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Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Things to know about chronic kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease   occurs when there is a gradual failure of kidney function due to illnesses, genetics, etc. The kidneys’ main role is to filter waste matter and flush out excess bodily fluids, but advanced kidney failure causes fluids, electrolytes, and waste to build up in the body. Various factors must be understood to manage the condition, including the causes, symptoms, prevention tips, and more. Read on to learn more about chronic kidney disease.

Causes of chronic kidney disease
The main causes of chronic kidney disease are as follows:

Diabetes
When the body’s sugar levels are too high and become unmanageable, bodily organs stop functioning as normal. The first to be affected are the kidneys, leading to diabetes, which, in turn, affects the nerves, eyes, and heart.  

High blood pressure
This is when blood pressure against the walls of the blood vessels increases, and can lead to chronic kidney disease, heart attacks, and strokes. Hence, chronic kidney disease can also be caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.  

Genetics
Chronic kidney disease can also be passed down through the genes. Therefore if someone in your close family has the condition, it is likely to be passed down to you.  

Autoimmune disease
Lupus nephritis is an autoimmune disease that causes swelling of the small blood vessels, which are responsible for flushing waste out of the kidneys. 

Birth disorder
Sometimes, certain malfunctions of the kidneys develop in the mother’s womb and can cause infections and kidney damage later on in the person’s life.  

Other causes
Kidney stones or tumors can cause kidney damage or failure if not treated in time. 

Glomerulonephritis
It is a group of diseases that can cause inflammation in the filtering segments of the kidneys. This disorder is one of the most common types of kidney disease.

Vesicoureteral reflux
This is a condition that causes urine to back up into the kidneys.

Symptoms of chronic kidney disease
A person with chronic kidney disease can experience the following symptoms:

Nausea
Trouble sleeping and concentrating
Poor appetite
Swollen feet and ankles
Dry, itchy skin
Muscle cramps
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Urge to urinate often
High blood pressure
Tiredness and loss of energy
Reduced mental agility

Sometimes, these signs and symptoms are nonspecific and can be signs of other illnesses. You can fix an appointment with your doctor whenever you notice anything unusual with your body. Timely diagnosis can prevent kidney disease from advancing to kidney failure.  

Prevention
You need to follow certain precautions to reduce the risk of kidney disease:

Maintain a healthy BMI
It is vital to have an active lifestyle to help prevent kidney disease. Sometimes your weight can put a lot of pressure on your body organs, including your kidneys, lungs, liver, etc. Practices like jogging, swimming, or yoga can help your overall health too.

Regulate certain treatment options
The prolonged use of pain relievers may adversely affect the kidneys. If you have been recommended pain relievers for a long time for some reason, consult your doctor and discuss alternatives.

Go for regular health check-ups
Sometimes, conditions like chronic kidney disease do not show symptoms till it is quite late. It is advisable to go for regular health check-ups to understand your body’s condition and get any condition diagnosed in time. If you suspect any kidney damage, your doctor can also recommend other tests.

Remedies and changes for   chronic kidney disease
A person with chronic kidney disease needs to make some lifestyle changes and seek treatment depending on the severity of the disease. Here are a few remedies and lifestyle changes that can help you take care of your kidneys.

Stay hydrated
The biggest reason for kidney problems is the lack of water consumption. You should drink plenty of water so that all the toxins are flushed out of your system. 

Have vitamin C
Since vitamins and minerals are considered powerful antioxidants, they should be consumed in high quantities to promote better kidney health. 

Keep your blood pressure in check
You should make it a habit to check your blood pressure regularly because high blood pressure increases the chances of kidney diseases.  

Keep an eye on the food eaten
As part of the kidney failure treatment regimen, you need to follow a proper meal plan. You should restrict the amount of protein you consume, as this can slow down the condition’s progression. The amount of potassium, sodium, and phosphorus consumed should also be reduced. A kidney food specialist, also called a renal dietician, can help you follow a balanced meal plan to keep your kidney health in check.  

Eat more dates
When dates are soaked in water and then consumed, they help in flushing out kidney stones. Dates also contain fibers that help to reduce kidney stones.

Last-stage treatment options
When chronic kidney disease reaches stage 5, and the kidneys function at only about 15% of their normal capacity, doctors may recommend end-stage treatment. These include the following: 

Dialysis
This is a mechanical procedure to remove waste products and excessive fluids from the blood, as the kidneys can no longer do their job.

Kidney transplant
One kidney, or sometimes both kidneys, get replaced in this treatment option. It is the most effective treatment option for advanced kidney disease, but it includes major surgery. After the surgery, the individual will need to take prescribed treatments throughout their life. 

Chronic kidney disease can cause complications such as high blood pressure, weak bones, nerve damage, poor nutritional health, and anemia. These problems can occur gradually over some time. 

As seen, when the disease advances, it can lead to complete kidney failure, calling for drastic measures that have their own complications. Hence, whenever you feel your body is not functioning the way it usually is, you should get yourself checked by your doctor. It is crucial to get complete body check-ups done regularly so that if there is any underlying disorder, it can be detected in the early stages. 

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