It takes great strength to live a life on a machine
Have you ever wondered how your bones stay healthy or what exactly controls your blood pressure? Many of us take for granted the role Kidneys play in keeping us healthy and strong.
The pair of bean shaped organs known as Kidneys perform crucial and sophisticated functions within our bodies such as processing 120 to 150 quarts of blood to eliminate 1 to 2 quarts of excess waste and water through urine on a daily basis.
So what happens when kidneys are no longer able to perform their functions to full capacity? The onset of kidney disease starts. Usually, it starts slowly and silently, and gradually progresses over a number of years resulting in End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or chronic kidney disease (CKD).
How kidney function is measured?
The universally accepted measure of kidney function is the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR). Kidney function is measured by how effectively your kidneys clean your blood. The main way of estimating GFR is a blood test to determine the level of Creatinine in the blood, or serum creatinine. As kidney function declines, the levels of creatinine increase.
Stages of kidney disease
If CKD is detected early and managed appropriately, the deterioration in kidney function can be slowed or even stopped, and the risk of associated cardiovascular complications can be reduced. The five stages of kidney disease, or CKD, and the GFR for each stage, is shown below:
Stage 1 with normal or high GFR (GFR > 90 mL/min)
Stage 2 Mild CKD (GFR = 60-89 mL/min)
Stage 3A Moderate CKD (GFR = 45-59 mL/min)
Stage 3B Moderate CKD (GFR = 30-44 mL/min
Stage 4 Severe CKD (GFR = 15-29 mL/min)
Stage 5 End Stage CKD (GFR <15 mL/min)
Why doctors recommend Peritoneal Dialysis?
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) is a line of treatment that provides continuous therapy, which acts more like natural kidneys with fewer negative side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, etc.
Patient can enjoy greater lifestyle flexibility and independence especially if you work, travel or live far from a dialysis center. The reason why a person in need of dialysis chooses home Peritoneal Dialysis as the modality is usually its less intrusive impact on lifestyle and the possibility to self-manage therapy.
According to an observational study of 52,097 individuals residing in either Australia or New Zealand, patients on peritoneal dialysis experienced better survival rates than patients on facility hemodialysis.
Learn how Peritoneal Dialysis different from Hemodialysis
Awareness is imperative
1 out of 10 adult people have CKD, and if left untreated can be deadly. Early detection allows for disease care and management to help prevent morbidity and mortality, and improve cost effectiveness and sustainability.
In spite of this, kidney disease related mortality continues to increase yearly and is projected to be the 5th leading cause of death by 2040. In recent years major attention has increasingly been paid to the patient’s perspective of the goal of therapy, health-related quality of life and patient reported outcomes.
How one can prevent from Chronic Kidney Disease?
1. Manage your Blood Sugar
Diabetes increases your risk for heart disease and kidney failure. That’s just one reason to manage your blood sugar.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity can increase your risk for conditions associated with kidney failure, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
3. Eat a heart-healthy diet
A heart-healthy diet — one low in sugar and cholesterol and high in fiber, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables — helps prevent weight gain.
4. Reduce salt intake
Eating too much salt is associated with high blood pressure.
5. Drink enough water
Dehydration reduces blood flow to your kidneys, which can damage them. Ask your doctor how much water you should drink per day.
6. Limit alcohol
Alcohol increases your blood pressure. The extra calories in it can make you gain weight, too.
7. Don’t smoke
Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys. It damages kidney function in people with or without kidney disease.
8. Reduce stress
Reducing stress and anxiety can lower your blood pressure, which is good for your kidneys.
9. Exercise regularly
Exercise, such as swimming, walking, and running, can help reduce stress, manage diabetes and high blood pressure, and maintain a healthy weight.
Mitra Peritoneal Dialysis Solutions
At Mitra we believe that dialysis patients should lead a more independent life. Our Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) solutions are designed to improve the outcomes of this treatment.
Mitra is the only Indian manufacturer of Peritoneal Dialysis solutions, such as Twin Bag, Tri Choice, APD m.Cycler & accessories that include Mitra 4GYP, Clamp, Mitra Drain Bags, Transfer Set Cap, Mitra Titanium Adapter and much more.
Our products conform to global standards, and as a brand, we are well recognized and trusted in the renal care community. Our mission is to give freedom of movement and peace of mind to Patients.
Conclusion
The year 2022 has been declared as the year of “Kidney Health for All”, calling all of us to work to bridge the knowledge gaps to better kidney care. Kidney disease can be treated. The earlier you know you have it, the better your chances of receiving effective treatment.
Dehydration is one of top most reason that damages your kidneys. Water is one of the healthiest choices when it comes to maintaining kidney health. Sip water little and often because Kidney health to some extent is indeed in your hands!
Stay Healthy… Live Happy…