People don’t realize how important their kidneys are. Kidneys perform key functions to keep your body healthy. Over 26 million adults have a form of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the United States. Learn more and find out how you can help prevent CKD.
CKD Statistics:
- CKD is the 9th leading cause of death in the United States.
- 1 in 3 Americans are at risk of CKD due to high blood pressure, diabetes, or family history of CKD.
- More than 95,000 people are in need of a kidney transplant.
- Over 661,000 Americans have renal kidney failure.
Kidney Functions:
- Helps regulate blood pressure with the release of hormones.
- Helps control the production of red blood cells.
- Filters out waste from 200 liters of blood per day.
- Regulates the potassium, salt and acid content in the body.
- Removes drugs from the body.
- Balances the level of fluids within the body.
- Produces an active form of vitamin D essential for healthier bones.
Early Detection & Screening
Lab tests and screenings are essential in detecting early stages of kidney disease. During these screenings, blood will be tested for creatinine, a waste product. High levels of creatinine is a signal of abnormal kidney function. Lab techs will also calculate glomerular filtration rate (GFR), to determine the current stage of CKD. These results can provide an evaluation of the patient’s kidney function.
Tips to Reduce the Risk of CKD
- Exercise daily
- Monitor your blood pressure
- Keep control of your blood sugar level
- Eat healthy & maintain a healthy weight
- Do not smoke
- Do not take over-the-counter pills on a regular basis
- Get screened for CKD if you have one or more high risk factors:
- you have diabetes
- you have hypertension
- you are obese
- family history of CKD
- are of African, Hispanic, Aboriginal or Asian decent
Healthy Kidney Foods
Apples
Blueberries
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Cherries
Cranberries
Egg Whites
Fish
Garlic
Olive Oil
Onions
Raspberries
Red Grapes
Strawberries
