Kidneys are the stepchildren among our organs. Even though we have two of them, we can survive with only one, which makes us believe they are not important. The reality is that our kidneys play a vital role in our bodies.

Most people know how to protect their hearts, but do they know how to care for their kidneys?

Why are my kidneys important?

It is a well-known fact that the kidneys’ job is to help remove waste products from the blood and expel them through the urine. However, apart from the above, the kidneys are also responsible for:

    • Balancing the volume of fluid in the body by changing the amount of urine it produces
    • Changing blood pressure by producing a hormone that narrows the arteries in the body. This causes blood pressure to rise when a higher pressure is needed, making sure that blood gets to all parts of the body
    • Making red blood cells. The kidneys warn the body to produce more red blood cells when needed
    • Producing active vitamin D.

What happens when things go wrong?

Kidney failure is a medical condition in which the kidneys fail to adequately filter waste products from the blood. There are two main forms, namely acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. Acute kidney injury is an abrupt loss of kidney function that develops within 48 hours. Chronic kidney disease is the slow loss of kidney function over time.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

    • Changes in urination, including urinating more often during the night, foamy or bubbly urine, decreased need to urinate, or smaller volume of urine than usual, dark-coloured urine, urine that contains blood or having difficulty urinating.
    • Swelling. Failing kidneys do not remove extra fluid, which builds up in the body causing swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, face and/or hands.
    • Fatigue. Healthy kidneys ensure that the body produces enough red blood cells to carry oxygen. Kidney failure leads to fewer red blood cells, which means your muscles and brain become tired very quickly. This condition is called anaemia.
    • Skin rash/itching. Kidneys remove waste from the bloodstream. When the kidneys fail, the build-up of waste in the blood can cause severe itching.
    • Metallic taste in mouth. A build-up of waste in the blood can make food taste different and cause bad breath. Sufferers may want to stop eating meat or lose their appetite for all food.
    • Nausea and vomiting. A severe build-up of waste in the blood can also cause nausea and vomiting.
    • Shortness of breath. Extra fluid in the body can build up in the lungs and anaemia can leave the body oxygen-starved and short of breath.
    • Feeling cold. Anaemia can make a person feel cold all the time, even in a warm room.
    • Dizziness and trouble concentrating. The brain gets less oxygen in the case of anaemia. The result can be memory problems, trouble with concentration and dizziness.
    • Pain. In some sufferers kidney failure causes leg pain. Cysts filled with fluid or kidney stones result from kidney disease and cause extreme pain.

How do I know if I am at increased risk for kidney failure

You are at risk if you have:

    • A history of  diabetes
    • High blood pressure
    • Heart or blood vessel problems
    • A family history of chronic kidney disease
    • Older age (65 and older).

How can I protect my kidneys?

    • Drink lots of water. The test to find out if your intake of liquid is enough is to look at the colour of your urine. It should be straw-coloured or paler. Darker colour can be a sign of dehydration.
    • Eat healthily. A balanced diet will ensure that you get all the minerals and vitamins your body needs. The biggest enemies of kidneys are salty and fatty foods.
    • Smoking and drinking too much alcohol means that your kidneys have to work harder to remove toxins from your blood.
    • Monitor your blood pressure. High blood pressure can increase your risk of kidney failure.
    • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight to reduce the workload on your kidneys. Stay fit by doing at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day.

Sources

 

http://www.activebeat.co
http://www.mayoclinic.org
http://www.medicinenet.com