The kidneys are the master chemist of the human body.  When these organs malfunction serious health consequences occur.  Take care of your kidneys

The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood, excreting waste products and excess water in the form of urine.

• The human body has two kidneys each about four to five inches long, which are situated in the abdomen underneath the liver on the right and the spleen on the left.

• Each kidney contains about one million glomeruli, responsible for good kidney function.

• The main functions of the kidney are to regulate the blood pressure and electrolytes and to eliminate waste products, the most important being proteins, salts, potassium and excess water.

• The kidney controls the body’s acid base balance.  When blood and body fluids become too acid or too alkaline, the urine acidity is altered to restore the balance.

• When excess water is ingested, the kidney excretes it, and when water is lost as a result of diarrhea, vomiting or sweating the kidney conserves it.

• The evidence of blood and or pus in the urine (discolored or cloudy) requires urgent medical intervention.

• Renal cell carcinoma occurs in the adult but in children nephroblastoma  call by name Wilms tumour.

• High blood pressure causes serious damage to the kidney.  It is important to check your blood pressure at regular intervals.

• The normal blood pressure’ range should not go beyond 160 in the first level and not above 90 in the second level.

• Polycystic kidney disease is a hereditary condition where large cysts occur on the kidney which can causes kidney failure.

• Kidney failure occurs as a result of block arteries which prevents the blood fill with waste product from being filtered.

• Urinalysis is a simple kidney function test where urine is tested to detect blood, proteins pus and cells and to ascertain the concentration level.

• Kidney function can be assessed by measuring the concentration of urea and creatinine levels in the blood.

• Haemodialysis is a procedure use in the treatment of chronic renal failure where blood passes through a semi permeable membrane and is filtered of waste products.     

• Peritoneal dialysis is a means of treating chronic renal failure using the semi permeable membrane of the peritoneal cavity for filtering the blood.

• The Barbados kidney Association is the support group for persons afflicted with kidney diseases.

The kidney Association is open to the public for health checks, counseling and dissemination of material on the kidney.   Phone   827-8417.  537-0178

• The kidneys filter 200 litres of blood per day, removing two liters of toxins, waste and water.

• Reduce the risk of developing kidney disease by keeping fit and active, controlling blood pressure and blood sugar levels, eating healthy(avoid fried foods), avoid smoking and using over counter pills on a regular basis.

• Diabetes is a disease that is caused by the lack of insulin in the body or the body’s inability to properly use normal amounts of insulin.  Diabetic individuals suffer damage to delicate blood vessels in the kidneys and damage to the nerves in many part of the   body.

• Diabetic individuals presenting with a high sugar content in the urine encourages the growth of bacteria and kidney infections.  This contributes to chronic renal failure.

• If you are diabetic you should be tested once a year for kidney damage.

• When your kidneys are about to fail you might experience tiredness, nausea and vomiting and swelling of hands and feet leading to shortness of breath.

• Untreated hypertension will cause damage to various organs and bodily systems leading to strokes, heart attacks, kidney failure and permanent damage to the vascular system.

• If hypertension is left untreated, the damage will become permanent and irreversible.  The body can be given the essential needed mineral to maintain normal levels.

• Your heart pumps blood through tubes call arteries.  The pumped blood creates pressure inside these arteries.  The blood pressure is read in two numbers call systolic and diastolic.

• The first reading of the blood pressure is the systolic which records when your heart is beating and the second number the diastolic when your heart is at rest between beats.

• High blood pressure makes it harder for the kidneys to do its job.  Healthy kidneys and healthy blood pressure keep your body stabilized.

• Persons diagnosed with chronic renal failure must avoid foods high in potassium – fruits, coconut water, beer e.g,  extra proteins, salts and water, and strict fluid restriction must be practiced to maintain life.

• During the hurricane season persons on dialysis should take care not to overload with fluid.  Maintain a limited fluid intake.  In case of a hurricane you need to stay indoors.  Limiting your fluid intake can save your life.

• In case you have to go to a shelter make sure you take your medications.  In case of a hurricane and you can’t get to the hospital to dialyse, keeping within your dietary restrictions is very important. It can save your life. Eating the correct foods can save your life.

• Be sure to let your emergency officer for your area know you are on dialysis.  You may need help in getting to the hospital. This can save your life.