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.
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.
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