign. People with kidney or heart failure may need to limit fluids, so follow your doctor’s advice.
6. Eat less salt. Too much salt raises blood pressure and strains the kidneys. Use fewer seasoning cubes and processed foods.
7. Keep a healthy weight and stay active. Obesity increases the risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease.
8. Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol. Smoking damages blood vessels, including those in the kidneys.
9. Treat urinary tract infections promptly. See a doctor for burning urine, fever or back pain, as untreated infections can spread to the kidneys.
Early kidney disease usually has no symptoms. Later signs can include:
See a doctor if you notice any of these.
Ask your doctor about kidney tests if you have high blood pressure, diabetes, sickle cell disease, HIV, a family history of kidney disease, or are over 60. Two simple tests can pick up kidney disease early:
What drink is good for the kidneys?
Water is best. Limit sugary drinks, energy drinks and alcohol.
Can kidney disease be cured?
Some acute kidney problems can be reversed. Chronic kidney disease cannot be cured, but treatment can slow it down, especially when found early.
Do kidney “detox” teas work?
No. Healthy kidneys clean your blood on their own. Some detox products can actually harm the kidneys.
This article is for general information and does not replace advice from your doctor.
