March is National Kidney Month

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March is National Kidney Month

Author: Nancy L. Kimmel

As we kick off the month of March, let’s not overlook the importance of our kidneys! National Kidney Month is here to raise awareness about renal health and inspire us to take better care of these vital organs. So, grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s dive into the fascinating world of kidney function together.

Quick Facts!

The kidneys perform their life-sustaining job of filtering and returning to the bloodstream about 200 quarts of fluid every 24 hours. Approximately two quarts are eliminated from the body in the form of urine, while the remainder, about 198 quarts, is retained in the body. The urine we excrete has been stored in the bladder for approximately one to eight hours.

Reference: National Kidney Foundation

Renal Health

Our kidneys are true unsung heroes, working tirelessly to filter waste and excess fluids from our blood. This intricate system of filtration helps maintain a delicate balance within our bodies, keeping us healthy and thriving. Renal health is crucial for overall well-being, as any disruption in kidney function can have far-reaching consequences.

To keep our kidneys happy and functioning optimally, it’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also support kidney health by providing essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals.

Regular exercise not only benefits your heart and muscles but also promotes good renal health by improving circulation and reducing the risk of conditions like high blood pressure – which can strain the kidneys over time. So show your hardworking kidneys some love with these simple lifestyle choices!

Regular check-ups

Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining good kidney health. These routine visits allow healthcare providers to monitor your kidney function and catch any potential issues early on. By checking key markers like creatinine levels and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), doctors can assess how well your kidneys are working.

Reference: NCBI Vaidya SR, Aeddula NR. Chronic Kidney Disease. [Updated 2022 Oct 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535404/

During these appointments, your doctor may also discuss lifestyle factors that can impact your renal health, such as diet, hydration, and medication use. They can offer personalized recommendations to help you maintain optimal kidney function.

Even if you feel healthy, regular check-ups are crucial as many kidney conditions do not present noticeable symptoms until they have progressed significantly. Taking proactive steps to prioritize your renal health through consistent monitoring can help prevent more severe complications down the line.

Decline in Kidney Function as We Age

As we age, our kidneys undergo changes that can impact their function. The number of nephrons in the kidneys decreases over time, affecting their ability to filter waste and maintain proper fluid balance. Additionally, blood flow to the kidneys may decrease with age, leading to decreased efficiency in removing toxins from the body.

These age-related changes can result in a decline in renal function, making older adults more susceptible to kidney issues such as chronic kidney disease. It becomes crucial for individuals approaching their senior years to be proactive about monitoring their kidney health through regular check-ups and screenings.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet low in sodium and processed foods, and engaging in regular physical activity can help support optimal kidney function as we age. By taking care of our kidneys today, we can protect these vital organs for years to come.

How the Kidney makes Vitamin D3

Ever wondered how our kidneys play a vital role in producing Vitamin D3? Let’s dive into this fascinating process. The kidney converts inactive Vitamin D into its active form, which helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels in the body. This conversion occurs in the proximal tubules of the kidney, where an enzyme called 1-alpha-hydroxylase is responsible for activating Vitamin D.

Once activated, Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining bone health by enhancing calcium absorption from the intestines. It also supports immune function and overall well-being. Without adequate levels of Vitamin D, our bodies may experience issues such as weakened bones and increased susceptibility to infections.

So next time you soak up some sunshine or consume foods rich in Vitamin D, remember that your kidneys are working behind the scenes to ensure proper activation of this essential nutrient.

Dangers of Taking NSAID’s Too Frequently

It is crucial to prioritize kidney health and be aware of the factors that can affect renal function. Non Steroidal Anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to name a few can have devastating effects on the kidneys. They do so by blocking prostaglandins which help with renal flow. While you may feel better after taking a couple of aspirin, don’t over do it. The reason you may be taking it regularly may be a sign of something else going on with your body. We all know they are readily available over the counter a pharmacies. But that doesn’t make regular consumption of NSAID’s beneficial.

Reference: Dixit M, Doan T, Kirschner R, Dixit N. Significant Acute Kidney Injury Due to Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs: Inpatient Setting. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2010 Apr 26;3(4):1279-1285. doi: 10.3390/ph3041279. PMID: 27713300; PMCID: PMC4034033.

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor your kidney health and catch any issues early on. As we age, it’s important to understand the natural decline in kidney function and how to support our kidneys through proper hydration and a balanced diet.

Furthermore, understanding how the kidneys play a role in producing Vitamin D3 highlights their importance beyond just filtering waste from the body. However, excessive use of medications like ibuprofen can have detrimental effects on kidney function, leading to conditions such as acute or chronic renal failure. Reference: https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/diabetes-linked-kidney-disease-deaths-rising-latin-america-2024a10003ih?src=

Signs of Renal Decline

Usually the signs of a decrease in renal function are noticeable until over 70% of the persons renal function is gone. That’s a pretty scary number. There are various ways that the kidney can begin to fail.  Some may be genetic, such as congenital renal cysts or it can be from numerous urinary tract infections over the years. Which may have gone untreated and moved up to the nephron of the kidney.

According to the National Kidney Foundation:

Risk factors for kidney disease include:

We only have about one million nephrons per kidney.  Some people are born with only one kidney and that puts them at risk of renal failure if something were to cause their kidney to lose its function.

Late signs of renal failure usually present with hypertension, lower leg edema and tiredness.  The body will also build up waste products causing urea salts to become deposited throughout the body and under the skin, which can cause itching and a faint appearing whitish looking cast to the skin.

Keeping good kidney health starts with drinking fluids throughout the day.  This applies when the kidney is healthy.  In those with renal failure, they have to reduce their fluids as they are unable to process them through their kidneys.  While coffee is a fluid that many of us drink, it is also a diuretic.  A diuretic makes us lose water.  Therefore coffee isn’t the best for kidney health if that is your only fluid.

In Closing

Keeping up with good renal health should be something for all of us to think about during March, and every month.  Getting plenty of Vitamin D in your diet and watching your consumption of aspirin, ibuprofen as well as other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication will increase the life and health of your kidneys. By being proactive about our renal health, making lifestyle choices that support overall well-being, and being mindful of medications’ impact on our kidneys, we can take steps towards maintaining healthy kidneys for years to come. So let’s spread awareness this National Kidney Month and encourage everyone to prioritize their kidney health!

Nancy L Kimmel is a Licensed Board Certified Nurse Practitioner in the State of Michigan and works at Phlebotomy Career Training in Dearborn, MI

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is not meant to provide medical advice, but is purely informational and those seeking medical advice should see their doctor.