Kidneys are two bean shaped organs the size of a fist located on each side of the spinal column. Each kidney is connected by a vein and an artery and drain into the bladder. Their importance lies in cleaning the blood from salts, wastes and extra liquids. They are also responsible for excreting hormones needed for bone and blood strengthening, and in assisting child growth factors. Additionally the kidneys regulate the pH levels in the body and excreting excess medications which may be present in the system.
The Health Promotion Services in King Abdulaziz Medical City stressed the importance of maintaining good kidney health as symptoms of kidney failure can often be silent and lead to other serious health issues. Various educational materials were distributed in an effort to highlight the importance of maintaining kidney health.
Chronic kidney failure is often suspected due to the presence of various symptoms which include but are not limited to: water retention, nausea, loss of appetite, increase in blood pressure, headaches, and shortness of breath. Tests may show increased levels of wastes such as creatinine, potassium and urea. If hormone levels are affected then there will be changes in red blood cell production as well as uptake of calcium. |
 |
|
Those who suffer repeatedly from kidney failure need to do a procedure called kidney dialysis where the patient’s blood is cleaned by a machine either in a clinic or a hospital. This treatment performs the same functions your kidneys do by lowering blood pressure, removing wastes, extra salt and water, and any extra chemicals or vitamins that may be in the body. The procedure has to be done on a regular basis. In the event that the kidneys continue to deteriorate then a kidney transplant is needed and an appropriate donor must be found. A donor kidney is taken either from a relative or non-relative with the same blood type. Transplantation is a more permanent solution to kidney failure in comparison to the dialysis. |
|
Taking care of your kidneys is important and small changes in lifestyle can reap benefits to the function of the kidneys and overall health. Some suggestions include:
- Drink plenty of fluids especially water. Since the body is made up mainly of water, this element is vital for almost all body functions and helps the kidney to flush out toxins and wastes in a more efficient manner. In a recent poll conducted by the NGHA site, visitors were asked how many glasses (of the 8 recommended) of water they drank on a daily basis. Those who drank 6 or more glasses per day amounted to about 46% while 2-4 glasses made up 41% and less than one glass only 13%. So drink up to your health!
- Cut down on the caffeine intake from coffee, tea and chocolates. The current use of power drinks which contain high levels of caffeine should also be restricted. The caffeine creates a state of dehydration as it acts as a diuretic and at the same time is a stimulant which means that the kidneys work harder with the boosted metabolism. In general, large amounts of caffeine are not good for overall health.
- Any kind of activity in which the body is jostled around for long periods of time can also affect the kidneys. This could include long bumpy car rides and horseback riding for long periods or too frequently among others. For those who make a living by driving such as truck drivers, stopping frequently and getting out for a walk will help to decrease this associated factor.
- Our current eating habits affect more than just the kidneys, so it is wise to reevaluate the kinds of foods we ingest. The proverb that we are what we eat is especially true in the case of chronic kidney failure. Drinking cranberry juice has been suggested as it helps to keep bacteria from sticking in the urinary tract where it can cause infection. Staying away from foods high in salt and flavor enhancers will reduce the stress kidneys can be placed under.
- Holding the need to pass urine for long periods of time is very bad for those who suffer from even slight kidney problems as it increases the chance of back up into the kidneys and also increases risks of infection.
It is vital to take care of your kidneys and protect them rather than repairing the damage later. Weather conditions in Saudi Arabia necessitate that people drink plenty of fluids especially during the hot summer months. The body loses more water through sweat; therefore dehydration is more of a risk factor for those who suffer from chronic kidney failure. Dr. Faisal Shaheen, head of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplants, quoted the latest available statistics saying that twelve percent of kidney failure sufferers die per year. As such, education and raising awareness is vital to achieving these goals
For more information about kidney transplants and related topics please see World Kidney Day
|
| |
|