Go easy on your Kidneys

Details: Category: Region 9; Published: 29 March 2021

RO9 Kidneys Our kidneys, like the other organs of our body, play a vital role in keeping us alive. Once impaired, our overall health might be compromised. We never know if there’s something wrong with our kidneys if we never visit our physician and seek consultation, or if signs and symptoms develop. By then, it might be too late. We may not also notice that we have habits that contribute to the progress of developing Kidney diseases.

According to the latest WHO data published in 2018 on Kidney Disease Deaths in the Philippines, the country reached a total of 21,894 deaths or 3.59%. A research conducted by the National Kidney and Transplant Institute showed that kidney diseases, especially End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), are already the 7th leading cause of death among the Filipinos. In addition, more than 5,000 Filipino patients are presently undergoing dialysis and approximately 1.1 million people worldwide are on renal replacement therapy.

The kidneys perform vital life-maintaining functions as monitors and regulators of body fluid. The kidneys also produce erythropoietin, a hormone that controls the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow and it filters our blood. It also helps remove wastes and keep the right levels of electrolytes in our body. All of the blood in your body passes through our kidneys several times a day.

The National Kidney Foundation conducted a research on common behaviour/ habits that can contribute to progress of developing kidney diseases, first is the long term use of pain medicines. Pain killers may help us ease body aches or any pain but in the long run, all of these have side effects on our kidneys. We can prevent this by following the right dosage prescribed by your doctor and avoiding self-medication.

Another habit that harms our kidney is too much salt or sodium consumption. Salty foods surely increase our appetite but too much of its consumption is dangerous. A high sodium diet can lead to elevated blood pressure, thus, affecting our kidney by overworking it. We can avoid using too much salt that contains sodium by trying other herbs and spices on our meal. We must also follow the Recommended Nutrient Intake of Sodium for Filipinos which is approximately 1.5 to 2g per day. We must also avoid consuming processed foods for it also contains too much salt and other preservatives.

Next is not drinking enough water. Water is needed for hydration. It also helps our kidneys filter toxins and wastes in our body. Health experts suggest an average 8 glasses of water a day. We can also carry our own water bottles with us to remind us to stay hydrated. A sedentary lifestyle may also be a contributing factor. Sitting for long periods of time has now been linked to the development of kidney disease. It is known that engaging in physical activity is linked with improved blood pressure and glucose metabolism, both important factors in kidney health.

Other habits that can harm our kidneys is smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages. We are all aware that these are perilous to our health. According to a study conducted by the National Kidney Foundation, heavy drinkers who also smoke have an even higher risk of kidney problems. Smokers who are heavy drinkers have about five times the chance of developing chronic kidney disease than people who don’t smoke or drink alcohol to excess. So, think twice whenever you want to light up that cigarette or chug that can of beer.

To sum it up, we must be aware of the habits we normally do on a daily basis. In the long run, these habits may have good or bad effects on our health. It is hard to break a routine but if you are thinking of long term goals, it is necessary. Just keep in mind that your efforts will be worth it, that not just your kidneys will thank you for it.

“To keep the body in good health is a duty…otherwise we shall not be able to keep the mind strong and clear.” - Buddha

PNC-ZDS Marie Claire A. Gaas

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