Our kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs on either
side of the spine at the lowest level of the rib cage, each about the size of a
fist. They are one of the most important organs for the human body to function.
Every year on March 10, the world observes World Kidney Day to raise awareness
about kidney health and how kidney weakening can affect one’s life.

We’d like to
take this opportunity to help you improve your kidney function while also
dispelling a few myths along the way.

Dr. Reetesh
Sharma, Director of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant Medicine at Asian Hospital
Faridabad, says that “Kidneys play an important role in removing waste and
extra fluid from the body.”

They also remove acid that is produced by the
cells of the body, besides maintaining a healthy balance of water, salts, and
minerals—such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in the blood.
Nerves, muscles, and other tissues may not function optimally if this balance
is not maintained. The kidneys are also in charge of producing hormones that
help control blood pressure, produce red blood cells, and keep our bones strong
and healthy.

As stated by Dr.
B V Gandhi, Mentor, Renal Sciences, Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital,
because most kidney diseases are insidious, they can go unnoticed unless
tested. “Consult a doctor if you have symptoms such as burning while passing
urine, frequent urination, painful urination, blood in the urine, foamy or
frothy urine, swelling of the eyes or face, extreme tiredness or weakness, or
inadequate urine passage. Urine tests and blood pressure checks are recommended
after the age of 40.”

Also read: Adopting a healthy lifestyle may help you avoid kidney problem

Causes that lead
to kidney diseases:

Dr Amit Agarwal,
Consultant, Nephrology, Madhukar Rainbow Children’s Hospital Delhi says that,
“Obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes are the major diseases which
lead to kidney failure in adults, while in the paediatric age group, birth
defects are the major cause of kidney failure.”

Early detection
of kidney diseases can aid in treatment with antibiotics, steroid treatment (as
needed), and antibiotics for urine infection or obstruction, such as stone
removal.

Ways to improve
kidney health:

Keeping active
and healthy can help prevent kidney disease. Walking, running, cycling, and
even dancing are all good for one’s health.

Overdoses of
medications should be avoided. The use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers
is a common cause of kidney injury. If you use them
regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis, you must discontinue use
immediately.

Avoid smoking
and tobacco products, and instead focus on eating fresh, naturally low-sodium
foods like cauliflower, blueberries, seafood, and whole grains.

Maintain normal
blood pressure and diabetes levels, as well as a healthy weight.

Consume at
least 2-2.5 litres of fluids per day, as well as
water-rich foods and fruits such as watermelon, muskmelon, cucumbers, salads,
buttermilk, and so on.

Also read: Forbid me, but don’t do this to your kidney! 10 habits to stop

There are five
popular misconceptions about kidney health and disease:

Myth: Kidney
disease is a pretty rare condition.

Fact: It is, in
fact, a very common condition. Around 800 people per million in our
country suffer from kidney disease.

Myth: Dialysis
is the only available treatment.

Fact: Patients can be managed with medications in the
early stages. Advanced treatments are now available to slow and, in some cases,
reverse the disease process. Renal transplantation, once advanced, is a much
more cost-effective and superior treatment than dialysis, with more than 90%
success rates. 

Myth: If you pass urine and do not require
dialysis, you do not have kidney disease.

Fact: Urine output is well maintained in the early
stages, and it takes more than 70% kidney damage to both kidneys before urine
output begins to decrease. Blood and urine tests
performed on a regular basis on patients at risk of developing kidney disease
can aid in the early detection and treatment of kidney failure. 

Myth: Diabetes and high blood pressure have no
effect on the kidneys.

Fact: Diabetes and high blood pressure both have an impact
on the kidneys.

Myth:
Painkillers are safe.

Fact: Painkillers are not safe.