Did you know that according to National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI), End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is the 7th leading cause of mortality among Filipinos? Every hour, one Filipino is affected with chronic renal failure.
The National Nutrition Council MIMAROPA Region unites with the nation as we commemorate the month of June as National Kidney Month with 2021 theme “Matatag na Bato sa Kapanahunang Ito” pursuant to Presidential Decree (PD) No. 184, s. of 1993. Additionally, NKTI was appointed as the lead agency of its implementation.
How do healthy kidneys function? Kidneys eliminate excessive body fluids and preserve essential substances, filter body waste and blood toxins, release erythropoietin hormone which authorizes production of red blood cells by bone marrow, contributes to regulation of normal blood pressure, keep the blood minerals such as potassium, phosphorus and sodium at its homeostatic levels, and activate the Vitamin D for well-built bones.
To alleviate contingency of acquiring kidney diseases such as urinary tract infection (UTI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones, glomerulonephritis (inflammation of glomeruli or knot of blood vessels in the kidney), kidney failure, and polycystic kidney diseases, here are the following recommendations:
- Avoid salty foods.
Foods high in sodium like chips, canned goods and processed foods will contribute to altered blood pressure. It is best to prepare home-cooked meals rather than purchasing from fast food restaurants.
- Quit smoking.
Components of tobacco may trigger increased blood flow to kidneys which can lead damage.
- Limit alcohol intake.
Alcohol contributes to the elevation of blood pressure. Also, excess calories from alcohol may lead to weight gain then overweight or obese.
- Attain ideal body weight.
According to the World Health Organization, the normal body mass index (BMI) should be between 18.50 to 24.99 through proper diet and regular exercise. BMI below 18.50 is classified as underweight while BMI above 24.99 is analyzed as overweight.
- Drink at least 8 glasses of water.
Per Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for Filipinos by DOST-FNRI, adults aged 20 to 39 years old are recommended to take more than 8 glasses of water daily. Dehydration can minimize the blood flow to kidneys which resulting to damage.
- Eat balanced meals daily.
The use of Pinggang Pinoy and Daily Nutritional Guide Pyramid for Filipinos will aid in planning balanced meals. Adequate portion of carbohydrates, protein, fats, fruits and vegetables should be visible in every meal.
- Take medications regularly as prescribed.
People with altered blood pressure and blood sugar should constantly take medications since these conditions may lead to kidney failure.
- Consult physician immediately if symptoms persist.
Listen to your body if you experience fatigue, unusual increased thirst, eye puffiness, swelling at the face, hands, abdomen, ankles and feet, increased or decreased frequency of urination, frequent urination at night, difficulty in initiation urination, foamy urine, presence of blood in urine and onset of high blood pressure.
Elderly aged 60 years old and above, children with low birth weight (LBW), prolonged use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, those with family history of kidney failure, diabetes and/or hypertension, overweight and obese individuals and those with lupus and such autoimmune disorders are at-risk of having kidney diseases. Moreover, NNC MIMAROPA reminds the public on keeping kidneys healthy and wholesome due to its essential actions to the body.
(NKSLoyola)
Sources:
Healthline. (2018). Kidney Health and Kidney Disease Basics. Accessed from https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-disease
National Kidney and Transplant Institute. (nd). Kidney Health Plus. Accessed from https://nkti.gov.ph/index.php/patients-and-visitors/kidney-health-plus
National Kidney Foundation. (2021). 6-Step Guide to Protecting Kidney Health. Accessed from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sixstepshealthprimer
