HEALTHY REASONING: Kidney Care Is Vital

Photo above shows a close-up of a person hand checking blood sugar level with a glucometer. Photo credit: © Can Stock Photo Inc. AndreyPopov.

By Allan Bucka Jones
PRIDE Health Columnist

Many of us in the Black community have chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, are on dialysis, or in a pre-dialysis state.

Chronic disease like diabetes and high blood pressure are commonplace. The simple fact is, if your diabetes and high blood pressure are under control, you will significantly reduce the chance of kidney damage and the necessity to need to start dialysis.

It is simple. If you control your diabetes, at acceptable blood sugar levels, as determined by your family doctor or your diabetes care team, and keep your blood pressure at the levels suggested by the doctor, you are on your way to maintaining healthy kidneys.

Dialysis is the process of removing waste products and excess fluid from the body. It is necessary when the kidneys are not able to adequately filter the blood. Dialysis allows patients with kidney failure a chance to stay alive and live productive lives.

There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Each type of dialysis has advantages and disadvantages. Patients usually have input and able to help choose the type of long term dialysis that best matches their needs.

Dialysis replaces some of the functions of a normal operating kidney, so when your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis to stay alive. As stated earlier, the two main contributors to damaged kidneys, are high blood pressure and diabetes.

Most of us have two kidneys, although it is possible to have good kidney function with just one. The kidneys are the body’s key filtering system. They remove toxins from the body by separating waste products and water from the blood.

Unfortunately due to many situations, for example, diabetes, high blood pressure, lupus, genetic predisposition and lifestyle, the kidneys can be damaged and their function become compromised or they cease functioning completely.

The Black community has a high rate of diabetes and high blood pressure. Both illnesses are at epidemic levels and increasing. Combined, diabetes and high blood pressure account for two-third or 66% of the problems encountered by the kidneys.

So, many of us end up with chronic kidney disease, and some will move on to end-stage renal disease and in need of dialysis.

The kidneys are very forgiving organs. You can lose significant functioning and still feel good. So if you have diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important to have a kidney function test every year when you do your annual examinations, because you may be moving to a situation of complete loss of kidney function and do not know.

The good news is, that not everyone with chronic kidney disease will progress to a complete loss of kidney function or end-stage renal disease.

Here are some approaches that will improve your ability to keep the kidneys functioning, and allow you to maintain a good quality of life:

• First of all, have an understanding of the situation you are in and manage the process. Be proactive in seeking information and cultivate a good rapport with your kidney specialist or family doctor, and other members of your healthcare team.
• Good blood pressure control is key for good kidney health. Know the blood pressure target levels set by your doctor, and take your medications at the times suggested by your physician. If you are not taking the medications tell your doctor.
• If you are taking pain killers, stay away from ibuprofen. This drug belongs to the family of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, which are documented to have adverse effects on the kidney.
• Cut down or eliminate salt from your diet.
• Purchase a small note-book and keep a record of your blood pressure and blood sugar levels. This is very important.
• Maintain good blood sugar levels if you are diabetic or have pre-diabetes. Diabetes can lead to significant kidney problems, and also predispose you to high blood pressure. Take your medications and / or insulin at the prescribed times.
• A well balanced diet is important for good kidney health. Ask your doctor to recommend you to a dietician who is familiar with the foods you eat. The dietician needs to take into account the African and West Indian / Caribbean diet.
• Get some physical activity, at least 30 minutes, five days per week. You do not have to go to a gym. Walking helps. Exercise also helps with weight control, which is a key element in maintaining good kidney health.
• If you are a smoker, stop smoking.
• If you are anemic, try to maintain normal blood count. Ask your doctor how.
• Drinking alcohol is bad for kidney health. Stop drinking alcohol or reduce the intake to only two drinks per day.

Kidney care is vital. Control your diabetes and blood pressure, and you will be on your way to ensuring healthy kidneys, and eliminate the need for dialysis.

 

Allan Bucka Jones is a Health Promoter and Broadcaster. You can contact Allan Bucka Jones at allan@jonesandjones.ca.