A healthy person has two kidneys. They are located below the rib cae in the middle of your back. Healthy kidneys work 24 hours a day seven days a week removing wastes from the blood and returning cleaned blood to the body. They also regulate water and mineral levels needed for good health. The kidneys are the size of a closed fist.

Here’s a look at what the kidneys do to keep you healthy:

• Remove waste products from the blood.

• Balance your bodily fluids.

• Regulate your body water and other minerals such as potassium, sodium, calcium and phosphorus.

• Remove drugs and other toxins from your body.

• Produce hormones that help control your blood pressure and make red blood cells that carry oxygen to your whole body.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) develops as healthy kidney function slows down. Typically, CKD happens because the kidneys have less ability to filter out wastes and excess fluids. The capillaries (very narrow tubes or channels through which fluids can pass) in the kidneys become blocked and start to leak. This leaves wastes or toxins in the blood, while proteins, which should remain in the blood, get into the urine.

Who is affected by CKD?

It is estimated 20 million Americans have CKD. Another 20 million are at risk for developing CKD, and many don’t even know it. High blood pressure and diabetes may be damaging your kidneys without symptoms. High blood pressure and diabetes are the two leading causes of kidney failure.

Anyone can develop kidney disease. Age nor race matters. If you have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney disease, you are at a greater risk of developing the disease. Minorities: African Americans, Native Americans, Asian Americans are at an increased risk of developing the disease.

Symptoms

Most people don’t have any symptoms early in the disease. Once the disease progresses, the symptoms can include the following:

• Feeling weak

• Loss of appetite

• A metallic taste in the mouth or ammonia breath

• Not sleeping

• Swelling of the feet and ankles

• Have dry, itchy skin

• Have muscle cramping at night

• Have puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning

• Need to urinate more often, especially at night.

Decrease your chances of developing CKD

Your doctor will talk to you about treating the problems that may cause damage to your kidneys. Your physician may prescribe ACE inhibitors and angiotensin-II receptor blockers to help lower your blood pressure. Your blood pressure should be 130/80 mm Hg or lower. Exercise and eating healthy can also help lower your blood pressure. Your doctor will talk to you about your protein intake. Too much protein can cause your kidneys to work too hard.

If you smoke, quit! Smoking causes further damage to your kidneys. Get regular check-ups with your doctor, and find out what he or she recommends. Here’s a list of more recommendations to decrease your chances of developing CKD:

• Follow your treatment plan for high blood pressure and/or diabetes

• Limit the amount of over-the-counter pain relief medications you take

• Treat urinary tract infections right away

• Drink water instead of soda

• Limit your salt intake

• Exercise most days of the week.

For more information on the kidneys, how the kidneys work, diabetes, hypertension, medical tests, emotional issues, common medications and much more, call AAKP at (800) 749-AAKP for a free copy of Kidney Beginnings: A Patient’s Guide to Living with Reduced Kidney Function.