International Christian Ministry
Guide for LIVING : We should protect our kidneys
June 10, 2016

Functions of Kidney

Our kidney is Important part of our urinary system. It is found on each side of the spine, below the rib cage, as big as fist, weighing ¼ lb., and shaped like kidney beans.

People are born with two kidneys but we only need one. Each day, our kidneys filter 200 liters of blood, removing 2 liters of toxins, wastes and water in the process and excreted as urine.  It monitors and regulates bodily fluid. It excretes excess fluids and retain those necessary for bodily function.

Kidneys are slowly damaged over time, which is one of the reasons why we don’t feel sick until the kidneys are failing.

 

Important Statistics:

23,000 Filipinos underwent dialysis due to kidney failure in 2013, which is four times higher in 2004.  It is the 7^th leading cause of death. About one Filipino  develops kidney failure every hour or 120 Filipinos per million per year.

Most Common Causes:

Diabetes, hypertension, and glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the glomeruli or small vessels of the kidney) – can come from bacteria, viral or parasitic pathogens drugs, systemic disorder or diabetes

 

How to avoid kidney problem?

1. Annual check up. – Get tested for:
   1. Urine test for albumin – a type of protein. Protein in the urine is a sign that the kidney is damaged. Too much protein in the urine means that the kidney filters have been damaged and are starting to leak protein.
   2. Blood test for creatine – creatinine is a waste product (muscle metabolism) that is removed by the kidney. It is used to estimate glomerular filtration which reflects how the kidneys are filtering wastes from the blood.
2. Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels –
   1. Kidney is a vascular organ – meaning it contains many blood vessels. Diseases that damage blood vessels like High blood pressure and diabetes can damage the kidneys as well. Even Pre-diabetes, or slightly high blood pressure can damage kidneys. Don’t let the “PRE” prevent us from taking them seriously. Manage your condition and protect your kidney.
3. Step on the scale – maintaining healthy weight has important implications for our kidneys. If we are overweight, it means the kidney has to work harder (more blood to filter). Obesity also increases risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
4. Get moving and watch what you eat – since damage to kidneys is a slow process, our daily decision as what to eat or whether I will go to the gym contributes to the condition of our kidney in the long haul. Reduce salt intake, watch high sodium levels in processed foods.
   1. Eat fresh food more often – sodium is added to most processed food. Use spices instead of salt. Check nutrition facts, rinse canned foods before eating.
   2. Eat right amount and right types of protein
   3. Lower your phosphorous intake – we only need 800 to 1,200 mg of phosphorous, excess is flushed from the body by healthy kidneys. Excess P can cause bone calcification, heart disorders.
5. Exercise caution when taking medication – most medicines we take will be filtered by the kidney – it breaks down and remove this medication from the body. Weigh the risks and benefits of taking a particular medication. Void excessive use of medications that can harm the kidneys such as ibuprofen and naproxen.
6. Commit to quit – smoking can worsen kidney disease and other diabetes and hypertension. It can be difficult but can protect your kidneys. Not just smoking but committing to a healthy lifestyle, quitting laziness to exercise, etc.
7. Reduce the amount of sugar intake –
8. Drink enough water – 200 lbs. should drink 100 ounces of water. In general drink 8 glasses. (size of glass matters). AI (Adequate intake) Remember 8 of 8 ounce glasses of fluid a day. Drink green juice. Green foods aid in detoxification. (cilantro, lemon juice and honey). AI for women – 9 cups or 2.2 liters of total beverages a day. Men 13 cups (3 liters)

Prepared by Haydee Lasco

References:

Kidney disease Ph’s 7^th leading cause of death
Rose de la Cruz
Feb 22, 2014
The Manila Times

Six  tips for reducing your risk of kidney disease
March 3, 2014
Fox News Health

10 tips to protect your kidneys
Leigh Erin Connealy, M.D.
August 4, 2014

Water: How much you should drink every day?
Mayoclinic.org