Kitakini.news The kidneys are one of the vital organs in the body that must be kept healthy in order to function optimally.
Unfortunately, there are some conditions that cause the kidneys to no longer function as they should or which they call kidney failure.
Kidney failure is a condition of abnormalities in the kidney organs that have reached the final stage. In fact, the kidneys work to filter waste in the body, whether it comes from food, drugs, or toxic substances.
This vital organ can also reabsorb substances that the body needs, such as amino acids, sugars, sodium, potassium and other nutrients.
When kidney function decreases by up to 10-15%, it is a sign that a person has kidney failure. As a result, patients need dialysis (dialysis) or even a kidney transplant so that their kidneys can continue to function optimally.
Causes of kidney failure
Quoted by Mayo Clinic, kidney failure a disease or condition that impairs kidney function, causing kidney damage to worsen over several months or years. Diseases and conditions that can cause kidney failure include:
a. High blood pressure
b. Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
c. Glomerulonephritis or inflammation of the filter units of the kidneys (glomeruli)
d. Polycystic kidney disease
And. Prolonged obstruction of the urinary tract due to conditions such as enlarged prostate, kidney stones, and some cancers
f. Interstitial nephritis or inflammation of the kidney tubules and surrounding structures
g. Recurrent kidney infections, also known as pyelonephritis
h. Vesicoureteral reflux or a condition that causes urine to back up in the kidneys
How to keep your kidneys healthy
Reported by compassHere are five ways to maintain kidney health:
1. Adequate body fluids
Drinking plenty of fluids will help your kidneys function properly. One sign of adequate fluid intake is bright yellow urine.
If the urine is darker in color, it is a sign that the body is dehydrated. In hot weather, you also need to drink more water than usual to replenish the fluids you lose through sweating.
2. Consumption of healthy food
A healthy and balanced diet ensures that you are getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs.
Therefore, consume fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains such as wholemeal pasta, bread, and rice. Avoid consuming too many salty or fatty foods.
3. Watch your blood pressure
Get your blood pressure checked regularly as high blood pressure can increase the risk of kidney and heart problems. Ideal blood pressure usually ranges between 90/60 mmHg and 120/80 mmHg.
You can have a simple, quick and painless blood pressure check for free by visiting your primary care physician and pharmacy. If your blood pressure is higher than it should be, doctors usually suggest lifestyle changes either. If necessary, the doctor will prescribe drugs to reduce blood pressure.
Maintain the weight
4. Don’t smoke or drink too much alcohol
Try to quit smoking completely and limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Too much alcohol and smoking can raise blood pressure, which is one of the most common causes of kidney disease.
Men and women are advised not to drink no more than fourteen units of alcohol per week. One unit of alcohol alone is roughly equivalent to the following amounts:
a. 240 – 280 ml (one carom or half a large glass) beer with an alcohol content of 3 – 4%.
b. 25ml liqueurs such as whiskey, scotch, vodka, gin and tequila with 40% alcohol content
c. 50 ml of wine or sake with an alcohol content of 12 – 20%.
5. Maintain the weight
Excess weight can increase blood pressure which can be harmful to your kidney condition. Therefore, try to maintain a balanced weight by exercising actively and not eating too much. Aim to get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week.
