The kidneys are the organs that filter out any waste or impurities from our blood in order to produce urine which can be easily excreted out. Kidney disease is a condition in which the kidney is unable to remove waste and extra fluid from the body. Kidney disease is a condition that results from either an acute or chronic injury to the organ.
Types:
The three main types of kidney disease are chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury and renal failure.
Acute kidney injury (AKI) can be caused by traumatic events such as an automobile accident or surgery. Acute kidney injury most often happens after an operation or from an underlying condition such as sepsis, pancreatitis or urosepsis. Acute kidney injury can also be seen after taking some medications like gentamicin, cephalosporins, aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may also be caused by certain medications that can harm your kidneys while they are taking them. CKD progresses gradually over time and leads to more serious problems like kidney failure.
The symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:
- High blood pressure
- Nausea or vomiting
- Swollen feet or legs
- Itchy skin or scalpel
- Tiredness or fatigue indigestion.
- Loss of appeti.
- Fatigue/weakness.
- Anemia/easy bruising.
- Swelling in abdomen.
If early detection, prevention methods can help manage the condition.
Some of the causes and risk factors associated with kidney disease are:
- obesity.
- diabetes
- blood pressure.
- chronic glomerulonephritis
Dietary management is one of the ways to help prevent kidney disease:
It promotes healthy eating habits while also reducing substances that may cause harm to your kidneys.
Some ways to manage your diet with Kidney Disease include:
- eating more potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges and beans;
- eating less sodium-rich foods such as salt;
- avoiding alcohol consumption;
- staying active through walking or any other physical activity.
Positive dietary modifications include incorporating more potassium-rich foods such as celery and other leafy green vegetables such as spinach into the diet; increasing fluid intake by drinking water during mealtimes as well as between them; drinking fruit juices without added sugar; reducing consumption of salt-containing food items such as fast food products