As you age, however, so do your kidneys.
In fact, kidney function declines about 1 percent per year after age 40.
They dont have any symptoms that identify it.
Thats why experts say testing for kidney disease is so important.
So how can you keep your kidneys healthy as you age?
KNOW THE BASICS
1.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is the most common kidney condition.
It comes up whenever your kidneys cant filter blood correctly for three months or longer and are permanently damaged.
It can be resulting from reactions to various medications, a sudden change in blood pressure or an infection.
COVID can also cause AKI.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits of minerals and salts that develop inside your kidneys.
These cysts, in turn, reduce the kidneys ability to function.
Kidney infections
Kidney infections are an inflammation usually sparked by bacteria.
Gout
Gout can damage your kidneys.
If left untreated, gout can damage the kidneys.
YOUR RISK FACTORS
7.
Manage your diabetes
Diabetes is the No.
1 cause of kidney disease.
In fact, about one out of 3 people with diabetes also has kidney disease.
This can cause your blood pressure to spike, creating an unhealthy cycle.
High blood pressure can also be a complication of kidney disease from other causes.
Hop on the scale
Obesity puts your kidneys at risk.
The more weight you carry, the harder your kidneys have to work.
Excess fat crowds the kidneys and compresses them.
Check your heart health
Heart disease can cause kidney disease, and vice versa.
When you have kidney disease, your heart has to pump harder to get blood to your kidneys.
If that extra fluid and waste builds up in your body, it can damage the heart.
Look at your family history
Sometimes family history contributes to kidney disease.
But advances in genetic testing are paving the way for more precise diagnosis.
