Water and diet are vital to function

Kidneys help regulate the body in the a number of ways, and their function is vital.

From maintaining strong, healthy bones to controlling blood pressure, the kidneys play a central role in keeping a healthy body.

Dr. Donna Wyatt with Family Medicine at CHRISTUS Schumpert said there are important tips to remember when focusing on kidney health – both things to do and things to avoid.

“Stay hydrated by drinking water,” Wyatt said. “The general rule has been eight glasses of water per day, [but] the actual number depends on a person’s size, activity level, gender and health conditions. Larger, more active people should drink more water depending on their use and losses in a day. Those with a history of kidney stones should drink closer to 12 per day.”

She said in addition to water, other essential components are needed in a balanced diet to maintain kidney health.

“Eating a healthy diet low in salt, with more fruits and vegetables, is recommended as a part of a healthy lifestyle,” Wyatt said. “It is recommended to limit salt to two grams daily, less if diagnosed with certain health conditions like heart disease or hypertension. Also, limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for females and two for males.”

Staying away from certain behaviors such as smoking is a key factor, but there are also certain medications that can harm the kidneys in which to avoid.

“Certain prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause kidney damage, including ibuprofen products, if taken in excess or for long periods of time,” Wyatt said. “It is best to discuss these with your doctor.”

Talking with your physician is a critical part of taking care of your kidneys. Wyatt said there are medical factors to be aware of as well, such as IV contrast that is used in studies like a CT scan or MRI, which can cause kidney damage.

Preventative and proactive measures are important in kidney health, but knowing the risk factors associated with kidney disease can be critical.

“Risk factors for kidney disease include family history of kidney disease; individuals with diabetes; high blood pressure or heart disease, individuals who are obese (body mass index of 30 or above); those older than 60 years of age; and certain ethnicities such as African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, Pacific Islanders and American Indians.”

Whether at-risk or not, Wyatt said there are a number of symptoms to be aware of with the kidneys and to consult your physician if any are experienced.

“Talk to your doctor about any symptoms such as frequent urination, dark brown-colored urine, having less energy, poor appetite or nausea, difficulty concentrating, muscle cramping, swollen feet or ankles, or puffiness in your face,” she said. “If you have urinary symptoms, such as increased frequency or change in the color of your urine, see a doctor for testing and recommendations. These can be signs of enlarged prostate, diabetes or infection.”

Wyatt continued that it’s important to know what your normal blood pressure level is, and to ask your healthcare provider about anything that can harm your kidneys.

“Ask your doctor about all the medications you are taking, both over-the-counter and prescription, to see if they are appropriate and if they can be harmful to your kidneys,” she said. “Ask how often your doctor recommends you to make appointments to keep regular checks on prescriptions, kidney function, blood pressure, and other tests necessary depending on any other health conditions that you have – like diabetes or heart disease.”

According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 26 million Americans suffer with chronic kidney disease, and the numbers may continue to rise. There are a variety of tests in which doctors can check for kidney disease, and they can range from simple to complex.

“The screening tests to check for kidney disease include blood pressure, urine tests that check protein and blood and blood tests that check glomerular filtration rate by measuring creatinine,” Wyatt said. “In certain situations, further testing may be necessary such as an ultrasound of the kidneys.

“Treatment for kidney disease depends on the condition causing the disease and the severity of the kidney disease,” she said. “Early treatment usually involves getting other health conditions controlled, such as diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, with a healthy diet, exercise and medications. Other conditions like Lupus, enlarged prostate, kidney infections, inflammation of the kidneys and inherited disorders like polycystic kidney disease have other specific treatments. Late stage kidney disease may require diet modifications, kidney transplant or dialysis if severe.”

For more information, visit www.kidney.org.