Maxwell Adeyemi

The kidneys are two small bean-shaped organs that sit below the ribs on either side of the spine. Roughly the size of a fist, the kidneys are in charge of filtering the blood and removing toxic substances from the food we eat, expelling these toxins out in the form of waste products. Kidneys also help maintain the delicate balance of fluids in the body.

If the kidneys are not working properly, our body cannot function. The breakdown of kidneys can lead to chronic kidney disease, an umbrella term that covers various conditions that damage the kidneys and decrease their performance ability.

Chronic kidney disease can lead to complications like high blood pressure, low blood count, weak bones, poor nutrition and nerve damage, and can increase the risk of heart and blood vessel diseases

The damage caused by CKD occurs over a long period, and if left untreated, may lead to eventual kidney failure, which is treated by renal dialysis and kidney transplant.

The two main causes of CKD are high blood pressure and diabetes, and the various symptoms include fatigue, insomnia, muscle cramping, swollen feet and ankles, lack of appetite, trouble concentrating, puffy eyes, itchy skin and frequent need to urinate.

Anyone can be at risk of potential kidney disease, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle can dramatically decrease the risk.

Kidney disease risk factors

Red meat:

This is a great source of protein, but including too much meat in your diet can put you at risk of kidney disease. People who consume significant amount of red meat on a regular basis have a 40 per cent increased risk of developing end-stage renal disease.

Red meat when eaten in excess can produce waste products that damage kidney filtration and have a negative impact on your health. The protein found in red meat produces by-products that can put added stress on kidney function, and when this protein is broken down it releases a compound called urea. Too much urea can build up and contribute to kidney damage. especially if your kidneys are already weakened.

Red meats like beef, pork and lamb also contain more saturated fats and cholesterol than other types of meat, which can raise cholesterol levels, worsen heart disease and increase the risk of renal artery disease.

Alcohol:

Technically, alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down your brain and affects the way it sends and receive messages. Alcohol can also badly damage the kidneys by changing the way they function.

Drinking alcohol frequently can increase the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, which can be a precursor to kidney disease and can lead to eventual kidney failure.

Moderate alcohol consumption is not considered a risk to healthy kidneys, but for those who have onset kidney problems, the damage can be extensive. Aside from damage to your kidneys, excessive alcohol also puts you at a higher risk of hypertension and stroke.

Table salt:

Salt is essential for health: it helps to regulate blood pressure, control flui