PREVENTING CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE 

You are more likely to develop kidney disease if you have diabetes high blood pressure heart disease family history of kidney failure

TABLE CONTENT: What can i do to keep my kidneys health.Symptoms, causes, and treatment of chronic kidney disease.Signs of Kidney Stones.6 Home Remedies for Kidney Stones.

What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?


You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The steps described below may help keep your whole body healthy, including your kidneys.


During your next medical visit, you may want to ask your health care provider about your kidney health. Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms, so getting tested may be the only way to know your kidneys are healthy. Your health care provider will help decide how often you should be tested.


See a provider right away if you develop aurinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause kidney damage if left untreated.


Make healthy food choices


Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day. Try to have less than 10 percent of your daily calories come from added sugars.


Choose foods that are healthy for your body.


Tips for making healthy food choices


Cook with a mix of spices instead of salt.Choose veggie toppings such as spinach, broccoli, and peppers for your pizza.Try baking or broiling meat, chicken, and fish instead of frying.Serve foods without gravy or added fats.Try to choose foods with little or no added sugar.Gradually work your way down from whole milk to 2 percent milk until you’re drinking and cooking with fat-free (skim) or low-fat milk and milk products.Eat foods made from whole grains—such as whole wheat, brown rice, oats, and whole-grain corn—every day. Use whole-grain bread for toast and sandwiches; substitute brown rice for white rice for home-cooked meals and when dining out.Read food labels. Choose foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium), and added sugars.Slow down at snack time. Eating a bag of low-fat popcorn takes longer than eating a slice of cake. Peel and eat an orange instead of drinking orange juice.Try keeping a written record of what you eat for a week. It can help you see when you tend to overeat or eat foods high in fat or calories.


Research has shown that the DASH eating plan  may help you lower your blood pressure. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, you may want tolocate and work with a dietitian  to create a meal plan that meets your needs.


Make physical activity part of your routine


Be active for 30 minutes or more on most days. If you are not active now, ask your health care provider about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you. Add more activity to your life with these tips to help you get active.


Aim for a healthy weight


The NIH Body Weight Planner is an online tool to help you tailor your plans to achieve and stay at a healthy weight. The Body Weight Planner is a part of the Super Tracker , a free food-, physical activity-, and weight-tracking tool from Choose MyPlate.government that will help you build a healthier diet, manage your weight, and reduce your risk of chronic disease, including kidney disease.


If you are overweight or obese, work with your health care provider or dietitian to create a realistic weight-loss plan. View more weight control and physical activity resources to help you get and stay motivated.


Get enough sleep


Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble sleeping, take steps to improve your sleep habits .


Stop smoking


If you smoke or use other tobacco products, stop. Ask for help so you don’t have to do it alone.


Limit alcohol intake


Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure and add extra calories, which can lead to weight gain. If you drink alcohol , limit yourself to one drink per day if you are a woman and two drinks per day if you are a man.

Explore stress-reducing activities


Learning how to manage stress , relax, and cope with problems can improve emotional and physical health. Physical activity can help reduce stress, as can mind and body practices such as meditation ,yoga , or tai chi .


Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease


If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, the best way to protect your kidneys from damage is to


Keep blood glucose numbers close to your goal. Checking your blood glucose, or blood sugar, level is an important way to manage your diabetes. Your health care team may want you to test your blood glucose one or more times a day.


Keep your blood pressure numbers close to your goal. The blood pressure goal for most people with diabetes is below 140/90 mm Hg. Read more about high blood pressure .


Take all your medicines as prescribed. Talk with your health care provider about certain blood pressure medicines, called ACE inhibitors and ARBs, which may protect your kidneys. The names of these medicines end in –pril or –sartan.


Be careful about the daily use of over-the-counter pain medications. Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen  andnaproxen , can damage your kidneys.Learn more about over-the-counter medicines and your kidneys.


