KIDNEYS HEALTHY

KEEPING KIDNEYS  HEALTHY

BODY BASICS

Chronic kidney disease is a progressive loss in kidney functions over a period of months of years.  The symptoms of worsening kidney function are non-specific and might include feeling generally unwell and experiencing a reduced appetite.  Often, it is diagnosed while screening of people known to be at risk for kidney problems.  It is identified by a blood test called serum creatinine.

SYMPTOMS

Polyuria (passing more urine), nocuria (passing more urine during night), puffiness in the face and feet, persistent aches and pains in the joints, high blood pressure, shortness of breath on mild exertion, fatigue due to anemia

RISK  FACTORS

Diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disease, kidney stones, past history of inflammation in the functional unit of the kidney, hereditary polycystic kidney disease

TREATMENT

Dialysis at home by peritoneal dialysis, blood-hemodialysis, kidney transplantation.  Do’s:  Follow a low-fat and nutritious diet whole wheat rotiplus vegetables, pulses, fish and salads.  Diabetics should avoid excess sugar, carbohydrates, potatoes, white bread, bakery items, vanaspati ghee, etc.  Take your prescribed medications regularly.  Monitor your blood pressure, blood sugar on a regular basis.  Keep your body fit.  Have a fixed routine of physical activities that you can do without undue exertion.  Have a positive frame of mind.  Negative synergies will aggravate your disease process.  Regular relaxation techniques like yoga, pranayam should be practiced.

Don’ts:

• Avoid dehydration
• Avoid unnecessary radio contrast dyes like CT scans and angiographies
• Consult your physician before taking any new drug, especially painkillers like Brufen, Voveran, Nimulid, etc.
• Avoid depressing thoughts and stress.  It decreases the immunity levels and well-being of the person.

DIET:

• Avoid high intake of protein food and supplements.  Foods like eggs, chicken, fish, paneer, milk products are must-haves for a balanced nutrition
• Potassium has to be restricted in diet.  It is present in high amount in fruits, nuts and green vegetables, Potassium can be removed from the vegetables by leeching
• Use low sodium salt in food while cooking
• Avoid commercial soft drinks and proprietary drinks (they are high in sodium/potassium)
• Avoid dried foods like fish, fruits, readymade soups and canned foods as they are high in potassium

MAKE SURE YOUR KIDNEYS ARE IN GOOD SHAPE, IGNORANCE MIGHT LEAD TO A CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE