Are you at Risk of Kidney Damage?

About 37 million adults in the United States have kidney disease, and most are unaware (National Kidney Foundation). We also find that African Americans are among the top high-risk groups for developing kidney failure related to a high incidence of high blood pressure and diabetes within the community (CDC.gov).
The kidney is a “bean-shaped” organ in the body that primarily functions to:

• Remove waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body
• Produce hormones that impact other body systems, such as renin which helps with blood pressure
• Helps with red blood cell production

You are typically born with two kidneys. However, living a healthy life with only one kidney is possible. On rare occasions are people born with three kidneys.
When kidneys are not working, it builds up harmful toxins and excess fluid
in the body. This can lead to kidney damage or failure manifested as fatigue, lethargy, swelling in the extremities, blood pressure issues, low back pain, or other symptoms (NHS.UK).
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) results when an individual has abnormal kidney functioning lasting at least three months. Dialysis is usually the last option for kidney damage, with hopes of an organ transplant.
The following high-risk factors are associated with kidney problems:
genetics, age, chronic conditions (diabetes or hypertension), drugs, or ethnicity, including African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, and Pacific Islanders, & American Indians (National Kidney Foundation).
Here is a little quiz: Are you at Risk for Kidney Disease?
Take the quiz here – https://www.kidney.org/phi/form?version=health
So, what’s the solution?
Everything starts with awareness, which means understanding the problem and following up with a medical provider when presented with symptoms. It is never a good idea to ignore any negative health problem symptoms which may lead to further problems and complications. Following up with chronic disease management and care is also essential, especially for hypertension or diabetes. Finally, the need to have specific routine lab testing such as urinalysis, comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), albumin level, serum creatinine, or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) may help to identify problems early.
If you find that you may fall into the high-risk category for kidney problems, contact us at https://www.arcpointlabs.com/grandprairie-south to check these labs (no need for a doctor’s order).

#totalwellbeing

#myjam – Feel free to try some of these favorite foods of mine, which also promote kidney health- cabbage, green leafy vegetables, berries, fish, and olive oil.

References
https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Kidneyhealth/Documents/kidney%20guide.pdf
https://nccd.cdc.gov/ckd/FactorsOfInterest.aspx?type=Race/Ethnicity
Are you at risk for Kidney Disease – https://www.kidney.org/phi/form?version=health (American Kidney Foundation)