Kidney disease has been estimated to affect as many as 15 percent of South Africans – both young and old – with approximately 20 000 new patients requiring diagnosis and treatment every year. Anyone can develop kidney disease and kidney failure, regardless of age and race. However, some people are at greater risk.

How the kidneys work in the body
The kidneys are vital organs in your body. According to the National Kidney Foundation of South Africa, these bean-shaped organs are filters which support the functions of the rest of the body.

Every day, the kidneys filter about 150 litres of fluid and produce about 2 litres of urine each day. Useful substances like protein is reabsorbed, while the waste products are excreted. The role of the kidneys are to:

• Produce enzymes which control blood pressure.
• Produce a hormone which is required for formation of red blood cells.
• Break down and destroy unnecessary or dangerous chemicals and hormones.
• Retain necessary nutrients to nourish the bones and joints, allowing for a solid and healthy skeleton.
• Control the amount of acidity and alkalinity (pH) in your body. This balance is crucial to your overall health.
• Eliminate toxic waste from the body.

Who is at risk for kidney failure?
In South Africa, kidney failure is mainly as a result of familial hypertension (60-65 percent) or Type 2 diabetes (another 20-25 percent).

Hypertension weakens blood vessels throughout the body, including the kidneys. Over time this may result in kidney failure. Certain ethnic groups have a high incidence of hypertension and as a result their risk of kidney failure is greater (e.g. those of black ethnicity).

Diabetes is characterised by high blood glucose or blood sugar levels, which can damage your kidneys. More than 50 percent of people with diabetes will develop kidney problems.

A family history of kidney disease could also increase your risk for kidney failure. Other risks include inflammation of the kidneys, kidney stones, and trauma to the kidneys (kidney injury).

What happens when your kidneys shut down?
If your kidneys fail, waste products build up in your body. This condition is called uraemia. Symptoms of uraemia include:

• Swelling of the hands, ankles and feet.
• Fatigue or weakness.
• Shortness of breath.
• Poor appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Difficulty sleeping.
• Confusion.
• Weight loss.
• Headaches.
• High blood pressure.
• Muscle cramps.
• Decrease in the amount of urine produced.

If untreated, uraemia may lead to seizures or coma, which could result in death. Should your kidneys stop working completely, you will need to undergo dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Healthy habits for healthy kidneys

• Smokers are three times more likely to have a reduced kidney function than non-smokers. Quit now: join a quit smoking programme to suit your needs. It also helps to surround yourself with people who don’t smoke. Find healthier alternatives to smoking, such as yoga or meditation.
• Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure, which then increases your risk for kidney disease. Limit your intake to two standard drinks per day if you are male, and one drink per day if you are female.
• Being overweight can put you at an increased risk of developing diabetes and high blood pressure, which in turn are risk factors for kidney disease. Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, legumes and wholegrain bread and rice. Eat lean meat; and opt for reduced-fat and low-fat dairy products. Limit the amount of fatty food you eat and lower your salt intake. Avoid processed foods and takeaways. If you need extra guidance, ask your doctor for advice on nutrition and how to reach and maintain your ideal weight.
• Water assists in transporting nutrients around the body, and helps eliminate waste. Make sure you drink approximately six to eight glasses of water per day.
• Regular exercise can help you control your weight, and reduce your risk for heart disease and diabetes, which are risk factors for kidney disease. Exercise for at least 30 minutes, five days a week.

References

• http://www.health24.com/Medical/Kidney-and-bladder/News/Chronic-kidney-disease-on-the-rise-20120721
• http://www.nkf.org.za/default.htm
• http://www.lifehealthcare.co.za/Hospitals/Life_Healthcare_Kidney_Awareness_Week_PRL_010915.pdf
• http://www.renalcaresoc.org/Education.asp
• http://www.mykidneyplan.com/My-Kidney-what-happens-when-your-kidneys-slow-down-or-stop-working
• http://kidney.templehealth.org/content/fail.htm