March is a National Kidney Month. Kidney disease affects people of all ages, but those 60 and over have a higher risk. Do you have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease, or are you above 60? Then you could be at risk! As kidney disease often has no symptom and can go undetected, your simple urine and blood test can help. Get tested as early as possible for early treatment to slow down or prevent the progression of kidney disease. Keep in mind it’s always better to find out early.
Chronic kidney disease is when kidneys are damaged and not able to keep you healthy by not filtering the blood well enough. It happens slowly and in stages. Early stages may show no symptoms but if found, they can be slowed or stopped. If chronic kidney disease gets worse, wastes can build to high levels in your blood and make you feel sick. Kidneys control a lot of things in your body. Kidney disease can lead to additional problems such as high blood pressure, low red blood cell count, weak bones and poor nutrition, nerve damage, heart and blood vessel disease development.
Kidney Disease Symptoms
Swelling: face, hands, abdomen, ankles, feet
Blood in urine, foamy urine
Puffy eyes
Difficult, painful urination
Increased thirst
Fatigue
Healthy Kidney Tips
Eating more plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, and grains in place of animal-based foods such as red meat may help prevent and slow the progression of chronic kidney disease.
Maintain a healthy blood pressure 120/80. Limit high sodium foods and excess added sugars and eat more potassium-rich foods.
If you have diabetes, stay in your target blood sugar range as much as possible. If you don’t have diabetes, keep blood sugars controlled by eating fiber and healthy fats at most of your meals.
Our kidneys use water to filter out toxins, create urine, and transport reabsorbed nutrients. Support these functions by drinking water.
Common Habits That Damage the Kidneys
Not emptying your bladder early
Not drinking enough water
Taking too much salt
Not treating common infections quickly and properly
Eating too much meat
Not eating enough
Painkiller abuse
Drinking too much alcohol
Have questions about kidney disease and prevention? For more information, please call Century Medical clinic in Peabody, MA at (978) 594-8980 or contact us online.
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