The woman puts pressure on the kidneys
The kidneys are one of those organs that we often take for granted until something goes wrong. But the kidneys are so important because they work behind the scenes to keep us healthy (and, frankly, alive) by regulating fluid levels in the body, filtering waste and toxins from the blood, and controlling blood pressure.
But how do you know what shape your kidneys are? After all, it is not as we see it. Here, a nephrologist will tell you the best way to know if your kidneys are healthy, what are the warning signs of potential problems, and how you can support your kidney health.
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#1 for healthy kidneys
Dr. Jeffrey R. Schelling, a nephrologist and professor of physiology and biophysics at Case Western University School of Medicine, explains that the kidney is a very resilient organ. You don't know you have a problem if your kidney function is only 10% of normal. That's why he says the best way to know if your kidneys are healthy is to get blood and urine tests from your doctor.
One of these tests is a blood test called estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This test measures how well your kidneys are working. Another test is a urine test called the urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR). This test shows the presence of albumin (a type of protein found in the blood) in your urine. Since one of the kidneys' job is to filter the blood, if these blood proteins are found in the urine, it is a sign that the kidneys are not working properly. With this in mind , good eGFR and uACR test results are the first sign of healthy kidneys.
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Dr. Schelling says that physical symptoms of kidney problems only appear when kidney disease is in an advanced stage. "When kidney function drops below 25% of normal function, many symptoms can appear due to the accumulation of toxins and fluids that the kidneys expel in the form of urine," he explains.
He added that the main symptoms are ankle swelling and shortness of breath, both due to excessive fluid retention.
How to keep your kidneys healthy
Unfortunately, Dr. Bombing often leads to chronic kidney disease. In the United States, approximately 15% of adults suffer from chronic kidney disease. "In the United States, one in seven people has less than half of normal kidney function," he explained. So it is important to know how to keep your kidneys healthy.
"The biggest risk factors for chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure," says Dr. Sgranatura. To prevent these chronic diseases that affect the kidneys, he believes that the best way to stay healthy is to maintain a healthy diet and reduce sodium intake. (A good goal is to eat less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, as recommended by the American Heart Association). Eating nutrient-dense foods, reducing processed foods, and drinking plenty of water can help improve kidney health.
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In addition, Dr. Shell also promotes kidney health by helping to maintain a healthy weight, thereby reducing the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
For those who already have diabetes or high blood pressure, controlling these conditions is important, says Dr. The bombardment is very important to maintain the health of the kidney. That means following a heart-healthy eating plan like the Mediterranean diet or the DASH diet, and working with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to help you follow a healthy eating plan that fits your lifestyle. . .
Dr. Schelling notes that chronic kidney disease is a "silent" disease, meaning that many people often only notice it when it's in an advanced stage. That's why it's important to eat a kidney-healthy diet, exercise regularly, and visit your doctor regularly for blood and urine tests to check your kidney health. If you do all of this, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic kidney disease, which is pretty exciting!
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