Kidney health: how to protect your silent organs

The kidneys filter dozens of litres of blood a day, removing waste and excess fluid as urine, and regulating blood pressure and mineral and fluid balance. Loss of kidney function is usually slow and silent — which is why prevention and early detection are vital.

What do the kidneys do?

Healthy kidneys perform several critical jobs:

• Filter waste and toxins from the blood
• Balance fluid and salt in the body
• Help control blood pressure
• Stimulate red blood cell production
• Support vitamin D and bone health

Risk factors

Some conditions raise the risk of kidney damage. The main risk factors:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Cardiovascular disease
• A family history of kidney disease
• Long-term painkiller overuse and obesity

Symptoms often appear late

Early on, kidney disease usually causes no symptoms. As it progresses you may see:

• Swelling in the legs, ankles or around the eyes
• Persistent tiredness and trouble concentrating
• Foamy urine or a change in its colour
• Needing to urinate often at night
• Loss of appetite and nausea

How to protect your kidneys

Much of kidney protection overlaps with heart health:

• Keep blood pressure and blood sugar under control
• Cut down on salt and drink enough water
• Stop smoking and keep a healthy weight
• Use painkillers only when needed and for a short time
• If you're at risk, get a yearly blood (creatinine) and urine test

When to see a doctor

See a doctor if you have blood in the urine, a sharp drop in urine output, marked swelling, or nausea with unexplained fatigue. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, regular kidney-function checks are important.

Frequently asked questions

Can kidney disease be symptomless?

Yes. Early chronic kidney disease is usually symptomless; it's detected only with blood and urine tests.

Does drinking lots of water protect the kidneys?

Enough water is helpful, but more is not better. Daily needs vary from person to person.

Is protein harmful to the kidneys?

For healthy kidneys, normal dietary protein is not a problem; but with existing kidney disease the amount should be set with a doctor.

This article is for information only and does not replace a doctor's advice.