March is National Kidney Month. With chronic kidney disease ranking in the top ten causes of death in the United States, it is important to understand what our kidneys do, and how we can protect them.
On a daily basis, our kidneys filter about 30 gallons of blood; removing extra fluids and waste products through urination. In addition, our kidneys help:
For more information, please see:
https://www.pchc.org/images/PDFs/HPAPs/Renal%20Damage.pdf
https://www.pchc.org/images/PDFs/HPAPs/Renal%20Failure,%20Chronic.pdf
Chronic kidney disease (CKD), which may be caused by diabetes and/or hypertension, refers to lasting, frequently progressive kidney damage. The last stage of CKD is known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease. At this point in the disease process individual’s survival is depends on renal dialysis or a kidney transplant.
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases lists six healthy lifestyle habits that help protect your kidneys which are below: