How to look after your kidneys on a daily basis?

The kidney is a vital organ: it regulates many biological and hormonal systems in our body. Protecting it is therefore essential to guard against possible chronic kidney disease. In addition to screening, Professor Patrick Rossignol reminds us of the good habits to adopt on a daily basis. MonacoSanté keeps you informed.

Essential but fragile

Blood filtration, elimination of toxins, regulation of blood pressure, balance of minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus...): kidneys are indispensable to our survival. These bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine filter approximately 180 litres of blood each day. They eliminate waste from the body such as urea or creatinine and produce hormones such as erythropoietin, essential for the production of red blood cells. 

"You cannot live without kidneys", emphasises Professor Patrick Rossignol. "Preserving your kidney health is preserving your health altogether". A nephrologist, specialist in cardio-renal diseases and head of the medical specialties department nephrology-haemodialysis at Princess Grace Hospital (CHPG), Professor Rossignol is also a recognised researcher, co-author of hundreds of national and international publications. In France, nearly six million people are believed to be affected by chronic kidney disease. A widely unknown reality: only 10% of those affected would be diagnosed. The main problem is that chronic kidney disease progresses for a long time without causing symptoms. "It is an affliction that is usually silent, except at very late stages", explains the nephrologist. When symptoms appear, the disease is often already at an advanced stage. They can be varied and sometimes sudden: fatigue, appearance of swelling in the hands, feet or face, shortness of breath, itching, loss of appetite, digestive disorders...

The importance of screening

To avoid reaching this situation, the best weapon remains screening. 

"Looking after your kidneys means avoiding exposure to cardiovascular risk factors, particularly high blood pressure and diabetes, the two main ones. But also obesity and, more broadly, the development of cardiovascular diseases that predispose to chronic kidney disease", explains the specialist. The first essential step is to verify that the kidneys are functioning properly. Screening is simple: it is based on a blood test to measure creatinine and a urine analysis to establish the albumin-to-creatinine ratio. These tests allow for early detection of any abnormalities. "The aim of population screening is to target people at greatest risk. Those who suffer from high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or who have a history of cardiovascular diseases or urological conditions".

Acting early to slow progression

Among the approximately 17 million people with high blood pressure in France, and the 3.5 million diabetics, the recommendation is to carry out this screening once a year. "Chronic kidney diseases are still under-screened. Yet, at very early stages, we can act and slow their progression over several decades, provided we make an early diagnosis and intervene early", insists the nephrologist. This screening proves essential to avoid serious complications linked to chronic kidney disease. "Patients with the condition are at greater risk of developing cardiovascular complications such as stroke or heart failure. The challenge is therefore to give them medications that both prevent these two conditions and protect against kidney deterioration".

An effective therapeutic arsenal

For several years, new treatments have improved management. Among them are medications from the class of gliflozins. Initially developed to treat diabetes, they have also shown their effectiveness for these conditions. 

"This is a true therapeutic revolution, because these medications slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, reduce the risk of heart failure and its complications, and reduce mortality", notes the healthcare professional. According to him, many patients, if screened, could thus avoid hospitalisations for heart failure and delay the need for dialysis.

Good daily habits

As we will have understood, in addition to screening for chronic kidney disease which allows for early intervention, certain simple habits help preserve kidney health on a daily basis. Among these, monitoring blood sugar levels and blood pressure allows for the detection of the onset of diabetes and high blood pressure. It is recommended both to moderate salt consumption and to adopt a balanced diet, rich in fruits and vegetables (at the early stage of kidney disease), as well as with reasonable protein intake. Stopping smoking and limiting alcohol consumption also help protect the kidneys. Finally, it is important to stay well hydrated - approximately 1.5 litres of water per day - and to engage in regular physical activity. A discreet but vital organ, the kidney deserves our full attention. And if kidney disease remains silent, it is not inevitable. Early screening and adopting the right habits can slow its progression and associated complications for many years.