By Mr. Moysiadis Dimitrios, Nephrologist, Scientific Head of the Nephrology Department and Artificial Kidney Unit of ANASSA General Hospital
Since 2006, the second Thursday of every March has been established as World Kidney Day. The initiative belongs to the International Society of Nephrology.
The kidneys, which are the vital filters of our body, are particularly valuable organs. Every day they filter about 200 litres of blood and at the same time they eliminate about 1-2 litres of waste and harmful substances as well as a quantity of unnecessary water for the body. If the kidneys do not function normally, the condition can lead to chronic kidney disease, a disease described as ‘insidious’ and very dangerous, which can develop into kidney failure.
According to the International Society of Nephrology and the International Association of Nephrology Institutions, there are some steps that lead to much-needed kidney health, which include a balanced diet and proper hydration of the body. It is worth noting that a person’s daily fluid needs are covered by 20-30% by food, e.g. fruits and vegetables, and 70-80% by beverages, with water being the predominant source.
Briefly, the instructions for proper maintenance of kidney function include:
- Healthy diet
- Controlling body weight and maintaining it at normal levels
- Adequate fluid intake for proper hydration
- Increasing physical activity
- Control and regulation of blood pressure
- Control and regulation of blood glucose levels
- Stop smoking
- Avoidance of nutritional supplements
- Avoidance of medicines which, according to the instructions of specialist doctors, are not deemed necessary
- Reduce salt consumption
- Adequate sleep