Gemini in the sky: kidney

The Kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs on either side of the spine, below the ribs and

behind the belly. Each kidney is about 4 or 5 inches long, roughly the size of a large fist.

The kidneys' job is to filter the blood. They remove wastes, control the body's fluid balance,

and keep the right levels of electrolytes. All of the blood in the body passes through them

several times a day. Blood comes to the kidney, waste gets removed and salt, water and

minerals are adjusted. The filtered blood goes back to the body. Waste gets turned into urine

which collects into the bladder. If blood stops flowing into a kidney, part or all of it could

die. This could lead to kidney failure.

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

The term “chronic kidney disease” ( CKD ) means lasting damage to the kidneys that can

get worse over time. If the damage is very bad, the kidneys may stop working. This is

called kidney failure, or end-stage renal disease (ESRD). If kidneys fail, needs dialysis or

a kidney transplant in order to live.

Causes of CKD

Diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease are some of the chronic causes .

Symptoms

Symptoms may not appear till the kidneys are damaged. In kidney failure the

symptoms that are caused by waste and extra fluid building up in the body are noticed.

some of the symptoms when kidneys are beginning to fail : Itching, muscle cramp, nausea

and vomiting, not feeling hungry, swelling in feet and ankles, too much urine or not

enough urine, trouble catching the breath, trouble sleeping.

Complications of CKD

Some of the common complications of CKD include anemia, bone disease, heart disease,

high potassium, high calcium and fluid buildup.

Prevention

The best way to prevent CKD is to keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control.

follow a low-salt diet, exercise regularly, abstain from tobacco , limit alcohol and last

but no the least have regular check-ups with the doctor.

Kidney diseases are silent killers, which will largely affect the quality of life. There are

however several easy ways to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease.

Care of the Kidneys

Exercise

Engage in light physical activities , walking and exercises. Being active and fit helps to reduce the blood pressure and therefore reduces the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease.

Keep regular control of the blood sugar level.

People who have diabetes develop kidney damage, so it is important for people with diabetes to have regular tests to check their kidney functions.

Kidney damage from diabetes can be reduced or prevented if detected early.

Blood pressure

BP is the most common cause of kidney damage.

The normal blood pressure level is 120/80. Between this level and 139/89, you are

considered prehypertensive and should adopt lifestyle and dietary changes. At 140/90

and above, you should discuss the risks with your doctor and monitor blood pressure

level regularly. High blood pressure is especially likely to cause kidney damage when

associated with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol and Cardio- Vascular

Diseases.

Eat healthy and control weight

This can help prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with

Chronic Kidney Disease.

Limit the amount of processed and canned food. Do not add more salt to food. Consume

home-cooked food with minimal oil and salt. Use fresh local ingredients. Consult a

dietitian.

Drink more home-made fluids

Drink sufficient water or homemade drinks. Patients suffering from kidney stones are advised to drink more water or barley water to lessen the risk of forming stones.

Avoid smoking

Smoking slows the flow of blood to the kidneys. When less blood reaches the kidneys, it

impairs their ability to function properly. Smoking also increases the risk of kidney cancer

by about 50 percent.

Do not take over-the-counter pills

Consult your doctor before buying drugs/medicines over the counter.

Common drugs such non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen are known to

cause kidney damage and disease if taken regularly.

If you are dealing with chronic pain, such as arthritis or back pain, talk to the doctor to

find a way to control your pain without putting the kidneys at risk.

If one is diabetic, obese or suffering from hypertension the risk factors increase. If one of the family members or parents suffer from kidney disease then talk to your doctor.

Kidney transplant

A kidney transplant is an operation that places a healthy kidney in the patient's body

whose kidney is not working and is on dialysis. The transplanted kidney takes over the

work of the two kidneys that failed, so the patient no longer need dialysis.

During a transplant, the surgeon places the new kidney in your lower abdomen and

connects the artery and vein of the new kidney to your artery and vein.

Many transplanted kidneys come from donors who have died ( cadaver). Some come from

a living family member. The wait for a new kidney can be long.

In case of a kidney transplant , the patient must take drugs for the rest of the life, to

keep the body from rejecting the new kidney.

Check the yogasanas for proper kidney functioning.

Yogasanas are to be practiced under proper guidance in consultation with the doctor.

Trivia

They were travelling along the country-side road. John said that this road is a kidney-

buster. He would never drive on this road again.

Saving lives

Hari was declared brain-dead. Renuka was devastated. They had just begun their married

life and her happiness was nipped in the bud. Her parents tried to console her but in

vain.

"How can you think of such a thing?", almost rebuking Hari's parents. Her parents were

baffled as how could Hari's parents be so practical. Hari's parents were doctors and knew

the importance and the urgency.

"Give me the papers. I will sign the Organ donation Form", said Reunka wiping her tears

and suppressing her sobs.

"Are you sure, Reunka?", her father not in line with her decision.

"Hari will be born dumb , deaf or blind in his next life if his organs are retrieved",

cautioned her mother.

"Appa, Amma. This will be the highest form of 'daan'. Hari's kidneys will be harvested in

another failing life. Hari will 'live'in some other body. A few more lives will be saved",

said Renuka addressing her parents.

Readers, do you feel that everyone should donate their organs after they cease to

live? Let me know your view/s.

I am participating in the A to Z Challenge.