To help prevent heart attacks and stroke, keep your cholesterol levels in the target range. There are two kinds of cholesterol in your blood: LDL and HDL. LDL or “bad” cholesterol can build up and clog your blood vessels, which can cause a heart attack or stroke. HDL or “good” cholesterol helps remove the “bad” cholesterol from your blood vessels. A cholesterol test also may measure another type of blood fat calledtriglycerides.


Ask your health care provider questions


Ask your health care provider the following key questions about your kidney health during your next medical visit. The sooner you know you have kidney disease, the sooner you can get treatment to help protect your kidneys.


Key questions for your health care provider:


What is my glomerular filtration rate (GFR)?What is my urine albumin result?What is my blood pressure?What is my blood glucose (for people with diabetes)?How often should I get my kidneys checked?



Other important questions:



What should I do to keep my kidneys healthy?Do I need to be taking different medicines?Should I be more physically active?What kind of physical activity can I do?What can I eat?Am I at a healthy weight?Do I need to talk with a dietitian to get help with meal planning?Should I be taking ACE inhibitors or ARBs for my kidneys?What happens if I have kidney disease?


Symptoms, causes, and treatment of chronic kidney disease



Table of contents

Chronic kidney disease is a slow and progressive loss of kidney function over a period of several years. Eventually, the patient has permanent kidney failure.

Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic renal failure, chronic renal disease, or chronic kidney failure, is much more widespread than people realize; it often goes undetected and undiagnosed until the disease is well advanced.

It is not unusual for people to realize they have chronic kidney failure only when their kidney function is down to 25 percent of normal.

As kidney failure advances and the organ's function is severely impaired, dangerous levels of waste and fluid can rapidly build up in the body. Treatment is aimed at stopping or slowing down the progression of the disease - this is usually done by controlling its underlying cause.

Fast facts on chronic kidney disease

Here are some key points about chronic kidney disease. More detail and supporting information is in the main article.

Common symptoms include blood in urine, high blood pressure, andfatigue.Causes include diabetes and specific kidney diseases, which includes polycystic kidney disease.There is no cure for chronic kidney disease, which means treatment is focussed on reducing symptoms.Diagnosis commonly occurs after blood tests, kidney scans, or biopsy.

Symptoms


Chronic kidney disease rarely shows symptoms until the later stages, so screening is recommended for those who are at risk..

Chronic kidney failure, as opposed to acute kidney failure, is a slow and gradually progressive disease. Even if one kidney stops functioning, the other can carry out normal functions. It is not usually until the disease is fairly well advanced and the condition has become severe that signs and symptoms are noticeable; by which time most of the damage is irreversible.

It is important that people who are at high risk of developing kidney disease have their kidney functions regularly checked. Early detection can significantly help prevent serious kidney damage.

The most common signs and symptoms of chronic kidney disease include:

anemiablood in urinedark urinedecreased mental alertnessdecreased urine outputedema - swollen feet, hands, and ankles (face if edema is severe)fatigue (tiredness)hypertension (high blood pressure)insomniaitchy skin, can become persistentloss of appetitemale inability to get or maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)more frequent urination, especially at nightmuscle crampsmuscle twitchesnauseapain on the side or mid to lower backpanting (shortness of breath)protein in urinesudden change in bodyweightunexplained headaches

Stages

Changes in the GFR rate can assess how advanced the kidney disease is. In the UK, and many other countries, kidney disease stages are classified as follows:

Stage 1 - GFR rate is normal. However, evidence of kidney disease has been detected.

Stage 2 - GFR rate is lower than 90 milliliters, and evidence of kidney disease has been detected.

Stage 3 - GFR rate is lower than 60 milliliters, regardless of whether evidence of kidney disease has been detected.

Stage 4 - GRF rate is lower than 30 milliliters, regardless of whether evidence of kidney disease has been detected.

Stage 5 - GFR rate is lower than 15 milliliters. Renal failure has occurred.

The majority of patients with chronic kidney disease rarely progress beyond Stage 2. It is important for kidney disease to be diagnosed and treated early for serious damage to be prevented.

Patients with diabetes should have an annual test, which measures microalbuminuria (small amounts of protein) in urine. This test can detect early diabetic nephropathy (early kidney damage linked to diabetes).

