National Kidney Month is celebrated every month of June to increase awareness of kidney diseases and their prevention. This is by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 184, declaring the month of June of every year as “National Kidney Month” and National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) as the lead agency in the implementation of the proclamation. This year’s theme is: “Matatag na Bato sa Kapanahunang ito”.

Kidneys are important organ in the body that filters blood, remove wastes and maintain the body’s fluid balance. According to the World Health Organization in 2018, there are 21, 894 deaths due to kidney-related diseases in the Philippines. About 10,800 Filipinos are affected by chronic kidney diseases yearly. Thus, it is important to detect and prevent kidney diseases immediately as this disease is difficult to treat and often cannot be cured.

People with kidney disorder may experience fluid retention or edema, swelling in the feet and legs, or water in the lungs that could result to difficulty of breathing, increased or decreased frequency of urination, blood in the urine, back pain and others. Diseases such as urinary tract infection, hypertension and diabetes commonly affect the kidneys. Also, some drugs and herbal medicine may also harm the kidneys.

According to studies, poor eating habits, smoking and obesity are associated with increased risk for kidney diseases. People with diet that is high in red and processed meats, sugar-sweetened beverages and sodium are more likely to have kidney disorders. Also, people who smoke were 60% more likely to develop kidney disease.

Fortunately, kidney disease is highly preventable. Through lifestyle modification and proper nutrition, people can maintain good health of their kidneys. Below are some nutrition tips to prevent kidney diseases:

• Make a healthy food choice by choosing fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and low fat products.
• Limit processed meats, sugar sweetened beverages and high sodium foods such as sodas, pastries, junk foods and others.
• Follow Kumainment #7 “Hinay hinay sa maaalat, matatamis at matatabang pagkain”
• Limit sodium consumption by less than 2,300 milligrams or at least 1 teaspoon a day. Cooking with the use of spices instead of salt would help.
• Choose a healthier method of cooking such as baking, broiling and steaming fish, meat and chicken instead of frying.
• Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to help the kidney remove wastes from the blood.
• Limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking. It is important to limit alcohol intake and avoid smoking to decrease risk of developing kidney disorders and other diseases.
• Maintain a healthy weight by making physical activity as part of daily routine.

Kidney disorders are hard to treat and costly thus it is important to prevent the kidneys from harm. As commonly said “prevention is better than cure”. People must keep it healthy through healthy lifestyle, good nutrition and exercise. Also, do not forget to follow the 10 Kumainments to ensure a healthy and strong body. – Frances Vea T. Valdez