TAKING CARE OF YOUR KIDNEYS

Research has found that fewer than half of the people with kidney disease are aware of it.  The kidneys are very busy organs and half of the 23 million in America do not know it because they are not aware.  It’s like they need a better connection with some type of cell phone to drop at last a hint to their doctors.  A kidney specialist, or nephologist may be needed to confirm your problem if it does exist.  Meanwhile, the kidneys drop a hint if we will take a look at your blood pressure readings.  People with failing kidneys may be losing their filtering capacity from diabetes and high blood pressure might be the culprit, according to a study published in January 2010 in the New England Journal of Medicine.  Starting dialysis early for patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease (a practice that’s become widespread) didn’t improve survival or clinical outcomes and may even increase the risk of dying among healthier patients.  Another clinical trial found that aggressive use of the drug darbepoetin alfa (Aranesp) to combat anemia in kidney patients with type 2 diabetes increased the risk of strokes. 

If you have kidney disease experts advise keeping blood pressure below 130/80, lower than the hypertension cutoff of 140/90.  Restrict salt to protect the kidneys and slow the progression of early kidney damage by controlling blood sugar also.  The risk of progressing to a more serious situation could be cut in half, according to the American Diabetes Association.  It recommends a target of seven percent or below, as measured by the hemoglobin Alc test, Potassium rich foods include bananas, raisins and tomatoes.  A dietician can help maintain a healthful and balanced diet with less potassium.  Fifteen percent of Americans report taking supplements that could be harmful to those with chronic kidney disease, according to a national survey of the nutritional habits of 21,169 adults.  Among commonly used items that could pose such problems were alfalfa, ginger and ginsen.

Exercise more and eat less.  A fitness routine that gets your heart pumping can lower your blood pressure, control diabetes and help contain a healthful weight.  In one study, people with kidney disease who were overweight shifted to end-stage kidney failure two to five times faster than those of normal weight.  The DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) proved the benefits of eating at least four servings of fruit and four servings of vegetables and six servings of whole grains every day.  Lean meat like poultry and fish are best but not more than 2,000 calories per day.  Quit smoking and avoid medications like NSAIDs (have your doctor check that out every ten days or use Tylenol for the end-stage of renal failure.