CSN-CommunityPost-Ten Things to Know About Kidney Disease

The kidney problem is one that many people would favor not to think about. But, March is National Kidney Month, so it's the best time to concentrate on some factors about this debilitating disease and, importantly, to take action to prevent it from happening to you.

What is chronic kidney disease?

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a continuous loss in kidney function over months or years. Kidneys damage implies that your kidneys can't do their duty, and, as a consequence, you can become very sick. Without precise treatment, which may include dialysis, you may go into kidney failure, which can be life-threatening.

Who gets CKD?

As per the National Kidney Foundation, 30 million Americans are expected to have CKD. While this situation can affect anyone at any age, it's widespread in African-Americans, Native Americans, South Asians (people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka ), Hispanics, and people age 60 and older. Additionally, women are more likely to have CKD than men.

 What causes CKD?

Several factors can cause CKD, although the two heavy hitters are high blood pressure and diabetes. These two states make up for two-thirds of all CKD causes. Maybe somewhat ironically, people with diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure and kidney disease than people without diabetes. Other conditions can cause CKD, as well. These contain glomerulonephritis, a condition that includes inflammation and damage to the kidneys, lupus, autoimmune disease; kidney stones; kidney tumors; polycystic kidney disease; frequent urinary tract infections, and malformations of the kidneys.

What are the symptoms of CKD?

In the beginning stages of CKD, you may not have any signs and symptoms. On the other side, some people notice that they:-

• Feel more tired and lack energy

 • Have a poor appetite

 • Have trouble concentrating

 • Have trouble sleeping

 • Have dry, itchy skin

 • Have swollen feet and ankles

 • Have muscle cramping

 • Need to urinate more than usual

 • Have pink or dark urine

What are the tests to diagnose CKD?

 Both urine and blood tests are used to monitor kidney disease. One of the tests checks creatinine, a waste product formed by the muscles and excreted by the kidneys. Creatinine levels can build up in the blood if the kidneys aren't working as well as they should. An equation can measure your kidney function called the glomerular filtration rate or GFR. It describes your doctor, how well your kidneys are operating. Another simple test is the albumin-to-creatinine ratio or urine microalbumin. This test signifies if there is any protein in the urine. Speak to your doctor about what tests you need to check for kidney disease and make sure you ask about your results.

How is CKD treated?

Similar to diabetes, there is no cure for CKD, but medications are available. In the initial stages of this disease, changes in your diet and medication are often required. If CKD proceeds and your kidneys start to fail, you will need dialysis to remove wastes and extra fluid from the body. A kidney transplant may also be one of the options for some people.

What is the diet for CKD?

Again, similar to diabetes, there is no specific diet for CKD. What and how much you consume may depend on how well your kidney disease is managed and what stage of kidney disease you're at. However, most people need to make some dietary changes, especially how much sodium (salt) they eat. You may also be required to cut back on how much potassium and phosphorous you consume, as well.

Is a low-protein diet requires to manage CKD?

Until recently, doctors often recommended that people with CKD cut back on the diet's protein. Like, meat, fish, or chicken, too much protein from, like, meat fish was thought to point to waste build-up in the blood. But, newer research intimates that while you still may need to see how much protein you have, following a low-protein diet isn't necessary and, in some cases, could lead to malnutrition. If you have CKD, it's essential to talk with your doctor and meet with a dietitian specializing in kidney disease to learn about the best diet for you.

Is it safe to have herbal supplements if you have CKD?

It's essential to consult with your doctor about any supplements you are thinking about taking or having. Some supplements can be dangerous to your kidneys and should be avoided. These supplements are creatine (not to be confused with creatinine), licorice root, Yohimbe, astragalus, and barberry. Other supplements, like bitter melon, feverfew, evening primrose, contain potassium and American ginseng. And some supplements include phosphorous, including American ginseng, feverfew, milk thistle. It can be very risky to take these supplements, so always talk with your doctor before taking any supplements.

Can CKD be prevented?

There are no guarantees that you won't ever have CKD. You can take steps to prevent it. People who have diabetes, focus on maintaining and managing your A1C levels and blood sugars. Everyone, particularly those who are at high risk for CKD, should try to keep their cholesterol levels and blood pressure in a safe range. Arriving and staying at a healthy weight and stopping smoking are also necessary steps to take. Ultimately, talk with your health-care team about CKD, including your risk factors, screening tests, and specific things that you can do to low your risk.