LIFESTYLE NEWS - An increasing number of South Africans are suffering from kidney disease. According to the National Kidney Foundation, diabetes, a major cause of kidney disease, is prevalent between 10 and 16 per cent of South Africans.

A report published by the World Health Organisation estimates a further increase in diabetes mellitus in Africa by approximately 140% to reach 12.7 million people by 2025.

Noeleen Phillipson, CEO of National Renal Care, the kidneys are some of the most important organs in the human body, supporting the functions of all the other organs. Kidneys act as filters in the body, eliminating dangerous toxins and producing essential chemicals. Without this filtering process the body would get clogged with toxins and slowly become poisoned.

There are a number of factors related to damaged kidneys, including:

• Diabetes - more than 50% of diabetics develop kidney disease
• High blood pressure - the most common cause of kidney disease in SA
• Trauma to the kidneys - injuries caused by accidents or poisonous toxins
• Inflammation of the kidneys - damage to the kidney filters
• Blockages - caused, for example, by kidney stones
• Hereditary - a genetic predisposition to kidney cysts and/or cancers

"When the kidneys become chronically diseased, kidney failure is imminent and there is sadly no cure for the condition. There is, however, treatment in the form of transplantation or dialysis - an artificial replacement of the filtering process via a machine," says Phillipson.

The good news is that correct lifestyle choices such as regular exercise as well as reducing salt, potassium and protein intake can minimise the risk of developing kidney disease.

She advises South Africans to visit their healthcare practitioners at least once a year to have the correct kidney health screening tests done, particularly for individuals with a family history of hypertension, cardiac risk or diabetes.
For more information, phone 011 726 5206