15 May National Kidney Awareness Month
Facts and Tips for Healthy Kidneys
Studies show that almost one-third of American adults have an increased risk for developing kidney disease, and over 10% actually have it. Unfortunately, most people with chronic kidney disease are unaware that they have it.
If you are 60 years old or older, you have an even greater risk for developing some form of kidney disease. About 40% of American older than 60 have some type of chronic kidney disease.
WHY KIDNEYS ARE IMPORTANT
SENIORS AND COMMON RISK FACTORS
While some may be born with kidney issues from a genetic family history, there are many other common risk factors leading to kidney disease. For seniors, these often include the following:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Heart disease
- NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents) medications such as aspirin
- Herbal preparations
- Radiologic contrast dyes
HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
There are several signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease, However, because the signs are often subtle (or easily masked by other conditions), people often go undiagnosed until their disease is an advanced stage. The best way to properly diagnose someone with kidney disease is through a blood and urine test. Other common signs and symptoms may include:
- Feeling constantly tired or fatigued
- Constant thirst
- Shortness of breath
- Rashes on the skin
- Trouble managing diabetes or high blood pressure
- Frequent urination, especially at night time
- Frequent urinary tract infections
- Frequent kidney stones
- Puffiness around the eyes
- Swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, and abdomen
- Finding traces of blood/ protein in the urine.
When your kidneys don’t function well, it can cause some major health problems including damage to the nerves, weakening of bones, cardiovascular disease, anemia, high blood pressure, stroke, and kidney failure. Early detection and treatment are key, and can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease. You can ask your doctor for a GFR (glomerular filtration rate) to measure how well your kidneys are functioning (if it measures less than 60, your kidneys aren’t working properly) or a Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) which estimates the amount of a type of protein (albumin) found in the urine.
PREVENTATIVE MEASURES
Do not procrastinate getting checked. Waiting until your symptoms worsen can have damaging effects. Ensuring that you are taking the necessary precautions will help. Often, kidney disease can be prevented through several different healthy lifestyle changes and proper monitoring. The following are some tips to help lower your risk of kidney disease:
- Drink plenty of water. (a minimum of eight cups a day)
- Eat a healthy diet fortified in vitamins and minerals: fresh fruits and vegetables (avoiding canned and processed foods as much as possible), whole grains, lean meats, etc.
- Limit your sodium, sugar, and fat consumption. Consult with a doctor or dietitian for kidney-friendly diets.
- Do not smoke and moderate your alcohol consumption.
- Exercise regularly. You should strive for 20-30 minutes a day.
- Maintain a healthy weight. If you are overweight, take measure to lose excess pounds.
- If you have a medical condition (like diabetes or high blood pressure), make sure to monitor it closely and discuss any care options with your medical team.
- Get screened annually, especially if you have a family history of kidney disease, or have any of the other associated risks. If you are over age 60 (or have diabetes, high blood pressure, or have a family history of kidney failure), ask your doctor annually for an ACR urine test or a GFR blood test.
- Avoid excessive use of over-the-counter pain medications (or NSAIDs). While these medications can heal your aches and pains, taking too many over time can actually damage your kidneys (especially if you already have kidney disease).
If you have kidney disease and fail to get checked, your kidneys could begin to fail, making it necessary for you to go on dialysis or have a kidney transplant.