How to slow the progression of kidney disease?

Dr. Saurabh Pokhariyal

To maintain overall health and well-being, we must pay attention to all body organs, especially the kidneys. The kidneys are fist-like organs below the ribs and on either side of the spine. They allow our body to efficiently filter out excess water and waste products, thereby a healthy balance of water, salt and minerals such as sodium, calcium and phosphorus in our blood. Take. The kidneys also help control blood pressure and maintain bone health. Unfortunately, a slight imbalance in kidney function is usually undetected due to the absence of major symptoms and can progress to quietly advanced kidney disease. Therefore, it is important to carry out regular lab tests and surveys.

Regular kidney tests are essential for people with a family history of diabetes, cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, obesity, or kidney disease. Regular testing of kidney function can help you understand your kidney health, and early diagnosis of kidney-related problems can help you better manage future damage. The incidence of CKD in India is unknown due to the lack of accurate national data collection. However, few studies have estimated more than one million new patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESKD) who choose dialysis therapy or need a kidney transplant. In addition, the increasing incidence of lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure, which are the major precursors to kidney disease, adds nearly 200,000 people to the pool each year.

Thankfully, some lifestyle activities can also be modified to delay kidney damage, especially if chronic kidney disease (CKD) is diagnosed at one of the early stages. Below are some of the guidelines to follow.

Choose regular physical activity

30 minutes of regular exercise helps a healthy body, as aerobic exercise helps maintain optimal cardiovascular health and also helps lower blood pressure and blood pressure, which are the two main causes of kidney disease. Is essential to. Exercise routines such as active walking, running, and cycling are beneficial to kidney health. You can choose these activities according to your interests and according to the recommendations and approvals of your referral doctor.

Beware of OTC supplements and medications

Take the medicine only at the recommendation of your doctor. Taking regular painkillers without consulting a doctor can cause chronic kidney disease. Consider taking over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers only if the pain is intolerable. If any part of the pain recurs, you should consult a general practitioner for further diagnosis.

Monitor blood sugar levels

In the case of diabetes, controlling blood sugar levels can slow the progression of kidney disease. Talk to your dietitian about what foods / dishes you can eat if you have diabetes or kidney disease. Follow your doctor’s instructions regularly regarding diet, insulin and other medications.

Control blood pressure

Keeping blood pressure within a healthy range may help slow the progression of kidney disease. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, meditation, reducing salt and alcohol intake, and quitting smoking can help lower blood pressure. If you are diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medications in addition to lifestyle changes.

(The author is a co-founder of the Vitus Care Dialysis Center. This article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare professional and / or healthcare professional before starting treatment, dosing, and / or treatment. The expressed views are personal and do not reflect an official position, or the Financial Express.com policy.)