Having kidney disease is something you really shouldn’t take lightly.
The National Kidney Foundation said that chronic kidney disease is the gradual deterioration of the kidney’s function. Eventually, this condition may potentially lead to anemia, diabetes, high blood pressure, nerve damage, and even weak bones.
Sadly, it’s a disease that has afflicted many.
In the United States, for example, about 26 million Americans have kidney disease. Meanwhile in Australia, one person dies every minute because of kidney-related diseases. No wonder, the disease has earned the nickname “Silent Killer.”
For these reasons, it is highly important to detect it early to prevent further problems.
So what are the symptoms of kidney disease?
According to RemedyDaily.com, some of the signs include:
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Sleeping difficulties
• Muscle twitches and cramps
• Feet and ankles swelling
• Persistent itching
• Changes in urination
Moreover, it should be noted that those who have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, enlarged prostate or other kidney problems (such as kidney stones or kidney infections) are at greater risk. Other factors include obesity and smoking.
If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you can visit your doctor for blood and urine tests to find out whether you have chronic kidney disease or not. Again, early detection plays a crucial role towards effective treatment so its always wise not to delay seeking medical advice.
As for the rest who wish to stay away from the dreaded disease, experts encourage people to follow the DASH diet which stands for “Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension” according to Renal & Urology News. This type of diet focuses on consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy.
Meanwhile, a study conducted the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health informs us that people who frequently consumed red meat and processed meats are a 22% higher risk of getting chronic kidney disease. The good news is that those who eat a lot of nuts and legumes are at lower risk (9%) as well as those who love low-fat dairy products (16%).