To save kidneys Avoid salty food and carbonated beverages

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) yesterday advised the public from taking too much salty food and carbonated drinks to prevent being afflicted with kidney diseases, one of the leading causes of death in the Philippines.

Dr. Susan Jorge, assistant program manager at the National Kidney Transplant Institute, said the most important step to prevent kidney-related diseases is a regular check-up like a yearly urine examination.

Jorge said the leading causes of End-Stage Renal Disease are complications of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Control and prevention of high blood sugar for diabetes and high blood pressure for hypertensives are very important to prevent or delay the development of kidney problems.

Dr. Jocelyn Abellana of DOH 7 Regional Disease Control Program said many people who have chronic kidney disease don’t know it because the early signs can be very subtle.

Studies show that it can take many years for chronic kidney disease to result to kidney failure.

Kidneys make urine so when the kidneys fail, the discharge of the urine may change. A few symptoms of irregular discharge include foamy urine, urinating more often than usual and/or urinating in smaller amounts. Others may even spot blood in the urine and feel pressure or experience difficulty in urinating.

Failing kidneys don’t remove extra fluid, which builds up in the body that cause swelling in the face, legs, ankles, feet, and hands.

Healthy kidneys make a hormone called erythropoietin that makes oxygen-carrying red blood cells. As the kidneys fail, they make less erythropoietin.

Jorge said kidney diseases rank 10th in the leading causes of death in the country, killing about 7,000 Filipinos every year.

During a news forum organized by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) yesterday, Abellana explained that “end-stage renal disease is preventable if diagnosed early.”

“Lami kaayo ang sud-an nga buwad pero makadaut kana sa atong lawas kon pasubrahan kay parat,” Abellana explained.

Statistics showed that last year, 275 people were diagnosed with kidney diseases in Cebu City and Province, 82 were diagnosed in Bohol, 36 in Negros Oriental and two in Siquijor.

These numbers were arrived at based on those who underwent medical examination. Abellana said the number could be higher if all those who have been afflicted underwent examination. — (FREEMAN)