How to prevent kidney failure in 2024

Many people overlook the importance of their kidneys, which can lead to serious issues like kidney failure. These organs work tirelessly to filter waste and maintain balance in the body. However, the reality is that one in three adults in the United States is at risk for developing kidney disease. Therefore, understanding how to protect your kidneys is essential for long-term health.

What do the kidneys do?

Your kidneys are bean-shaped organs, roughly the size of your fist. They are located under your ribcage, toward your back. Most people have two functioning kidneys, but you can live well with just one, provided it works correctly.

The kidneys perform several essential functions. One of their primary roles is to help your body eliminate toxins. They filter your blood, removing waste products and sending them out of your body in urine. When the kidneys do not work properly, waste products can build up. This can make you feel sick and, without treatment, can be life-threatening.

In addition to waste removal, your kidneys regulate fluid levels in your body. They also eliminate acid produced by your cells and maintain a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals like sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium in your blood. This balance is crucial; without it, your nerves, muscles, and other tissues may not function normally.

Moreover, your kidneys produce hormones that play important roles in your body. They help control your blood pressure, stimulate the production of red blood cells, and keep your bones strong and healthy.

How do you know if you need your kidneys checked?

Consider getting a Kidney Health Check if you meet any of the following criteria:

• You have diabetes or high blood pressure.
• You have heart disease, stroke, or blood vessel disease.
• Family members have experienced kidney failure.
• You are obese or a smoker.
• You have had acute kidney disease.
• You are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin and over 30 years old.

How to check your kidney function

A Kidney Health Check includes three simple tests:

1. Blood Test: This test evaluates how well your kidneys are functioning by measuring your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A low eGFR indicates poor kidney function, which may suggest chronic kidney disease if it lasts over three months.
2. Urine Test: This checks for signs of kidney damage. Healthy kidneys filter out waste but keep proteins and blood cells in. Finding albumin in your urine can signal kidney damage, a condition called albuminuria. The albumin:creatinine ratio (ACR) test helps identify this.
3. Blood Pressure Check: High blood pressure and chronic kidney disease are closely connected. Monitoring your blood pressure is important, as each condition can worsen the other.

What is kidney failure?

Kidney failure/renal failure occurs when one or both kidneys can no longer function properly. This condition can develop in two main ways. It can be acute, meaning it happens suddenly, or chronic, meaning it develops gradually over time.

Acute kidney failure can occur quickly, often as a result of an injury, infection, or severe dehydration. On the other hand, chronic kidney failure is a long-term condition that worsens slowly, often due to health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.

Kidney failure represents the most severe stage of kidney disease. At this stage, the kidneys are unable to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood. Without treatment, kidney failure can be fatal. If you experience kidney failure, you may only survive a few days or weeks without medical intervention.

Symptoms of kidney failure can vary but may include feeling unwell, confusion, swelling in different body parts, and changes in urination patterns. Early detection and treatment are crucial for managing kidney failure and improving outcomes.

What are the signs of dying from kidney failure?

Kidney failure can develop gradually, often without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. However, as the condition worsens, signs may indicate your body is struggling due to kidney failure. Here’s a list of common symptoms:

• Decreased Urination: You may urinate less often or not at all.
• Dry and Itchy Skin: Persistent dryness and itching can occur.
• Fatigue: You may feel unusually tired or weak.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble focusing or mental cloudiness is common.
• Swelling or Numbness: Fluid retention may cause swelling in the arms, legs, ankles, or feet.
• Muscle Aches or Cramps: Achy muscles and cramping sensations may arise.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing can result from fluid buildup.
• Nausea and Vomiting: You may experience persistent nausea and vomiting.
• Loss of Appetite: A decreased desire to eat is common.
• Trouble Sleeping: Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns may occur.

What happens when you have kidney failure?

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys lose their ability to filter waste from the blood effectively. The process is often measured using the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). A normal eGFR is about 100, while the lowest eGFR is 0, indicating no kidney function.

Kidney disease progresses through five stages, each reflecting the level of kidney function:

• Stage I: The eGFR is higher than 90 but below 100. In this stage, the kidneys have mild damage but still function normally. You may not notice any symptoms at this stage.
• Stage II: The eGFR can range from 60 to 89. There is more kidney damage compared to Stage I, but the kidneys still work well. Symptoms may start to appear, but they are often mild.
• Stage III: The eGFR may be between 30 and 59. At this point, you might experience mild to severe loss of kidney function. Symptoms can include fatigue, swelling, and difficulty concentrating.
• Stage IV: The eGFR falls between 15 and 29. You experience severe loss of kidney function. Symptoms may become more pronounced, requiring medical attention.
• Stage V: The eGFR drops below 15, indicating nearing or complete kidney failure. At this stage, the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste, leading to serious health issues.

How to prevent kidney failure

Preventing kidney failure starts with taking care of your kidneys and overall health. Here are five ways to protect your kidneys and avoid kidney failure.

1. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is vital for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being. Physical activity helps control blood pressure and cholesterol levels. It also reduces the risk of diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

2. Get Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups with your doctor can help detect kidney issues early. A doctor can screen for kidney disease using two simple tests. A urine test (albumin creatinine ratio) checks for protein in the urine, which could signal kidney damage. A blood test (glomerular filtration rate) measures how well your kidneys filter waste.

3. Manage Your Blood Sugar

High blood sugar levels over time can damage the tiny blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to kidney disease. If you have diabetes, managing blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medication is crucial for protecting your kidneys.

4. Eat a Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet like the Mediterranean or DASH diet can support kidney health. These eating plans focus on fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy while limiting sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats. Such diets can help manage blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, and improve overall kidney function.

5. Quit Smoking

Smoking damages organs in your body, including your kidneys. If you’re struggling to quit, speak with your doctor about options. Quitting smoking is one of the most effective ways to improve kidney health and reduce the risk of other serious conditions.

The bottom line

Kidney health is crucial for overall well-being, yet many people overlook it. With one in three adults at risk for kidney disease, it’s essential to understand how to protect these vital organs. Regular check-ups, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and quitting smoking are simple steps to prevent kidney failure. If you want to enhance your health and reduce your risk of kidney disease, get a personalized fitness plan from us today!