LIFESTYLE NEWS - World Kidney Day is commemorated on 9 March and this year's theme is 'Kidney disease and obesity'.
According to the official World Kidney Day website, obesity is a huge risk factor for the development of kidney disease.
It increases the risk of developing major risk factors of chronic kidney disease (CKD), like diabetes and hypertension, and it has a direct impact on the development of CKD and end stage renal disease (ESRD). In individuals affected by obesity, the kidneys have to work harder, filtering more blood than normal (hyperfiltration) to meet the metabolic demands of the increased body weight. The increase in function can damage the kidneys and raise the risk of developing CKD in the long-term.
Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect your quality of life. There are however several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.
Keeping fit helps to reduce your blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease.
About half of people who have diabetes develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney functions.
The normal blood pressure level is 120/80. Between this level and 139/89, you are considered prehypertensive and should adopt lifestyle and dietary changes. At 140/90 and above, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and montior your blood pressure level regularly.
This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with chronic kidney disease.
Reduce your salt intake. The recommended sodium intake is 5-6 grams of salt per day (around a teaspoon).
Traditional wisdom has long suggested drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water per day. Consuming plenty of fluid helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body which, in turn, results in a significantly lower risk of developing chronic kidney disease.
Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it impairs their ability to function properly. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50 percent.
Common drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly. Such medications probably do not pose significant danger if your kidneys are relatively healthy and you use them for emergencies only.
