Overview

Healthy kidneys perform vital functions in the body, including filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood to form urine, maintaining electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, producing hormones that stimulate red blood cell production, and activating vitamin D for bone health.

A kidney is like a filter for every living being. It helps filter the human body's waste and retain only the nutrient-rich liquid. Improper functioning of the kidney ceases multiple functions of the body. Loss of appetite, nausea, weakness, and less urine are some symptoms of improper kidney functioning. Procrastinating the treatment of the disorder may lead to severe damage to the kidney. One can also identify chronic kidney disease by symptoms such as swollen face, elevated blood pressure, and prolonged headache.

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term and progressive kidney function impairment. It is characterised by the gradual loss of kidney function over time, reducing the ability to filter waste products and fluids from the blood. CKD is typically measured and staged based on the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which assesses the kidneys' filtering capacity.

Dizziness and weakness, low urine, and high blood pressure are some of the disease's initial symptoms that alert one to get the conditions checked by a medical practitioner and begin the treatment immediately.

Diagnosis for Chronic Kidney Disease

Mentioned below are the steps and tests that help to identify the signs of the disease and the damage caused due to it:

- Blood Test
- Urine Test
- MRI Test
- Ultrasound Scan

Causes of Kidney Disease

Mentioned below is the list of reasons that help to explain the cause of the disease:

- High Blood Pressure- Over time, high blood pressure can lead to increased pressure on the small blood vessels within the kidneys, resulting in impaired kidney function. The affected patient cannot perform tedious activities as it will elevate the blood pressure immediately. Constant high blood pressure is a warning alarm by the disease, but getting the condition checked by a doctor helps identify the disease's root cause.
- Diabetes- Excess glucose in the bloodstream can harm the delicate filters present in the kidneys. It is also one of the causes of the medical disorder. It speedily enhances blood glucose levels. Therefore, diabetic people are more prone to kidney diseases.
- Glomerulonephritis- The inflammation of the tiny filtering units(glomeruli) can cause long term damage to the kidneys as the basic filtering mechanism is hampered.

Lifestyle Practices to Prevent Chronic Kidney Disease

A healthy lifestyle is the key to the prevention of multiple health diseases. It includes eating clean, exercising for at least half an hour daily, and avoiding ill health habits such as smoking, drinking alcohol and consuming painkillers more than the prescribed amount. Mentioned below is a list of perfect health practices that help to reverse the symptoms of the disease along with ceasing the reemergence of the symptoms:

- Healthy Foods- Though it may sound basic, healthy food choices can change the game for a diseased individual. It can help to reverse the harshest of health conditions. People suffering from kidney disease should try to minimise sodium in their diet. Consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds is the perfect way to manage the diet. Such people should avoid excess sugary or salty foods. Greens are the best friend for people with an unbalanced diet.
- Compulsory Physical Activity- Dedicating at least half an hour of the day to any form of physical activity is an ideal and fun way to keep oneself active. It helps to maintain an active lifestyle and avoid deposits of fatty substances in the arteries, one of the primary reasons for the disease. Yoga, exercising, and playing outdoor games are easy ways to keep healthy and fit.
- Stay hydrated- Drink adequate water throughout the day to maintain good hydration. Water helps the kidneys remove waste products from the body and supports their proper function. However, fluid intake may need to be limited in the advanced stages of CKD, as a healthcare professional recommends.
- Control blood sugar levels- If you have diabetes, proper management of blood sugar levels is crucial. Monitor blood glucose regularly, follow a diabetic meal plan, take medications as prescribed, and engage in regular physical activity. Good diabetes control helps protect the kidneys from damage.
- Manage blood pressure- High blood pressure is a leading cause of CKD. It is prudent to manage and control blood pressure through a low-sodium diet, regular exercise, weight management, limiting alcohol consumption, and medication if necessary. It is essential to monitor blood pressure regularly.
- Maintain Ideal BMI- Maintaining an ideal body mass index helps an individual to avoid obesity. Obesity is one of the major reasons for the disease. Not taking care of the situation on time may make the situation worse and irreversible. The availability of multiple online BMI calculators can help the patient to maintain the calorie count along with planning perfect activity time.
- Avoid smoking and Alcohol Consumption- Smoking and excessive alcohol intake can contribute to kidney damage and worsen existing kidney disease. Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to protect kidney health.
- Follow medication and treatment plans- A person grappling with CKD must adhere to medications, treatment plans, and follow-up appointments with your healthcare provider. It is essential to take medications as directed, monitor blood test results, and adjust to the treatment plan.
- Manage stress- Chronic stress and anxiety can impact a person’s health, including kidney function. It is important to stay stress-free or find healthy ways to manage stress, such as practising relaxation techniques, engaging in hobbies, seeking social support, or participating in activities that bring joy and relaxation.

When to consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Nephrology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Chronic kidney disease is a medical disorder indicating improper functioning of more than three months of the kidney. It can happen due to multiple kidney ailments making it difficult for the organ to filter blood from toxins. A healthy diet and lifestyle help to maintain a proper balance between the disease and following the daily routine. Taking timely preventive measures helps to lower the symptoms seamlessly.

FAQs

Q. What is chronic kidney disease? A. It is a kidney ailment making the organ non-functional and unable to filter blood from the waste.

Q. What practices can be followed to avoid kidney disease? A. A balanced diet, light activities, maintaining an ideal BMI, and avoiding unhealthy habits help prevent the disease's symptoms.