Six Silent Kidney-Killers

Still in the spirit of World Kidney Day, we are sharing the importance of the kidneys.

World Kidney Day is a global health awareness campaign that focuses on the importance of kidneys, reducing the impact and frequency of kidney diseases. World Kidney Day is celebrated annually on the 2nd Thursday of March. This year, it is being observed on March 10.

The day aims to raise awareness among people who have kidney-related problems and the treatment and impact of kidney illnesses overall. In India, the number of kidney disease patients has been increasing.

The theme for World Kidney day 2022 is 'Kidney health for all'.

People are not aware of the cost for their kidney treatments which involves organ donors, kidney specialists, dialysis machine for every treatment, and so much more that goes behind these surgeries and treatment.

This day calls for scientists, doctors, nurses, physicians, health-policy experts, nephrology officials, government officials, etc to make policies and plan budget with more emphasis on kidney health.

Kidneys are vital organs in the body that filter the blood, help in passing waste as urine, release hormones that regulate blood pressure and balance the body's fluids.

However, there are a number of our daily activities that are in fact harmful to our kidneys. Some of them are:

1. Eating too much salt: Having a high intake of sodium can increase your blood pressure and, in turn, harm your kidneys. Avoid eating too much salt or overseasoned foods. You could also opt for other natural food spices that give flavor to your food.

2. Overusing painkillers: Painkillers such as NSAIDs and analgesics may be useful in relieving pain, but prolonged or indiscriminate use of these painkillers can harm your kidneys. Avoid using painkillers indiscriminately.

3. Not drinking enough water: Drinking adequate amounts of water helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from the body better. It also helps in the prevention of kidney stones. Try to stay well hydrated.

4. Eating too much sugar: This increases your risk of developing a high blood pressure and diabetes, which can affect kidney function. Avoid eating foods high in sugar. Remember that because it is not "sweet" does not mean it does not contain high amounts of sugar.

5. Excessive alcohol intake: Heavy alcohol intake has been found to increase the risk of kidney diseases in people. If you must drink at all, do not do so in excess.

6. Not getting enough sleep: Sleep helps to keep the body rejuvenated. Not getting enough sleep can affect the kidney function negatively as the kidney's workload during the day gets to be regulated in our sleep. Try to get more sleep daily.

From removing waste to regulating blood pressure, your kidneys are some of the most important organs in your body.

One of the objectives of World Kidney Day is to reduce the impact and frequency of kidney diseases. Share this mail with a loved one to help better #KidneyHealthforAll.

-Drugstore Nigeria

March 11, 2022