My team and I were also caught in the “silence on kidneys” web but I think with all the dust settled it is a great time to draw attention to the vital pair.

Our kidneys specialize in removing wastes and water from the blood, balancing chemicals in the body, releasing hormones, controlling blood pressure, producing Vitamin D for strong healthy bones and even aid in blood production by producing red blood cells.

Our focus is on chronic kidney disease, which is associated with a gradual loss of kidney function. Imagine what happens at an advanced stage when it is unable to perform its functions above.

Initial presentation of kidney disease is non-specific and may include; nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue and weakness, sleep problems, changes in urine output, decreased mental sharpness, muscle twitches and cramps, hiccups, swelling of feet and ankles, persistent itching, chest pain, shortness of breath and hypertension that is difficult to control. Remember these may also occur in other diseases so don’t play doctor; get help.

“Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a public health problem throughout the world and often ends up in kidney failure and premature death. CKD affects about 195 million women worldwide and it is currently the 8th leading cause of death in women.”

The risk of developing CKD is at least as high in women as in men, and may even be higher. According to some studies, CKD is more likely to develop in women compared with men. However, the number of women on dialysis is lower than the number of men. Kidney transplantation is also unequally spread, mostly due to social, cultural and psychological aspects.

“CKD is also considered a risk factor for poor pregnancy outcome and reduced fertility. Women who have CKD are at increased risk for negative outcomes for the mother and the baby; pregnancies in women with advanced CKD are most challenging with high rates of hypertensive disorders and preterm births. They may have reduced fertility but conception is possible, even if infrequent.”

CAUSES & RISK FACTORS

These conditions or lifestyles may increase our risk of chronic kidney disease;

• Uncontrolled Diabetes

• Uncontrolled High Blood Pressure and other heart diseases

• Diseases of the kidney

o Polycystic kidney disease

o Recurrent kidney infection

o Prolonged obstruction of urinary tract my stones, enlarged prostate or cancers.

• Smoking and excessive alcohol and aphrodisiac consumption

• Obesity

• High Cholesterol

• When a family member has had kidney disease

• Age especially after 65 years

COMPLICATIONS

No part of the body is immune to the devastation of Chronic Kidney Disease. Some common challenges are;

• Heart and blood vessel disease

• Fluid retention including flooding your lungs.

• Decreased sex drive or impotence

• Anaemia

• Weak bones and hence bones may break easily

• Brain damage

• Decreased Immunity

GOLDEN RULES TO PREVENTING OR MANAGING CONDITION

If you have kidney disease you MUST talk to a dietician in addition to a kidney specialist. The role of diet can never be over emphasized.

1. Keep Fit and Active

a. “on the move for kidney health”

2. Control Diabetes or blood sugar

3. Monitor and control Blood Pressure

a. Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the most common cause of kidney damage

4. Eat Healthy and keep Weight in check

a. Limit protein intake and avoid products with added salt such as salted snacks, canned vegetables and processed meats and cheese.

b. Choose low potassium products such apples, grapes, carrots, cabbage and green beans. Flee from high potassium foods such as banana, orange, potatoes, spinach and tomatoes.

c. Modify your eating pattern to prevent or manage diabetes and heart disease.

5. Maintain a healthy fluid intake

a. Fluids especially water help kidneys clear sodium, urea and other toxins

b. Drink about 2 litres of water a day but remember our needs may vary according to exercise, weather, health conditions, pregnancy, breastfeeding etc.

c. If you have had a kidney stone before then it is important you drink 2 to 3 litres of fluid to prevent new formation.

6. DO NOT SMOKE & (AVOID OR MINIMISE ALCOHOL)

a. Smoking increases your risk of kidney cancers and

b. Also slows flow of blood through the kidneys.

7. Do NOT take over-the-counter medication on a regular basis

8. CHECK your kidney function

a. It is crucial to get medical examinations regularly. If you have any of the risk factors discussed earlier then it is a crime if you don’t.

TREATMENT FOR END-STAGE KIDNEY DISEASE

In Ghana like many other developing countries less than 8% of those with the condition get optimal management. This is because at this stage there are simply two options Dialysis and Kidney Transplant.

Dialysis artificially removes wastes from the blood but the cost of the procedure and the frequency required makes it inaccessible to the majority of people.

Kidney Transplant is also highly specialized, expensive, you will need to take medicines for the rest of your life to avoid rejection of the transplanted kidney and one needs to find a compatible donor.

So take all the necessary steps to protect your kidney now; prevention is certainly better than cure.

AS ALWAYS LAUGH OFTEN, WALK AND PRAY EVERYDAY AND REMEMBER IT’S A PRICELESS GIFT TO KNOW YOUR NUMBERS (blood sugar, blood pressure, blood cholesterol, BMI)

Dr. Kojo Cobba Essel

Health Essentials/St Andrews Clinic

(www.healthessentialsgh.com)

*Dr. Kojo Essel is a Medical Doctor, holds an MBA and is ISSA certified in Exercise Therapy, Fitness Nutrition & Corrective Exercise.

Thought for the week – “On World Kidney Day and Beyond I invite you to drink adequate amounts of water; water may protect your kidneys but it won’t cure Chronic Kidney Disease.”

References:

• Kidney Health Series – Roche

• www.worldkidneyday.org