Treatment

There is no current cure for chronic kidney disease. However, some therapies can help control the signs and symptoms, reduce the risk of complications, and slow the progression of the disease.

Patients with chronic kidney disease typically need to take a large number of medications. Treatments include:

Anemia treatment

Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that carries vital oxygen around the body. If hemoglobin levels are low, the patient has anemia.

Some kidney disease patients with anemia will require blood transfusions. A patient with kidney disease will usually have to take iron supplements, either in the form of daily ferrous sulfate tablets, or occasionally in the form of injections.

Phosphate balance

People with kidney disease may not be able to eliminate phosphate from their body properly. Patients will be advised to reduce their nutritional phosphate intake - this usually means reducing consumption of dairy products, red meat, eggs, and fish.

High blood pressure

High blood pressure is a common problem for patients with chronic kidney disease. It is important to bring the blood pressure down to protect the kidneys, and subsequently slow down the progression of the disease.

Skin itching

Antihistamines, such as chlorphenamine, may help alleviate symptoms of itching.

Anti-sickness medications

If toxins build up in the body because the kidneys don't work properly, patients may feel sick (nausea). Medications such as cyclizine or metaclopramide help relieve sickness.

NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

NSAIDs, such as aspirin or ibuprofen should be avoided and only taken if a doctor recommends them.

End-stage treatment

This is when the kidneys are functioning at less than 10-15 percent of normal capacity. Measures used so far - diet, medications, and treatments controlling underlying causes - are no longer enough. The kidneys of patients with end-stage kidney disease cannot keep up with the waste and fluid elimination process on their own - the patient will need dialysis or a kidney transplant in order to survive.

Most doctors will try to delay the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant for as long as possible because they carry the risk of potentially serious complications.

Kidney dialysis



Peritoneal dialysis is a treatment option for chronic kidney disease.

This is the removal of waste products and excessive fluids from blood when the kidneys cannot do the job properly any more. Dialysis has some serious risks, including infection.

There are two main types of kidney dialysis. Each type also has subtypes. The two main types are:

Hemodialysis: Blood is pumped out of the patient's body and goes through a dialyzer (an artificial kidney). The patient undergoes hemodialysis about three times per week. Each session lasts for at least 3 hours.

Experts now recognize that more frequent sessions result in a better quality of life for the patient, but modern home-use dialysis machines are making this more regular use of hemodialysis possible.

Peritoneal dialysis: The blood is filtered in the patient's own abdomen; in the peritoneal cavity which contains a vast network of tiny blood vessels. A catheter is implanted into the abdomen, into which a dialysis solution is infused and drained out for as long as is necessary to remove waste and excess fluid.

Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant is a better option than dialysis for patients who have no other conditions apart from kidney failure. Even so, candidates for kidney transplant will have to undergo dialysis until they receive a new kidney.

The kidney donor and recipient should have the same blood type, cell-surface proteins and antibodies, in order to minimize the risk of rejection of the new kidney. Siblings or very close relatives are usually the best types of donors. If a living donor is not possible, the search will begin for a cadaver donor (dead person).

Diet

Following a proper diet is vital for effective kidney failure treatment. Restricting the amount of protein in the diet may help slow down the progression of the disease.

Diet may also help alleviate symptoms of nausea.

Salt intake must be carefully regulated to control hypertension. Potassium and phosphorus consumption, over time, may also need to be restricted.

Vitamin D

Patients with kidney disease typically have low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. The vitamin D we obtain from the sun or food has to be activated by the kidneys before the body can use it. Patients may be given alfacalcidol, or calcitriol.

Fluid retention

People with chronic kidney disease need to be careful with their fluid intake. Most patients will be asked to restrict their fluid intake. If the kidneys do not work properly, the patient is much more susceptible to fluid build-up.

Causes

Kidneys carry out the complex system of filtration in our bodies - excess waste and fluid material are removed from the blood and excreted from the body.

