In this video, Dr. Vaibhav Tiwari, a renowned nephrologist, shares crucial insights about kidney health. The following range of topics are covered here:

Why is it Important to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy?

Healthy kidneys are essential for preventing waste build-up and extra fluid in the body. For example, if the kidneys do not function properly, excess sodium can lead to high blood pressure, a common problem in people with kidney disease.

Additionally, it produces a hormone called erythropoietin, which prompts the bone marrow to make red blood cells. If the kidneys are unhealthy, it can lead to anaemia, resulting in fatigue and weakness.

How Do Kidneys Filter Waste from the Blood?

The kidneys filter waste through a three-step process:

1. Filtration: Blood enters the kidneys and passes through the glomeruli, where wastes and fluids are filtered out.

2. Reabsorption: Essentials like glucose, certain ions, and water are reabsorbed back into the bloodstream. For instance, after eating a meal high in carbohydrates, the kidneys reabsorb glucose to maintain blood sugar levels.

3. Secretion: The remaining waste products and extra ions are secreted into the urine. If you've ever noticed your urine turning darker when dehydrated, it's because the kidneys concentrate waste products when there's less water available.

Why is Drinking Water Important for Kidney Function?

Staying hydrated is crucial for kidney function. For example, drinking enough water helps to dilute the urine, which can prevent the formation of kidney stones. Dehydration can lead to concentrated urine, making it more likely for minerals to crystallise and form stones, causing severe pain and potential kidney damage.

How Can You Keep Your Kidneys Healthy?

Maintaining kidney health involves lifestyle choices such as:

1. Stay Hydrated: Drinking water regularly helps the kidneys function efficiently. Carrying a water bottle throughout the day can remind you to stay hydrated.

2. Healthy Diet: Eating foods rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins while limiting salt and sugar can support kidney health. For example, fresh fruit should be chosen over processed snacks to reduce sodium intake.

3. Regular Exercise: Engaging in physical activities can help maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure. For instance, a daily brisk walk can improve circulation and kidney function.

4. Avoid Harmful Substances: Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking can prevent kidney damage. For example, choosing non-alcoholic beverages can reduce the risk of kidney stress and damage.

5. Monitor Health: Regular check-ups for blood pressure and blood sugar levels can help detect early signs of kidney problems. If you have a family history of kidney disease, regular screenings are especially important.

What Happens When Kidneys Fail?

When kidneys fail, they lose their ability to effectively filter waste products and excess fluids from the blood, leading to a host of serious health issues.

One of the most noticeable symptoms is fluid retention, resulting in swelling (oedema) in the legs, ankles, feet, and around the eyes. This occurs because the kidneys can no longer remove excess fluid from the bloodstream.
The buildup of toxins and waste products in the blood can lead to severe fatigue and weakness. Anaemia is also common in kidney failure, as the kidneys are no longer able to produce adequate erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production.
Fluid buildup in the lungs (pulmonary edema) can cause shortness of breath, making it difficult for patients to breathe normally.
As waste products accumulate in the blood, a condition known as uremia can develop. Uremia can cause a variety of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and confusion. Severe uremia can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
Kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and calcium. When kidney function is compromised, these levels can become imbalanced, leading to issues such as muscle cramps, abnormal heart rhythms, and weakness.

Living with kidney failure and undergoing treatment can be challenging. Patients often face significant disruptions to their daily routines due to the time-intensive nature of the treatment and its side effects, such as fatigue and dietary restrictions. For those who undergo kidney transplantation, the journey involves the risks of surgery and the ongoing requirement of immunosuppressive therapy to prevent rejection of the new organ. Despite these challenges, many patients manage to lead full, active lives with proper treatment and support.