4 Things to Know About Kidney Disease & Aging

Qualicare’s in-home healthcare and senior care franchise partners take pride in serving clients recovering from surgery, individuals with long-term illnesses, and seniors. According to the U.S.-based National Kidney Foundation, kidney disease kills more people every year than breast or prostate cancer. And, one in seven adults in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease and don’t know it. 

Therefore it’s important to know your risk, and how you can prevent, treat, and live with kidney disease. Here’s four things to know:  

Know your risk 

Kidney disease is one of the many health risks that increase as we age. Often, kidney disease develops with few symptoms, over time. Many people are not aware of the disease until it is advanced, so early detection and screenings are important. The National Kidney Foundation encourages individuals over age 60 to screen for kidney disease, because it is estimated by researchers at Johns Hopkins University that over 50 percent of individuals age 75+ have kidney disease.

Individuals at a higher risk of kidney disease should also consider a screening. Some risk factors for kidney disease include: high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney stones, and a family history of kidney disease. The non-profit American Kidney Fund, also notes that African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian American individuals are at a higher risk of kidney disease. African Americans especially are at high-risk, and account for one in three individuals living with kidney disease in the U.S.

Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Disease 

According to the National Kidney Foundation, there are a number of physical signs to pay attention to which can be symptoms of kidney disease. Firstly, if you are extra tired, and have trouble sleeping, your kidneys may not be functioning at full capacity. You could have a buildup of toxins and impurities, making the body feel extra weak and have trouble relaxing. 

Second, your urine could show signs of kidney disease. You may need to urinate more often, especially at night. Or, you could see blood in your urine. This can happen when the kidneys’ filters are damaged, causing the blood cells to “leak” out of the urine. Additionally, urine that looks foamy indicates that there may be more protein in the urine than normal, which could be a sign of kidney disease. 

Thirdly, kidney disease may cause physical symptoms felt in your skin and throughout the body. The Mayo Clinic reports that individuals could feel chronic back or side pain, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. A persistent puffiness in the skin around your eyes, swollen ankles and feet, and cramping muscles caused by sodium retention and electrolyte imbalances, and too much protein in the urine can be signs of kidney disease as well. Kidneys remove waste and extra fluid from the body, and help maintain the right amount of minerals in blood. A mineral and bone disease that often accompanies advanced kidney disease will cause the skin to be dry and itchy. 

Support & treatments for individuals with kidney disease 

Mental health should be a priority for individuals experiencing kidney disease. As the American Kidney Fund writes about in this article, the pain and exhaustion of kidney disease can take a toll on an individual’s, and family’s emotional health. The American Kidney Fund recommends a number of ways to take care of your mental health.

First, be compassionate and kind to yourself. Living with a chronic disease is a startling, painful reality. Find someone to talk to about your experience, and let the emotions out of your body. This will immediately relieve stress, and help you to live in the present. Then, take charge of the new reality of your life. Find a routine to help you manage your kidney disease, and continue living your life. Healthy practices like taking walks, and maintaining important relationships will help keep spirits up. 

The Mayo Clinic notes that the severity of kidney diseases varies from person to person, and that there are many ways to treat the symptoms of kidney disease to prevent further degradation of the kidneys, including through holistic treatments. Some people have a mild kidney disease that they live with for many years, that never progresses to the end stage of kidney disease. And, some people reach the end-stage of kidney disease before age 65. 

However, there is no cure for kidney disease. If kidneys get to the point of failing entirely, dialysis and a kidney transplant are the treatment options. Kidney transplants account for 80 percent of Americans on the national organ transplant waitlist.

Healthy diet & lifestyle helps the body heal 

Individuals with kidney disease may have doctors suggest a kidney (renal) diet. A kidney diet consists of foods which are easier on kidneys, and limits foods with potassium, phosphorus, protein, and sodium. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and fresh meat, while avoiding processed and high-sugar foods is recommended. A habit of reading food labels before buying food is important to stay informed about what foods you consume. Drinking water and limiting alcohol are recommended.

Sodium, according to the National Kidney Foundation, is particularly important to limit. Diets high in sodium increase blood pressure levels which damage the kidneys over time. High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney failure (to read more about heart health see our “5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Heart.”) Diabetes is also a leading cause of kidney disease, and avoiding high-sugar, processed, and fatty foods will decrease the risk of diabetes. The Mayo Clinic offers a number of recipes for individuals on a kidney-friendly diet. 

Other factors that help prevent kidney disease, according to the National Kidney Foundation, are exercising regularly, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and reducing stress. A healthy, balanced lifestyle in general will help the body heal itself, and increase the likelihood that kidney disease does not advance into the final stage of the disease. 

We hope these tips will help keep you and your kidneys healthy! 

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