In most cases, kidneys can eliminate most waste materials that our body produces. However, if the blood flow to the kidneys is affected, they are not working properly because of damage or disease, or if urine outflow is obstructed, problems can occur.

In most cases, progressive kidney damage is the result of a chronic disease (a long-term disease), such as:

Diabetes - chronic kidney disease is linked to diabetes types 1 and 2. If the patient's diabetes is not well controlled, excess sugar (glucose) can accumulate in the blood. Kidney disease is not common during the first 10 years of diabetes; it more commonly occurs 15-25 years after diagnosis of diabetes.Hypertension (high blood pressure) - high blood pressure can damage the glomeruli - parts of the kidney involved in filtering waste products.Obstructed urine flow - if urine flow is blocked it can back up into the kidney from the bladder (vesicoureteral reflux). Blocked urine flow increases pressure on the kidneys and undermines their function. Possible causes include an enlarged prostate,kidney stones, or a tumor.Kidney diseases - including polycystic kidney disease, pyelonephritis, orglomerulonephritis.Kidney artery stenosis - the renal artery narrows or is blocked before it enters the kidney.Certain toxins - including fuels, solvents (such as carbon tetrachloride), and lead (and lead-based paint, pipes, and soldering materials). Even some types of jewelry have toxins, which can lead to chronic kidney failure.Fetal developmental problem - if the kidneys do not develop properly in the unborn baby while it is developing in the womb.Systemic lupus erythematosus - an autoimmune disease. The body's own immune system attacks the kidneys as though they were foreign tissue.Malaria and yellow fever - known to cause impaired kidney function. Some medications - overuse of, for example, NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen.Illegal substance abuse - such as heroin or cocaine.Injury - a sharp blow or physical injury to the kidney(s).

Risk factors

The following conditions or situations are linked to a higher risk of developing kidney disease:

a family history of kidney diseaseage - chronic kidney disease is much more common among people over 60 ather osclerosis bladder obstruction chronic glomerulonephritiscongenital kidney disease (kidney disease which is present at birth)diabetes - one of the most common risk factors hyperten sionlupus erythematosusoverexposure to some toxinssickle cell diseasesome medications

Diagnosis

A doctor will check for signs and ask the patient about symptoms. The following tests may also be ordered:

Blood test - a blood test may be ordered to determine whether waste substances are being adequately filtered out. If levels of urea and creatinine are persistently high, the doctor will most likely diagnose end-stage kidney disease.Urine test - a urine test helps find out whether there is either blood or protein in the urine.Kidney scans - kidney scans may include a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, computed tomography (CT) scan, or anultrasound scan. The aim is to determine whether there are any blockages in the urine flow. These scans can also reveal the size and shape of the kidneys - in advanced stages of kidney disease the kidneys are smaller and have an uneven shape.Kidney biopsy - a small sample of kidney tissue is extracted and examined for cell damage. An analysis of kidney tissue makes it easier to make a precise diagnosis of kidney disease.Chest X-ray - the aim here is to check for pulmonary edema (fluid retained in the lungs).Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) - GFR is a test that measures the glomerular filtration rate - it compares the levels of waste products in the patient's blood and urine. GFR measures how many milliliters of waste the kidneys can filter per minute. The kidneys of healthy individuals can typically filter over 90 ml per minute.

Complications

If the chronic kidney disease progresses to kidney failure, the following complications are possible:

anemiacentral nervous system damagedry skin or skin color changesfluid retentionhyperkalemia, when blood potassium levels rise, possibly resulting in heart damageinsomnialower sex drivemale erectile dysfunctionosteomalacia, when bones become weak and break easilypericarditis, when the sac-like membrane around the heart becomes inflamedstomach ulcersweak immune system

Prevention

Managing the chronic condition

Some conditions increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (such as diabetes). Controlling the condition can significantly reduce the chances of developing kidney failure. Individuals should follow their doctor's instructions, advice, and recommendations.

Diet

A healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats or fish will help keep blood pressure down.

Physical activity


Regular physical exercise is ideal for maintaining healthy blood pressure levels; it also helps control chronic conditions such as diabetes and heart disease. Individuals should check with a doctor that an exercise program is suited to their age, weight, and health.



