(Image source from: Canva.com)

World Kidney Day is celebrated every year on the second Thursday of March to promote awareness of kidney health and its essential contribution to overall wellness. This year's observance will take place on March 13. The kidneys, which are two organs shaped like beans, serve as the body’s main filtration system, eliminating waste products and surplus fluids from the bloodstream. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that these organs are crucial for maintaining a proper balance of water, salts, and minerals-elements necessary for managing blood pressure, generating red blood cells, and sustaining the body’s overall stability. When the kidneys are unable to fulfill their primary roles, such as filtering waste and producing erythropoietin, a hormone that encourages the production of red blood cells, it can result in severe health challenges. Issues related to the kidneys can disturb the body’s internal equilibrium, impacting various factors including blood pressure and oxygen distribution.

The theme for World Kidney Day 2025 is “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect Early, Protect Kidney Health,” as stated on the official website. This campaign aims to underscore the importance of kidney health and regular check-ups for the early identification and intervention necessary to prevent diseases affecting these vital filtering organs. The inaugural World Kidney Day was held in 2006, born from a collaborative effort between the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations. Together, they established the World Kidney Alliance (IFKF-WKA), which oversees the celebration of this global health initiative aimed at raising awareness about the kidneys’ significance in overall health. The campaign's initial slogan was “Are your kidneys okay?” Its overarching goal is to diminish the prevalence and effects of kidney disease. The underlying message of World Kidney Day 2025 is to safeguard individuals against Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).

According to the official website, CKD is believed to impact around 850 million individuals globally, and if not detected and treated in a timely manner, it can progress to kidney failure, serious complications, and even untimely death.

Fundamental Guidelines for Maintaining Kidney Health:

Nutritionists and fitness professionals consistently emphasize the importance of adhering to eight essential guidelines for supporting kidney health, which can be outlined as follows:

- Maintain a healthy weight: Given that obesity significantly impacts kidney function, it is vital to remain active, particularly as one ages. Engaging in regular exercise or walking each day is key to achieving this goal.

- Consume a balanced diet: A clean and nutrient-rich diet is always advantageous for overall health, including that of the kidneys.

- Regulate blood sugar levels: Diabetes poses a serious threat to kidney function. Thus, it is imperative to monitor and manage blood sugar levels meticulously.

- Keep blood pressure in check: Appropriate dietary choices and medications can aid in controlling hypertension, which in turn reduces the likelihood of heart-related issues that could lead to kidney problems.

- Stay hydrated: Adequate hydration is essential for ensuring the body has sufficient fluids to facilitate the transportation of nutrients and other substances. A daily intake of 3 to 5 litres of water is recommended.

- Avoid tobacco: According to a report from Kidney Research UK, smoking can adversely affect kidney health by harming blood vessels or elevating blood pressure, which also raises the risk of kidney cancer.

- Limit the use of over-the-counter pain medications: The National Kidney Foundation warns that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can be harmful to the kidneys when taken in large quantities or for prolonged periods. This usage may lead to reduced blood circulation to the kidneys, potentially causing acute kidney injury (AKI) or exacerbating chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly in those with existing kidney issues or conditions like hypertension.
Regularly assess kidney function: It is important to routinely evaluate kidney function, especially for individuals with elevated risk factors, to prevent the onset of kidney-related diseases from the very beginning.

Foods to Avoid for Individuals Suffering from Kidney Disease:

Patients with kidney conditions should steer clear of a variety of foods, including:

- Processed products: The kidneys play a crucial role in eliminating acid generated by bodily cells and in preserving the balance of water, salts, and minerals such as sodium, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium. Therefore, it is wise to avoid processed foods that are excessively high in these components.

- Salty items: Foods like French fries, chips, canned soups, frozen meals, and pickles should be avoided due to their high sodium content, which can elevate blood pressure.

- Dried fruits: Options like raisins, prunes, and apricots are elevated in potassium, sugar, and calories and should be substituted with fresh fruits instead.

- Potatoes: These contain high levels of potassium and can also spike blood sugar.

- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, ice cream, and similar items tend to be rich in potassium and phosphorus, meaning they may need to be limited in a kidney-friendly diet.

Opt instead for lean proteins such as whole eggs and chicken, along with easily digestible green and leafy vegetables that have minimal adverse effects on the body.