Kidneys keep us healthy, strong
TAMC nephrologist
Our kidneys — we often abuse them and they do not complain. The only time they get our attention is when something goes wrong.
The kidneys resemble large beans in shape, weigh approximately five ounces, and are about the size of a fist. Their primary function is to make urine, which is a mix of metabolic waste, excess salt, and extra water. Kidneys produce hormones that help our body make blood and they also help to keep our bones strong.
There are many diseases unique to the kidneys, and the kidneys also affect other diseases that impact the whole body. Kidney stones are quite common, and this organ can even be affected by cancer.
There are many substances around us including foods, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements which can damage the kidneys. When the kidneys are damaged in a way that cannot be reversed, chronic kidney disease (CKD) is the result.
CKD is quite common, with an estimated 8.3 million U.S. adults affected by this condition. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two common diseases that can cause CKD. Once CKD is established it continues to progress, leading to kidney failure.
People with kidney failure need something called renal replacement therapy to remove toxic waste, excess salt, and excess water from the body. There are various types of renal replacement therapies, including dialysis and kidney transplantation. Dialysis is done by filtering the blood using an artificial filter or a membrane in the abdominal cavity. Kidney transplantation is very scarce, as there are very few donors compared to the number of people waiting for kidney transplantation.
I am often asked what people can do to keep their kidneys healthy. I do not have a simple answer to this question as there are different conditions that lead to poor health of the kidneys. Healthy habits like regular exercise, avoiding excessive weight gain, and not smoking are a good start.
There is no evidence to suggest that excessive water intake will benefit the kidneys, but as a general rule, it is reasonable to be well hydrated. On average, a young adult needs around 50 to 70 ounces of fluid in 24 hours, and this includes all liquids consumed over the course of day like water, soup, soft drinks, and coffee. On the other hand, those with kidney stones benefit from drinking 80 to 100 ounces of water in a day.
Another simple preventive measure is to limit salt intake to less than 2,000 milligrams (half a teaspoonful) of sodium in 24 hours.
There are various herbal supplements out there on the market. Some of them are really toxic to your kidneys. It is always a good idea to check with your doctor before you decide to take supplements. We all use pain medications once in a while, but some of us have to use them for a longer period of time. Some of these pain pills are harmful to the kidneys when consumed for a longer duration; consult your doctor if you have taken pain medication for more than few days.
The average life expectancy at birth has been increasing, and more people are living to be older. This also means that more people have common diseases like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes. To find out more about your risk of developing kidney disease, ask you doctor. A stitch in time saves nine.
Sujan Pathak, MD earned his medical degree at Tribhuvan University Institute of Medicine in Kathmandu, Nepal. He completed his Residency and Fellowship at State University of New York Health Science Center at Brooklyn, New York. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Pathak is passionate about kidney health, including educating patients and community members and managing all stages of kidney disease.
To find out more about kidney health, join TAMC and the Mars Hill Rotary Club at a health fair on Saturday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fort Street Elementary School in Mars Hill.
