How to Keep Your Kidneys Strong, Healthy and Happy

Kidneys may be small, but they are vital organs to the overall health of the human body which is why Genesee Health Plan, in observance of April being National Donate Life Month, is raising awareness of kidney health, disease and risk factors.

Kidneys are responsible for stabilizing the composition of blood in the body. This means that kidneys are responsible for regulating blood pressure, preventing the buildup of wastes and fluids in the body, creating hormones that ensure healthy blood pressure, bones and red blood cell production, and for stabilizing electrolytes such as sodium, phosphate and potassium.

With more than 900,000 adults in Michigan suffering from chronic kidney disease, the mission of National Kidney Month is of equal importance for Genesee Health Plan. Chronic kidney disease (CKD), according to the National Kidney Foundation, is characterized by a “gradual loss of kidney function over time.” Most times this process occurs over several years, and eventually prevents the kidneys from properly filtering the blood – causing waste buildup and other health problems.

Kidney disease affects one in 10 adults ages 20 and older in the United States. Although there are multiple causes of kidney disease, the main risk factors are diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease and a family history of kidney failure. High blood pressure and diabetes are the two main causes of CKD, and are responsible for up to two-thirds of Americans who have or are at risk of developing kidney disease. Typical symptoms of CKD are exhaustion, loss of energy, poor appetite, having trouble concentrating or having trouble sleeping.

Today, more than 4.5 million adults in the United States are diagnosed with kidney disease.  Of this number, more than 100,000 patients are on the kidney transplant list every year, with this number continually rising by 8 percent. Unfortunately, each year there are less than 20,000 donor kidneys, leaving 80,000 patients diagnosed with CKD and unable to receive a healthy kidney transplant.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of deaths from Nephritis, Nephrotic Syndrome and Nephrosis (all forms of kidney disease) is 48,146 persons – making it the 9^th leading cause of death in the United States.

If you or someone you know has a medical condition that increases your chances of getting chronic kidney disease, it is recommended that you see your doctor for regular testing of blood pressure and urine albumin and serum creatinine – all tests that can detect CKD.  Early detection of kidney disease is very important, because if detected early, it may be possible to restore lost kidney function.

Although not all cases of kidney disease can be prevented, there are steps you can take to help reduce the chances of getting the disease.

Here are a few steps for keeping your kidneys healthy and strong:

1. Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of kidney disease by helping keep blood pressure low. Research recommends at least 150 minutes of moderately-intense aerobic activity weekly.
2. Limit your painkiller intake to reduce your risk of kidney disease. Research shows that taking too many non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and aspirin can lead to kidney disease. It is recommended that you follow instructions on the medication carefully, and to not take medication longer than instructed.
3. Maintain a healthy diet that includes lots of fruits and vegetables, low levels of saturated fat and limited sodium intake. A healthy diet can reduce the risk of kidney disease, as it will keep your cholesterol and blood levels at a healthy level.  Too much sodium can lead to an increased risk of high blood pressure.
4. Limit your alcohol intake, as too much alcohol can cause blood pressure and cholesterol levels to rise.  The recommended intake is under 14 units per week, the equivalent to drinking less than six pints of average-strength beer or ten (10) glasses of low-strength wine.

Proper kidney health is crucial for everyone in all stages of their life. Keeping your kidneys strong and healthy can not only save your life, but someone else’s, too. Through the month of April, we at GHP encourage you to continue developing your knowledge of good kidney health and organ donation.

Genesee Health Plan: Our Plan for Better Health