Signs of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones (calculi), stone-like crystals of differing sizes and shapes, can develop in one or both of the kidneys. Medically known as nephrolithiasis, kidney stones can block the flow of urine and in extreme cases result in a renal failure. These occur when salts present in the urine form a solid lump or stone.
Most kidney stones do not require surgery and are passed out of the body painlessly when you urinate. However, if the stone gets lodged in the ureter (the tube that connects bladder and kidney), then it restricts the urine flow from the kidney and requires proper treatment. The signs associated with kidney stones may not be apparent until it reaches your ureter. At that point you may experience these symptoms:

1. Severe Back Pain (Below The Ribs)

• A persistent ache in the lower back or one side of the abdomen can be felt, which may last for minutes or hours. This gripping pain that may radiate around to the front and even the groin or testicles is called ‘renal colic.’ The pain can be so intense that it may result in nausea, often accompanied by vomiting. It may give a feeling of a fluctuating wave of excruciating pain that can leave the back and sides tender. Episodes of sudden, intense pain in the belly region shouldn’t be taken lightly and must be reported to a physician.

2. Weakness and Confusion

• People suffering from kidney stones often tend to feel tremendously fatigued and weary by the end of the day. The condition is marked by symptoms like light-headedness, confusion, and extremely low energy levels. As the kidney is not able to move the toxins out of the body, it becomes infectious and causes a lot of pain. Because of the stinging pain, a person is not able to do or concentrate on anything.

3. Sweating

• Chronic spells of night sweating can be a major indicator of a kidney stone, which shouldn’t be taken lightly. Water lost through sweat results in less urine production which mean the chances of passing the stone decrease.

4. Frequent Urination (Usually Painful)

• Perhaps one of the most defining and earliest warning signs of kidney stones is an unexplained urgency of urination. You will notice an increase in the frequency and intensity of the urination, even when you do not intake an abnormally large amount of fluids. Even after the urgency passes, you would dispel very little urine, primarily because there isn’t much liquid to expel in the body.

When you do produce the usual amount of urine, you may find it quite painful to pass. A searing pain may be felt when the kidney stone moves into the urethra from the bladder. As the stone moves through the urinary tract, the chance of contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI) is quite high.

5. Nausea and Vomiting

• Many patients with a kidney stone complain about feeling nauseous. Nausea can be so severe that the patient ends up vomiting. A prime cause of vomiting is the gnawing pain experienced when passing the stone.

There can be another reason for throwing up too. As the kidney stone diminishes the proper functioning of internal organs, the body is not able to remove toxins from the body and, with an elevated level of impurities in the bloodstream, one ends up vomiting. It is the way in which your body flushes out toxins.

 6. Bloody Urine

• A lot of people with kidney stones see a change in the consistency and color of urine they pass. Discolored urine can range in color from red to dark brown. When the kidney stone moves through the urinary tract, it scrapes against the wall of the ureter and causes small cuts that bleed and release blood into the urine. Blood in the urine is called hematuria.

7. Swelling of Kidneys

• Once the kidney stones grow bigger in size, they block the flow of urine. This results in an excess buildup of urine in the kidney, which in turn, causes a lot of potentially grave symptoms. One of the early signs of a kidney stone may be painful swelling of the kidneys or abdomen due to urine accumulation. The areas surrounding the kidneys and stomach become painful to touch. Should this problem go unnoticed or untreated, your body would be at a risk of septic shock.

8. Unpleasant Smelling Urine

• Aside from discoloration, the excess toxins in the body make the urine appear cloudy. A foul odor from the urine is a telling sign of a kidney stone.As discussed already, the kidneys play a significant role in the removal of chemical impurities and microbes from the body, most of which get eliminated through urination. However, when the kidney stones block the passage and obstruct normal functioning, these harmful substances crystallize in the body. And this is what kidney stones are composed of. So, when these toxins are passed out with urine, it smells different (pungent).

