Prevention of kidney diseases

The aim of World Kidney Day, which was on March 14, is to increase awareness of kidney diseases. It is never late to learn and let go of behaviour that is damaging our body. Just because we have two kidneys doesn’t mean that we can take things for granted. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a silent killer, where the symptoms are few and occur very late. Hence, most patients with CKD come late to nephrologists. Once the CKD has reached Stage 5 then dialysis or kidney transplant are the only courses of treatment.   Here are 10 commandments which can help protect us from kidney damage:

1. Avoid excessive weight gain: Excessive weight puts pressure on the kidney besides causing hypertension. When weight is gained over a short duration, one must get screened for kidney disease. 

2. Avoid excessive use of painkillers: Popping over-the-counter painkillers for headaches, backaches and tummy aches is not a good practice and can damage your kidneys.

3. Avoid use of herbal medications: There are several reports of kidney damage following intake of Chinese as well as Indian herbal preparations. 

4. Keep your BP under control: Uncontrolled blood pressure results in kidney damage as it puts extra pressure on the kidney function.


5. Control blood sugar:  Uncontrolled diabetes results in kidney damage. In India, diabetes is the most common cause of CKD.

6. Avoid junk food: It is high in salt and saturated fats and bad for the kidneys. Even beverages contribute to high uric acid formation and weight gain. Eat a DASH diet rich in fruit, green leafy vegetables, nuts and low-fat dairy products.

7. Ensure good water intake: The less water we take, the higher are the chances of kidney stone formation. Drink 10 -12 glasses of water daily.

8. Do regular physical activity: A sedentary lifestyle can cause high blood pressure and diabetes which results in kidney damage. Physical activity makes body parts active and helps in slowing down the aging of the kidneys.

9. Do regular health checkups: The best way to diagnose CKD early is through simple blood tests, urine tests and ultrasound. Those with a family history of kidney disease or over
50 years of age or with diabetes, hypertension and obesity must get an annual health checkup.

10. Do not smoke: Smoking is harmful for all organs, including kidneys.
It reduces blood supply to the kidneys, increases blood pressure and is even more  harmful for those with weak kidneys. 

The author is director and head of the department of nephrology and kidney transplant at Fortis Flt Lt Rajan Dhall Hospital, Vasant Kunj, Delhi