These dedicated caregivers specialize in kidney health, and they can help guide you if your kidneys are not functioning properly.
In these instances, taking action is key! Your kidneys are vital organs that do important work. They:
- Remove waste and extra fluid from your blood.
- Help make new red blood cells.
- Keep the right amount of fluids and electrolytes in your body.
- Regulate your blood pressure.
- And more!
When your kidneys don’t function properly, toxins can build up in your body, making you feel sick. Some people experience:
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the face, legs or feet
- Nausea and vomiting
- A loss of appetite
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- A metallic taste in their mouth
- A change in the amount of urination they produce
Many people suffer from conditions that affect their kidneys, including kidney disease. In fact, kidney disease affects more than 1 in 7 adults in the United States, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease. If left untreated, the condition — which often progresses without noticeable symptoms — can be fatal.
Several people are at risk of this disease, including those:
- With diabetes; Type 2 diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease
- Who have high blood pressure; high blood pressure can cause damage to blood vessels in the kidneys and is the second leading cause of kidney disease
- With a family history of the disease; if a close relative currently has or has had kidney disease, your risk increases
- Who are older; kidney function declines with age because older adults are more likely to suffer from diabetes or high blood pressure
- From certain ethnic backgrounds; African American, Hispanic, Asian American, Pacific Islander and Native American populations are at higher risk of kidney disease
- Who are overweight; obesity increases the risk of both diabetes and high blood pressure, which increases the risk of kidney disease
- Who smoke; smoking slows blood flow to the kidneys and can worsen kidney function over time
- With abnormal kidney structure; conditions like Polycystic kidney disease or repeated kidney infections can lead to kidney disease
- Who take certain medications; the long-term use of anti-inflammatory drugs, like Ibuprofen and Naproxen, certain antibiotics, and certain supplements can harm the kidneys
If you fall into one or more of these groups, it’s important to get kidney function tests regularly, manage your blood pressure and blood sugar, and avoid the overuse of pain medications or supplements without medical guidance.
