Understand Chronic Kidney Disease - Causes, Treatments, and Prevention
The Chronic Kidney Disease is a common health problem that affects millions around the world. The disease causes a gradual loss in kidney function. It is a silent killer that often remains unnoticed in its advanced stages. It is important to understand CKD and its treatment and prevention options. This will help patients better manage their condition.
What Is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?
The term Chronic Kidney Disease describes the gradual, slow loss of kidney functions over months and years. Early on, symptoms may not be noticeable. As the disease advances, kidney failure can occur, which may require dialysis, or even a transplant. The National Kidney Foundation estimates that 37 million American adults suffer from CKD. However, most of them are not aware.
In order to maintain our overall health, the kidneys filter wastes and extra fluids out of blood. These are excreted through urine. As chronic kidney disease progresses, the accumulation of electrolytes and wastes in the body can be dangerous.
The Common Causes Of Chronic Kidney Disease
CKD can be caused by a number of factors, such as:
- Diabetes is the most common cause of CKD. High blood glucose levels damage kidneys.
- High blood pressure is the most common reason for CKD. High blood pressure over time can cause kidney blood vessels to become strained.
- Heart Disease: Heart disease increases the risk of CKD.
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): A genetic disease that leads to the growth of many cysts in the kidneys.
The Treatments of Chronic Kidney Disease
Treatment of CKD usually involves treating the underlying cause of kidney damage and slowing the progression. Some of the most common treatments are:
- Medication: This is used to treat high blood pressure and lower cholesterol, as well as anemia.
- A dietitian might recommend that you eat less protein, potassium, sodium and other nutrients.
- When the kidneys are no longer able to filter wastes and fluids, this procedure filters them out of the blood.
- A kidney transplant is the only option if the kidneys are failing. The diseased kidney is replaced with an unaffected one.
Views of Experts on Chronic Kidney Disease
Early detection of risk factors and managing them are key to preventing CKD, according to experts. A study in The Lancet found that controlling blood glucose levels and blood tension can reduce this disease's risk. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is also important.
Prevention and Natural Remedies
While there is currently no cure for CKD (chronic kidney disease), certain lifestyle modifications can be made to help slow the progression of the condition if it has already been detected. They include:
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight increases your risk for developing high blood pressure and diabetes, which are both major causes of CKD.
- Eat a Kidney Friendly Diet. Limiting sodium, proteins, and minerals will help to protect your kidneys.
- Regular exercise is important to maintain kidney health. It helps regulate blood pressure, body weight and other factors.
- You can reduce the risk of developing kidney disease by avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol.
Chronic Kidney Disease, if untreated, can have severe consequences. Early detection, the management of underlying diseases, and lifestyle changes can reduce the impact. In order to improve the quality of life and health for people with kidney disease, it's important to stay informed.
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