The human kidneys perform vital life-maintaining functions in the body. It filters blood, removing wastes, extra fluid and acid that is produced by the cells of the body. Kidneys also maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals (sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium) in the blood and make hormones that help control blood pressure, make red blood cells and keep the bones strong and healthy.
A number of diseases can affect the kidneys. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the main cause of the increased risk of kidney disease. Over the past 10 years, the Philippines has experienced a large rise in the prevalence of dialysis with an approximate increase of 400%. According to the latest WHO data published in 2018, kidney disease deaths in the Philippines reached 21,894 or 3.59% of total deaths. The age-adjusted death rate is 31.09 per 100,000 of the population that ranks Philippines No. 28 in the world. Kidney diseases are already the 7th leading cause of mortality in the country.
Many Filipinos are living with kidney disease and most don’t know it. To increase public awareness of the fatal consequences of renal diseases, June of every year was declared as the National Kidney Month in the Philippines under Presidential Decree No. 184, s. of 1993.
Knowing what you eat and drink will help you stay healthier. The actual diet for people with compromised kidney function is highly individualized. Controlling or correcting the physiologic and biochemical abnormalities associated with kidney dysfunction are the main objectives of managing this problem. A renal or kidney diet is often prescribed to help protect your kidneys from further damage. A renal diet is low in sodium, phosphorous and protein. It also emphasizes the importance of consuming potassium and calcium in limited amounts. A renal diet cuts down the amount of waste in the blood and slows the progression of complete kidney failure.
Meanwhile, the National Nutrition Council (NNC), an authority in ensuring the nutritional well-being of all Filipinos, continues to advocate the developed Ten Kumainments guidelines that remind us to pursue a healthy lifestyle in 10 easy rules. Eating the right foods, doing some physical exercise regularly, maintaining ideal body weight, quit smoking and limit intake of alcoholic beverages, limit excessive salt intake, drinking plenty of water, having enough sleep and managing stress all contribute to a healthy kidney.
Kidneys are small but powerful bean-shaped organs that perform many important bodily functions. Keeping the kidneys in full working order is vital for overall health. (NOILaurito/OIC-NPCFlores)
Source: https://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/philippines-kidney-disease
