Like most people, you’ve got a wireless router sitting on a shelf somewhere in your home. And like most people, you might not know exactly how the router works or what all those blinking lights mean, but you’re glad it does – so much so, you often take its nonstop function for granted.
You know what else falls into that category? Your kidneys. It’s okay if you may not know exactly what they do, but at least we can acknowledge they’re important. And they are especially important for African Americans. Why? Because according to the National Kidney Foundation, we are at a significantly higher risk for kidney failure than Caucasians – more than three times higher. We also represent 35 percent of all patients in the U. S. receiving dialysis for kidney failure, but only represent 13.2 percent of the overall U. S. population.
These remarkable bean-shaped organs filter 200 liters of blood every day, removing waste, releasing or retaining water and controlling the blood’s acid-base concentration and electrolyte balance to produce urine. Kidneys also help regulate blood pressure - a key barometer to measuring your overall health.
March is National Kidney Month and should be a reminder to everyone, especially African Americans, that we need to pay attention to these critical organs. Here are five ways to love your kidneys through March and beyond.
1. These stones ought not to roll
No question the Rolling Stones, aside from having one of the most memorable and catchy names, is one of the great rock bands of all time, but kidney stones are not the kind of stones you want rolling through your body.
Kidney stones, a condition called nephrolithiasis, are exactly what they sound like: deposits of minerals that build up in your kidneys like stones. They’re caused by oversaturation of salt, calcium and other minerals, and a 2016 study found kidney stones increased 15% more in blacks than in whites over 15 years. This oversaturation produces small, sharp stones that only have one way out and can cause excruciating pain and damage to your kidneys, bladder and urethra when they pass. If these don’t convince you to love your kidneys, nothing will.
Treatments exist to avoid extreme trauma if you have kidney stones, but take it from a professional: you want to avoid them entirely. You can avoid them by drinking enough fluids (NOT soda) and producing enough urine; eating less meat and refined sugars; and being cautious when taking supplementary calcium.
2. Pressure drop
Toots & The Maytals had it right with their iconic and timeless song, “Pressure Drop.” High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is bad enough on its own. But it can also cause renal artery stenosis, or a narrowing of the blood vessels in the kidneys. As I said before, kidneys filter our blood. If the vessels to the kidneys are too narrow, blood doesn’t get filtered, which can lead to other problems: kidney disease, edema (fluid retention or swelling in the lungs or limbs) or worsened high blood pressure, which can lead to kidney disease or renal failure. That requires a life altering and rather painful and unpleasant process called dialysis, which requires being hooked up to a machine that filters your blood.
You should try to prevent high blood pressure by cutting down the amount of salt in your diet, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking and exercising regularly.
3. Get those “beans” checked out
Kidney beans get their name because they are similar in shape and color to your kidneys. I’m here to tell you it’s important to get them checked out.
This is especially important for African Americans, because kidney conditions (nephritis, nephrotic syndrome or nephrosis) are the 7th leading cause of death for black Americans. High blood pressure and diabetes, which disproportionately affect African Americans, increase your risk for kidney disease. Kidney disease has many non-specific symptoms like fatigue, nausea, shortness of breath and changes in urination, or it could have no symptoms at all until irreversible damage has been done.
Go see your nurse practitioner and get your kidneys checked out, whether you have any of these symptoms or just as part of your annual physical. A simple urine test can check how your kidneys are doing, and your NP can start you on a plan to keep your kidneys going strong for many years to come.
4. Toughen-up
According to the National Kidney Foundation, long-term use of NSAIDs (over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen and aspirin) at high doses has been shown to damage kidney structure, and long-term overuse could be linked to up to 3-5 percent of new cases of kidney failure.
The human body is an incredible creation, and we are built to withstand all sorts of adverse conditions, including mild to severe pain. Now, millions of our fellow citizens suffer from chronic pain and their plight is real and not to be dismissed. But I am talking about our ordinary humans who take over-the-counter medicines at the first sign of pain. Cut it out or cut it back or some serious damage can be done.
That doesn’t mean you need to avoid these over-the-counter pain meds, just don’t take more than you need. If you have questions on how much is too much, you can always ask your local NP.
5. Live it up, no excuses
You may think I sound like a broken record talking about a better diet and more exercise, but I cannot stress enough how important it is!
I’ve seen too many patients with kidney disease tell me they never exercised, never worried about their blood pressure and hated vegetables. But there are small things you can do every day – drinking plenty of water, going for a walk, eating an orange – that can help show a little much-needed love to your kidneys. The CDC has other tips. Or ask anyone who’s had kidney stones: Hell hath no fury like kidneys scorned.
Your kidneys are amazing organs, and if you take care of them, they’ll take care of you. Now you’re armed with some practical knowledge to give your kidneys a break. You’re going to need them for longer than you think.
Sources:
Kidney Stones: Prevention Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org
Renal artery stenosis: complications Mayo Clinic, www.mayoclinic.org
Understand your risk for high blood pressure American Heart Association, www.heart.org
African Americans and diabetes American Diabetes Association, www.diabetes.org
Kidney factsheet Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov
Deaths: Leading Causes for 2014. By Melonie Heron, National Vital Statistics System, National Center for Health Statistics, June 30, 2016. p. 12, Table D
Five Surprising Ways You Could Be Damaging Your Kidneys National Kidney Foundation, www.kidney.org
Get Tested for Chronic Kidney Disease Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov