Healthy kidneys for a healthy overall body

Kidneys help in excreting toxic elements from the body, else they remain inside, leading to various other problematic manifestations, says Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja (MS, MCh, FACS member) of Star Hospitals. 

What are the common causes of Renal/Kidney Diseases?

The most common risk factors for renal problems include Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Hypertension, etc. Say, for instance, when there is high blood pressure, there is an increased amount of blood supply to the kidneys that leads to renal problems. Or, if the blood vessel that supplies blood to the kidneys narrows, there is kidney dysfunction.

Just like every organ of the body needs blood, the right amount of blood supply is a basic requirement for the human kidneys to function properly. Some of the problems, like stone generation, are hereditary.

How important is it to maintain healthy kidneys?

Very. There are several toxic elements in the body that get circulated through the blood. Kidneys excrete these toxic elements out of the human body. If these don’t leave the physical body, there will be several other problematic manifestations in the body. In fact, all the manifestations happen when the kidneys don’t send them away via urine.

What are the symptoms of kidney problems?

In any renal condition, the body tends to retain a lot of water. Therefore, one can see swelling of the face and feet. The condition is termed ‘Edema’. Also, the patient may experience extreme lethargy, dullness, and low quantity of urine secretion.

Are kidney issues more common in men or women?

In men, because Diabetes, Hypertension, and other risk factors are common in men. Kidney diseases are degenerative. 

Is there any specific group that gets affected?

Infection-related kidney issues are commonly seen in childhood and adolescence. The other unfavorable kidney conditions are seen after the age of 40-45.

What can people do to avoid being affected by renal issues?

Regular blood and urine check up is necessary. Do not wait for symptoms to arise. Opt for routine check-ups. That way the issues can be prevented.

Also, drinking the right amount of water is crucial. If there is not enough water, there will be the formation of stones in the kidneys. Water dilutes the unnecessary minerals in the body and the kidneys help to pass them through the urine. Two to three liters of water every day is advisable. However, during the summer, one must consume more water as there is sweating, and the amount of urine produced is less. One must drink more water to maintain the same amount of urine.

If someone has contracted a kidney problem, their salt intake must be reduced. Say 3 grams, that is one spoonful, in a day is enough. In fact, as age increases, the amount of salt consumption must come down. People suffer from high blood pressure after a certain age.

In addition, when one suffers from loose motions, a lot of water is lost from the body. That may also lead to kidney dysfunction.

What latest advancement in the field has brought about a change for the better?

There are many drugs to treat the kidneys, like medicines that help to increase the blood flow to these two vital organs.

For Appointment: Dr.Lokeswara Rao Sajja (MS, MCh, FACS member) Consultant Cardio Thoracic Surgeon at Star Hospitals. 

Contact Number: +91 9100 911 911