Durban - With today (March 13) being World Kidney Day you will encounter a plethora of information on kidney health – and of that, two things you must remember are that you should know how to take care of your kidneys, and how to donate them.
Waiting lists for organ donations only hit home when you become aware of the people on them.
For most of us, it only really means something when we’re presented with the story and image of one of those on the list.
However, making a decision to avoid being on that list yourself, or to donate to those who are need not be an emotional one.
The fact is you can save seven lives by becoming an organ donor (heart, liver, pancreas, lungs, kidneys) and 50 lives by donating tissues such as corneas, bone and skin. (No organ or tissue donations from deceased donors leave the body disfigured.)
Kidneys are the only organs you can donate while you are still alive.
About 40 percent of transplanted kidneys come from living donors, according to statistics provided by Discovery Health. This is comparatively high and based on the need in this country.
Discovery’s data shows that more than 800 of their medical scheme patients in KwaZulu-Natal claimed renal failure last year, the majority of which were men.
Of these only four kidney transplants occurred by October.
This does not include all of the private sector, nor the much larger public sector but illustrates the point that kidneys are, by far, the most in-demand organ in the country.
Dr Dominique Stott, executive at PPS Insurance, says chronic kidney disease is most commonly brought on by other diseases such as hypertension and diabetes mellitus. “Hypertension and diabetes may be referred to as ‘silent diseases’, where the patient may not feel any particular symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage and the kidney function has already been significantly affected.”
“While people should take note of their family history and other risk factors, it is also important to note that kidney failure in the black population is actually four times higher than any other population group, due to the high incidence of hypertension within this group.
“Therefore, close monitoring of hypertensive patients is important.”
When disease causes kidney failure, dialysis treatment can take over the function of the kidneys, but transplantation is the ultimate aim for all end-stage kidney failure patients.
Most transplants are successful, with patients surviving for many years thereafter.
You can register to become an organ donor online. at http://www.odf.org.za or call 0800 22 66 11.
Take care of your kidneys
Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect your quality of life. There are, however, several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.
Keep fit and active
Keeping fit helps to reduce your blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of contracting Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
The global campaign “on the move for kidney health” has mobilised members of the public, celebrities and professionals to either walk, run or cycle. Why not join them, by getting active too?
Keep regular control of your blood sugar level
About half of people who have diabetes develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney functions. Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early. It is important to keep control of blood sugar levels with the help of doctors or pharmacists.
Monitor your blood pressure
Although many people may be aware that high blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attack, few know that it is also the most common cause of kidney damage.
A normal blood pressure level is 120/80. Between this level and 129/89, you are considered prehypertensive and should adopt lifestyle and dietary changes.
At 140/90 and above, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and monitor your blood pressure level regularly.
High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when associated with other factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol and cardio-vascular diseases.
Eat healthily and keep your weight in check
This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with CKD.
Reduce your salt intake: the recommended sodium intake is 5 to 6 grams of salt a day (about one teaspoon). So try to limit the amount of processed and restaurant food you eat, and do not add salt to your food. It will be easier to control your intake if you prepare the food yourself, with fresh ingredients.
For more information on kidney friendly cooking, visit our nutrition page.
Maintain a healthy fluid intake
Although clinical studies have not reached an agreement on the ideal quantity of water and other fluids we should consume daily to maintain good health, traditional wisdom has long suggested drinking 1.5 to 2 litres of water a day.
Consuming plenty of fluid helps the kidneys clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body which, in turn, results in a “significantly lower risk” of developing chronic kidney disease, according to researchers in Australia and Canada.
The findings, the researchers said, do not advocate “aggressive fluid loading”, which can cause side effects, but they do provide evidence that moderately increased water intake, about two litres daily, may reduce the risk of decline in kidney function.
It’s important to keep in mind that the right level of fluid intake for any individual depends on many factors including gender, exercise, climate, health conditions, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
In addition, people who have already had kidney stones are advised to drink 2 to 3 litres of water daily to lessen the risk of forming new stones.
Do not smoke
Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it impairs their ability to function properly.
Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer by about 50 percent.
Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis
Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly.
Such medications probably do not pose significant danger if your kidneys are relatively healthy and you use them for emergencies only, but if you are suffering from a chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain, work with your doctor to find a way to control your pain without putting your kidneys at risk. – www.worldkidneyday.org
Get your kidney function checked if you have one or more of the following “high risk” factors…
l Do you have high blood pressure?
l Do you suffer from diabetes?
l Do you have a family history of kidney disease?
l Are you overweight?
l Do you smoke?
l Are you over 50 years?
l Are you of African, Hispanic, Aboriginal or Asian origin? - The Mercury