9. Discomfort While Sitting

• Patients will feel great discomfort when sitting and moving when they have a kidney stone. It may be so bad that they may not be able to lie down or even sit for an extended period because certain positions can put pressure on the affected area.

Many sufferers combat this symptom simply by standing up and moving around a bit. Anecdotal research proves that such activities can offer some relief. The inability to lie down can even interfere with a good night’s sleep, leaving patients unrestful for the entire evening.

  10. Fever and Chills

• In some cases, kidney stones do not grow and do not produce severe symptoms. However, the stones still cause trouble in the urinary tract and inflict small internal wounds due to scratching on the walls of the ureter and urethra. These injuries put patients at risk for urinary tract infections that cause fever and chills.

6 Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

Kidneys are essential for the correct functioning of our body. They assist in the detox process and are instrumental in filtering out impurities and unwanted substances from the body. Kidneys keep our bodies balanced and healthy, but they are also prone to kidney stones that form when excess amounts of minerals gather in the kidneys. Large kidney stones can cause tremendous amounts of pain, and may even block urine flow. In this article, we’ll outline some of the best home remedies for kidney stones.

 Lemon Juice and Olive Oil

• Combining lemon juice with olive oil makes for a potent and efficient remedy for treating kidney stones. These elements are full of natural vitamins and minerals that are instrumental in proper kidney health, such as vitamin C. Olive oil is also rich in healthy fatty acids, which is an important component of a healthy diet. To make this remedy, mix 2 ounces of olive oil with an equal amount of lemon juice. Afterward, drink a whole glass of water to improve the effectiveness of the remedy. Then, continue drinking plenty of water throughout the day.

 Apple Cider Vinegar

• Apple cider vinegar is one of the healthiest and most popular natural remedies. Known for its strong smell, apple cider vinegar is full of good acids and minerals that play a role in removing kidney stones. If consumed regularly, apple cider vinegar can help prevent kidney stones. By consuming two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with water each morning, you can see significant improvements regarding kidney health. Apple cider vinegar is also helpful for other organs as well as the immune system. It can even give your skin a healthy glow. Apple cider vinegar can also be consumed before a meal.

Kidney Beans

• Ironically, kidney beans have been shown to be extremely useful in treating kidney stones. They are an excellent source of magnesium and other minerals that can help reduce pain and discomfort. Kidney beans have also been used historically for all kinds of disease. The best thing about kidney beans is that they can be eaten or prepared in a variety of ways, including salads, soups, and sauces. Before cooking, remove the bean from inside the pods. Then, boil the pods for up to six hours. Strain and cool, and consume whenever you feel pain in the kidneys.

Stay Hydrated

• Water is regarded as the basis for any treatment involving kidney stones. Water is one of our body’s main building blocks, and kidneys need plenty of water to function properly. If you don’t receive enough water, your kidneys will be more likely to develop kidney stones. If you experience frequent kidney stones, it is recommended to drink at least eight full glasses of water per day (although never at once). The amount of water consumed will depend on your total body weight as well as any medication you might be taking, so consult your doctor before making any modification in water consumption.

Diet Change

• It makes sense to change your diet if you have kidney stones. After all, excessive amounts of unhealthy food are the main cause of kidney stones. Fast food, refined food, and highly processed foods are contributors to this condition. One of the best things you can do right away is to stop consuming soda and other sugary drinks. Alcoholic beverages should also be kept to a minimum. Healthy and natural food consumption should be increased, including plenty of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables. Drinking plenty of water is a given, as it helps the kidneys to filter blood more efficiently.

Basil

• This herbal remedy is used by many people to help relieve pain and other symptoms. Basil tea is especially renowned for its positive effect on kidney function. Basil works because it contributes to balance the fluid, mineral, and uric acid levels in the body. It is also often said that basil juice can help the kidneys to remove kidney stones from the urinary tract. To effectively use basil, mix basil juice with a teaspoon of raw honey. Drink the mixture each morning until symptoms improve. It is also important to remember to drink plenty of water. Consult your doctor before using this natural remedy.