Taking care of your kidneys is a good investment.
Eliminating waste, toxins, and excess water from our bodies is key to keeping our bodies healthy, and that is precisely the task performed by the kidneys.
When the kidneys do not function properly, waste products build up in the body, causing blood pressure to rise and symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, or cramps, among others, to appear. In addition, over time, kidney malfunction can also increase cardiovascular risk.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in the pediatric population is more common than it seems: although there are no official figures, it is estimated that there are approximately 900 to 1,200 children and adolescents with chronic kidney disease in Chile. Some specialists even estimate that the population actually being monitored could exceed 1,500 pediatric patients. Of this number, approximately 20–25% require dialysis treatment and many ultimately receive a kidney transplant. Both treatments save lives but involve a great sacrifice for the family, affecting the quality of life of both the patient and those around them.
That is why it is vitally important to take conscious care of our bodies and, specifically, our kidneys.
Here we share five tips for taking care of your kidneys and investing in a better quality of life, avoiding the costs associated with living with a chronic disease.
- Stay active
Regular physical activity helps maintain a healthy body weight, lower blood pressure, and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.
- Adequate hydration, without excess
The usual recommendation is 6 to 8 glasses a day and to increase hydration when exercising or in hot weather.
- Watch what you eat: more fruits and vegetables, less salt and sugar
A "healthy reindeer" diet helps control blood pressure. Therefore, it is recommended to eat a diet high in fiber, with adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, reduced salt intake, and, ideally, avoiding ultra-processed foods.
It is also important to monitor your blood sugar levels, and if you have diabetes, it is essential to keep your blood glucose within range to protect your kidneys.
- Avoid self-medication
The kidneys process and eliminate most medications through urine. Self-medication, without medical supervision, in inappropriate doses or for prolonged periods, increases the risk of kidney damage.
- Perform preventive checks
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) usually has no symptoms initially, and unlike in adults, in children and adolescents, chronic kidney disease is mainly caused by congenital and hereditary conditions, so a preventive approach helps to protect kidney health.
If you recognize risk factors for CKD, an annual checkup is recommended.
Many kidney disorders can be prevented or controlled with early detection and the adoption of healthy habits. In children, any urinary tract infection is a warning sign, especially if accompanied by fever, and should be investigated.
Talk to your doctor to learn about your risk factors and the diagnostic tests you should consider.
