According to’Inserm5 to 10% of French people suffer from kidney disease which could lead to renal failure.
What are the main functions of the kidneys?
- The kidneys are vital organs like the heart or the lungs. Their primary function is to eliminate certain waste produced by the body or derived from food, in particular urea, resulting from the protein digestioncreatinine from muscle cells, uric acid and other toxins.
- They balance minerals needed by the body, such as potassiumTHE sodium and the calcium from food.
- They maintain the water balance of our body by producing urine.
- They secrete renin which helps to increase the arterial pressure.
- They secrete erythropoietina hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells by the bone marrow.
- It is at the level of the kidneys that the vitamin D is activated, favoring the absorption of calcium through the digestive tract and its attachment to the bones.
How to take good care of your kidneys?
To take care of your kidneys and prevent kidney disease that leads to chronic kidney disease, it is recommended to have a healthy diet and balancedregular hydration throughout the day and physical activity, all ways to prevent overweight and obesity, risk factors for kidney disease.
Salt intake should also be moderate, to limit the risk of arterial hypertension which favors renal pathologies. The contribution in proteins and in lipids must also be limited, because these macromolecules are filtered by the kidneys. An excess of these nutrients can overload this filtering organ. In prevention of kidney stonesit is advisable to limit your consumption of sugar and in particular of refined fructose and his consumption of carbonated drinks, both of which acidify the urine which promotes the formation of kidney stones.
What are the signs of poor kidney function?
- Increase in creatinine and blood urea
- Anemia due to a lack of red blood cells which results in particular in pallor and abnormal fatigue
What are the most common signs of kidney failure?
- Fatigue
- Digestive disorders (nausea, vomiting)
- High blood pressure
- Tingling, cramps
- Itching
- Swelling of the eyelids and/or ankles (edema) corresponding to Water retention and salt
- Shortness of breath
- Increased frequency of urinating, especially at night
Good to know : Kidney failure is an insidious disease, which often progresses without the person realizing it.
Sources:
- Renal failure,Inserm.fr
- Chronic kidney disease (kidney failure),Chu-lyon.fr
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