Small, bean-shaped kidney organs are a complex filter system that processes around 200 liters of blood daily. They remove impurities, regulate blood pressure, maintain electrolyte balance, and produce hormones for red blood cell production and bone health. Their small size can lead to kidney problems, triggering a domino effect of other health issues. Therefore, kidney problems are crucial for maintaining overall well-being.
“Given all the work the kidneys must do, developing kidney issues like chronic kidney disease or CKD, which affects one Filipino every hour, puts you at risk of complications that affect other areas of your body like your skin and your heart,” explains Eladio Miguel M. Peñaranda Jr., MD Chief of the Section of Nephrology of the top hospital in the Philippines Makati Medical Center (MakatiMed).
Some people with malfunctioning kidneys complain about itchy skin ranging from mildly bothersome to unbearably life-disrupting and gout. “There are many possible reasons why people with kidney problems experience this, and it could be because there’s an accumulation of toxins in the body,” shares Dr. Peñaranda. “The same excess waste buildup also leads to uric acid building up in your blood that triggers gout. Having too much uric acid creates small urate crystals, which settle in your joints and cause sudden attacks of pain and swelling.”
With the kidney controlling the balance of minerals like phosphorus, calcium, and potassium in the body, problems in these organs may also affect bone and heart health. “Healthy kidneys can easily get rid of excess phosphorus. Otherwise, high levels of this mineral can also decrease the calcium levels in bone, making you more at risk of fractures and osteoporosis,” says Dr. Peñaranda. “Moreover, potassium controls the electrical signals of your myocardium or the muscular layer of the heart controlling your heartbeat. When there’s too much potassium it can result in an irregular heartbeat.”
Similarly, kidney damage increases risk for more severe health issues like heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death among Filipinos. “This is because kidney disease can lead to increased strain on the heart as it works harder to supply blood to the kidneys,” notes Dr. Peñaranda.
Considering their impact and influence on the rest of the body, MakatiMed reminds us that these small organs should always be factored into our proactive approach to maintaining health. Some people with kidney disease don’t feel its effects until the condition reaches an advanced stage when treatment only involves alleviating symptoms and slowing down the progression of the disease.
“To keep kidneys healthy, it’s crucial to add more veggies and fruits to your plate, stay hydrated, work out regularly, limit cholesterol and salt intake, reduce alcohol consumption, quit smoking, and control blood sugar and blood pressure,” underlines Dr. Peñaranda. “If you suspect kidney issues, see a doctor immediately and ask if you can get tested. Diagnosis requires blood and urine tests. Taking these steps can preserve your kidneys and prevent a surge of health issues that’ll keep you from living life to the fullest.”
For more information, please contact MakatiMed On-Call at +632.88888 999, email mmc@makatimed.net.ph, or visit www.makatimed.net.ph.Follow @IamMakatiMed on Facebook and Twitter.
