National Kidney Month

June is declared The National Kidney Month by virtue of Proclamation No. 184. It was issued and signed on May 31, 1993 by our very own member and now Honorary Member, then President Fidel V. Ramos. The National Kidney and Transplant Institute that leads the nation in this year’s commemoration has also announced not just the celebration, this month of June, as the National Kidney Month, but also as Awareness Donation Month and Prostate Health Month.

The kidneys

The kidneys are been-shaped organs located at the back portion of the abdominal cavity. The best-known function of the kidneys is the filter and removal of water-soluble waste products of the body through the urine. They are also responsible for the re-absorption of water and the production of certain hormones and enzymes. They regulate electrolytes and maintain acid-base balance; and through water-salt balance, they regulate the blood pressure.

Like any other organ in the body, kidneys can be diseased and become unhealthy. Kidney diseases may result from injury, infection, cancer, obstruction (kidney stones), and systemic diseases, like diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Kidney disease often cannot be cured. Fortunately, it can be prevented.

Taking care of your kidneys

“Water therapy” is still the best way to take care of your kidneys. Maintain a daily fluid intake of 1.5 to 2 liters of water. Cleaning the kidneys is like draining and cleaning a container with the use of water.

Reduce your salt intake. The recommended sodium intake is 5-6 grams (around a teaspoon) of salt per day. Avoid restaurant food and fast food, as well as processed or preserved meat that may contain too much salt in them. Eating healthy can also prevent diabetes and heart disease that can lead to chronic kidney disease.

Monitor your blood pressure. Rises in blood pressure don’t only lead to stroke and heart attack. High blood pressure can also damage the kidneys.

Control your blood sugar level. One of the complications of diabetes is kidney damage.

“Move your kidneys.” Be active. Engage in exercise. Keeping fit reduces the risk for kidney disease. Maintain a healthy weight.

Do not smoke. Smoking slows the flow of blood in the kidneys.

Avoid over-the-counter pills that may cause kidney damage when taken regularly.