In honor of World Kidney Day (Mar 10, 2016), we here at The Truth About Cancer want to remind you of your precious kidneys… and to share some helpful tips for maintaining good kidney health.
Kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in your lower back on either side of your spine. They release hormones that regulate blood pressure and stimulate red blood cell production. They also maintain fluid levels inside you, filter waste, aid in activating vitamin D, and balance your sodium, potassium, and phosphorous.
It takes about 30 minutes for your kidneys to filter every ounce of blood inside you. It might shock you to learn that kidney (renal) failure is officially the 9th leading cause of death in the U.S. Most people don’t give kidney health much thought − until these vital organs stop working.
If your kidneys fail, it means they’re unable to filter waste from your bloodstream. Within a matter of hours, the toxins inside you can build to a lethal level.
You can’t survive without your kidneys. You must have at least one functioning kidney. If both kidneys fail, you are left with two options:
Experts estimate that 26 million people in the United States have some form of kidney disease and are unaware of it. Annually, kidney disease kills more people than breast cancer or prostate cancer. More than 47,000 people died from kidney disease in 2013. Yet you don’t hear much about it in the mainstream media.
Kidney disease is a “silent” killer. Kidney function deterioration can happen quietly over time. But once your kidneys begin to fail, your health declines quickly. You might experience symptoms or you may have no clue you have kidney disease until you’re tested for an unrelated condition.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.
Acute kidney failure is usually a side effect of another medical condition. Heart disease and diabetes are the single biggest risk factors for kidney disease.
Research from Johns Hopkins University (published in American Journal of Kidney Disease) found that patients who are obese have double the risk of developing kidney disease. If you’re a smoker, you have 60 percent more chance of losing the use of your kidneys if they begin to fail.
Renal failure is a painful process. Only cancer requires more visits to the doctor for treatments and procedures.
This World Kidney Day take a moment to think about your personal kidney health. Figure out where the worst offenders are in your daily life and lower the toxins you pump through your body.
If you don’t protect these bean-shaped organs, they could literally collapse from exhaustion. Don’t wait until your kidneys fail before you recognize the importance of these under appreciated (and often ignored) organs.
Please take care of the health of your kidneys. You can’t live (long) without your kidneys… and you don’t want to try.
Kidneys are bean-shaped organs located in your lower back on either side of your spine. They release hormones that regulate blood pressure and stimulate red blood cell production. They also maintain fluid levels, filter waste, aid in activating vitamin D, and balance your sodium, potassium, and phosphorous.
You must have at least one functioning kidney. If both kidneys fail, you are left with two options: dialysis or kidney transplant. Transplant waiting lists are very long.
Kidney disease is known as a “silent” killer as kidney function deterioration can happen quietly over time. Symptoms of kidney failure to watch out for include:
Diabetes and heart disease are two of the biggest causes of kidney failure. Other lifestyle causes include smoking, substance abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and obesity.
Here are 9 steps to reduce your risk of kidney failure and disease:
Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner before using herbal supplements or making any changes in your health program.