It is estimated that Chronic kidney disease (ERC) It affects approximately 850 million people in the world. Every Thursday in March the World Kidney Day is commemorated. By 2025, the issue will be Awareness about the importance of our kidneysaccording to Pedro Dávila, medical technical director of the National Unit for Chronic Renal Care (AERC).
Between 8 and 10% of the adult population has some kind of renal damage, and every year millions of people die prematurely due to complications related to this disease.
When The kidneys They lose the ability to filter waste and excess fluids, there is an accumulation of toxins and fluids in the body. “That is what happens in renal failure: the organism cannot properly eliminate the liquids that are ingested through water and food,” explains Dávila.
Renal insufficiency can be acute either chronicle. The first is reversible with adequate treatment, while the second requires constant monitoring through procedures that help control symptoms, reduce complications and delay the progression of the disease.
Some of the factors that increase the risk of chronic kidney disease are diabetes, arterial hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, smoking and obesity.
Frequently, when the kidney does not work correctly, symptoms can occur such as lack of appetite, dizziness, feeling of inflammation and changes in the color and smell of urine, which can become more intense. In extreme cases, there may be the presence of blood.
Medications and its impact on renal health
Dávila emphasizes that some medications can also damage the kidneys. “In our society it is common for us to follow the advice of the pharmacy dependent, the neighbor or a relative about which medicine to take, but the great message is not to risk self -medication,” warns the nephrologist.
Some drugs can affect renal function if consumed without medical control.
- Analgesics: They are used to relieve pain, but should only be consumed under medical prescription. Taking them in excess can increase the risk of renal injury.
- Contrast media: Doctors should carefully evaluate their use, since they can affect the function of the kidneys.
- Gastritis medications: Some may cause Interstitial nephritisan inflammation of the spaces between the renal tubules that alters the functioning of the kidneys.
- HERBARY SUPPLEMENTS: They can contain minerals such as potassium, harmful to people with kidney disease. It is recommended to consult a doctor before consuming them.
- Antibiotics: Its use without medical supervision can generate adverse reactions that affect kidneys. Also some medications used in cancer treatment can represent a risk to renal health.
How to prevent kidney disease?
Pamela Arias, Nipro nutritionist with experience in the hospital and community, recommends paying special attention to food and performing periodic medical check -ups. “Patients with diabetes or arterial hypertension should maintain constant monitoring, since if their blood sugar levels are decompensated, they can affect renal function,” says Dávila.
To maintain the health of the kidneys it is recommended:
- Follow a balanced diet, low in sugar, salt and saturated fats, and rich in essential nutrients present in fruits and vegetables with high antioxidant content.
- Prioritize anti -inflammatory foods such as blueberries, blackberries, apple and spinach.
- Control excessive protein consumption. Some recommended options are fish and egg white.
- Maintain adequate hydration with water -rich foods, which contributes to the intake of essential fluids and vitamins.
Other Care for the Kidney
The nephrologist Randall Lou, a member of the Guatemala Alliance program for renal health, suggests the following recommendations to prevent and preserve the health of the kidneys:
- Drink enough water until urine is clear.
- Avoid the consumption of industrially sweetened drinks.
- Decrease salt intake.
- Perform at least 20 minutes of daily exercise.
- Maintain a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables and low sodium foods.
- Control chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension to prevent renal damage.
- Avoid excessive use of medications that may affect renal function.
- Perform periodic medical checks to detect the disease in early stages and allow timely treatment.