Let’s Get to Know Your Kidneys
March is National Kidney Month, and this is a crucial time for raising awareness about kidney health and the prevalence of kidney disease. National Kidney Month is also a time for advocacy, with organizations and individuals working to raise awareness and support for kidney disease research and treatment.
Many of us don’t give much thought to our hardworking kidneys. The reality is 33% of adults in the United States are at risk for developing kidney disease.
Our kidneys play an important role in our overall health. Your kidneys make urine as well as remove waste and extra fluid from your body. If your kidneys are struggling, they only work harder to keep up. You may lose 60 % of your kidney function before you notice any symptoms.
Kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD), can be caused by various factors. It is important to understand your risk for kidney disease.
MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS:
- High blood pressure (hypertension): Uncontrolled high blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the kidneys.
- Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage your kidneys over time.
- Obesity: Excess weight puts strain on the kidneys.
- Smoking: Smoking damages the blood vessels in the kidneys.
- High cholesterol: High levels of cholesterol in the blood can clog the arteries in the kidneys.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity increases the risk of other risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure.
- Excessive alcohol consumption: Heavy alcohol use can damage your kidneys.
- Use of certain medications: Some medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics, can damage the kidneys if used for prolonged periods or in high doses.
NON-MODIFIABLE RISK FACTORS:
- Family history: Having a family member with kidney disease increases your risk.
- Age: The risk of kidney disease increases as we age.
- Race: African Americans and Hispanic Americans have a higher risk of kidney disease than other racial groups.
- Low birth weight: Being born with a low birth weight increases the risk of kidney problems later in life.
- Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions, including obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and high blood sugar, increases the risk of kidney disease.
Other Risk Factors:
- Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine, which can indicate kidney damage.
- Acute kidney injury: A sudden loss of kidney function.
- Heart disease: Kidney disease and heart disease often occur together.
It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not guarantee that you will develop kidney disease. However, if you have any risk factors, it’s essential to talk to your doctor about ways to monitor your kidney health and take preventive measures.
Resources:
By exploring available resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of kidney health and the importance of early detection and prevention.
- National Kidney Foundation (NKF): The NKF website (kidney.org) is a comprehensive resource for information on kidney health, including news, stories, and educational materials.
- American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP): The AAKP website (aakp.org) offers patient-centered resources and advocacy information. They provide patient stories, and information regarding patient advocacy.
- American Kidney Fund (AKF): The AKF website (kidneyfund.org) provides information regarding kidney disease, and information regarding how to help those with kidney disease.
Stay tuned for our next blog on Kidney Disease Prevention….