How can you prevent kidney disease? This is one
question making the rounds as more people are falling
to the disease without knowing what led to it. Now,
more than ever, Nigerians are becoming more
conscious about protecting and preserving their
kidneys.
Every year, several Nigerians suffer kidney problems
and thousands die or require regular dialysis or kidney
transplants. Factors ranging from bad diet choices and
habits like smoking and obesity, among others are
linked to an increased risk for kidney disease.
Experts note that there may still be time to slow down
the progression to kidney failure. Indeed medical care
with early intervention can change the course of
chronic kidney disease and prevent the need for
dialysis or a kidney transplant. Here are simple tips to
prevent or delay common kidney problems.
Understand the symptoms
The key to prevention or delay of severe kidney
disease is early detection and aggressive intervention
— Early detection is the first step in treating chronic
kidney disease.
The symptoms of kidney disease may include: nausea
and vomiting, passing only small amounts of urine,
swelling, particularly of the ankles, and puffiness
around the eyes. Other symptoms are unpleasant
taste in the mouth and urine-like odour to the breath,
persistent fatigue or shortness of breath, Loss of
appetite Increasingly higher blood pressure Muscle
cramps, especially in the legs Pale skin Excessively
dryness, etc.
Know your risks
Since diabetes and high blood pressure put you at risk
of kidney disease, know where you stand with these
risks. If you can, find out if diabetes, hypertension, or
kidney disease runs in your family.
Get tested regularly
Get checked at least once within the year. Get tests of
your urine, blood pressure reading, fasting blood
glucose test, and your average blood glucose level
over the past two to three months. Ask for a creatinine
test that measures the amount of waste from muscle
activity. When the kidneys are not working properly,
the creatinine rises.
Control diabetes
If you have diabetes, keep your blood sugar levels
under the best possible control.
Control high blood pressure
If you have high blood pressure, get your blood
pressure within target ranges.
Give up processed food
Say bye-bye to potato or plantain chips, crackers,
cheese and deli-meats, etc., because they are
processed foods high in phosphorus additives and
sodium – both of which can have a damaging effect on
the kidneys.
Reduce sugar intake
Consuming too much sugar can result in diabetes or
obesity – both linked to kidney disease.