KOMPAS.com – Although the size is only a handful, kidney do important work in the human body. This organ filters about 200 liters of fluid for 24 hours.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, the main function of the kidneys is to remove waste and excess fluid from the body, through urine.
It is estimated that 10 percent of the world’s population is affected by the disease Kidney Chronic (PGK), but 9 out of 10 people are unaware of their condition.
Meanwhile, according to the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesda), in Indonesia the prevalence of CKD increased to 0.38 percent.
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According to nephrology specialist, Robert Heyka, MD, what is worrying is, the over-the-counter, general prescription and supplement nutrients can have serious effects on kidney function.
“You are at higher risk if your kidneys are not completely healthy from the start,” he says.
Only a doctor can do tests to determine if your kidneys are healthy. However, there are certain health problems that make a person more likely to be affected Kidney illness.
Health conditions requiring kidney examination
If you have any of the following health conditions, or if you or your family have a history of kidney problems, it’s important to have your kidneys checked once a year:
– Diabetes.
– Blood pressure high.
– Heart disease.
– Overweight.
– High Cholesterol.
“But even if you don’t have any risk factors, have annual checkups by checking blood pressure“Laboratory tests, and urine are very important to do to get a clear picture of your kidney function,” said Dr. Heyka.
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Drugs and supplements that are harmful to the kidneys
Here is a list of three drugs and supplements that can affect kidney function:
Certain antibiotics are removed from the body through the kidneys, so taking them can put extra stress on your kidneys. Penicillins, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides in particular can be harmful to your kidneys.
Launching the Cleveland Clinic, use antibiotics long term damage to the kidneys, even if you are in good health.
And in people whose kidneys are not functioning 100% at first, antibiotics can build up in the body and cause damage.
However, it is important to remember that antibiotics can be used safely if needed, as long as the dosage is adjusted according to your level of kidney function.
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2. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
NSAIDs are very effective drugs for a variety of medical problems. But taking NSAIDS can affect the kidneys, and can cause damage, especially if you are also taking ACE diuretics or inhibitors.
NSAIDS include over-the-counter painkillers such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen.
Using these medicines with caffeine may further harm your kidneys. While taking any of these drugs, be sure to check with your doctor regularly if you experience impaired kidney function.
Certain nutritional supplements have been linked to kidney injury, even in healthy people.
With a wide variety of supplements available, the best way to find out if a supplement is safe is to ask your doctor to review all of the ingredients.
Dietary supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as drugs, but as food.
However, because all ingredients may not be listed on the label and can interfere with the prescription drugs you are taking, consult your doctor before taking any dietary supplements.
Researchers have reviewed 17 dietary supplements that have been linked to direct kidney injury, albeit in a very limited number of cases.
On a side note, researchers found that patients often did not tell their doctors about the dietary supplements they were taking. Doing this can put you at risk for injury and drug interactions.
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If you have decreased kidney function or are at risk of developing kidney disease, you should never take dietary supplements or vitamin doses above the Recommended Daily Allowance (daily recommendation).
You are at risk for kidney disease
Most people with kidney disease don’t have any symptoms until their condition is severe.
So, ask your doctor to do some tests, to find out how well your kidneys are working. The doctor will perform the following examinations:
– Check your blood pressure.
Take a blood sample and test the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, which are an indicator of how well your kidneys are cleaning the blood.
Take a urine sample to check for blood, infection, or protein in the urine.
“Even slightly higher than normal blood pressure or cholesterol can increase the risk of kidney disease,” said Dr. Heyka.
So take care of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and weight, as well as blood sugar if you suffer from it diabetes.
And, be sure to always tell your doctor about any vitamins, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements you are taking.
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