It’s National Kidney Month! So, what better time to join forces and help spread the truth about kidney health? Unfortunately, many people hold onto outdated or incorrect information regarding our kidneys. To learn more, read our latest blog, where we debunk 5 common myths about kidney health.
Kidney Health: Common Misconceptions
When it comes to an organ as vital as our kidneys, it’s essential to distinguish fact from fiction. While some kidney myths may hold a grain of truth, many are pure myths. To help clear any confusion, let’s discuss 5 of the most common myths associated with kidney disease so that everyone can make informed decisions about their kidney health.
Myth 1: Chronic Kidney Disease Is Curable
As amazing as this sounds, the reality is that chronic kidney disease has no known cure. Kidney health can be improved and maintained through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and in some cases, medications. However, any underlying severe issue affecting these critical organs, such as diabetes or lupus, can cause varying levels of damage and is not something that can be cured. Yet instead, it requires ongoing maintenance and medical care to maintain any improvements made.
Myth 2: Kidney Disease Is Rare
Although many falsely believe that kidney disease is an uncommon condition, the truth is that it’s all too common. Nearly 1 in 3 American adults are at risk of developing it due to having diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of the condition. Additionally, over 37 million Americans currently have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and over 690,000 live affected by end-stage kidney failure.
Myth 3: Signs of Kidney Disease Will Be Obvious
Unfortunately, many people subscribe to the notion that if they have issues with kidney disease, they’ll quickly be aware. This couldn’t be further from the truth! Kidney disease is often called a silent killer because it rarely reveals apparent symptoms until it develops into more severe health concerns. These elusive symptoms make it even more important to be aware of your renal health. Early detection is key to successfully and effectively treating any kidney-related issue. Left untreated, it can lead to life-threatening conditions such as end-stage renal failure.
Myth 4: Testing for Kidney Disease Is a Complicated & Lengthy Process
Despite what you may have heard, getting tested for kidney disease does not need to be overly complex or time-consuming! The process usually only involves a single blood test as part of your routine physical or quick and painless urine testing. If something unusual occurs in your results, your doctor will advise you on the necessary next steps. Modern technology has made it easier to quickly receive test results. Most tests take less than an hour to complete. They can detect any issues with renal function early on, so treatment can begin sooner rather than later.
Myth 5: There’s Nothing You Can Do if You’re at Risk for Kidney Disease
Some existing conditions increase your chances of kidney disease, but saying there’s nothing you can do is untrue. So don’t be fooled. Even if you are predisposed to kidney issues, taking proactive steps to keep your kidneys healthy is possible. Firstly, it’s important to keep these 5 common myths about kidney health in mind when moving forward. The most crucial step is to stay up to date with regular doctor appointments and blood tests; this will help keep your health in check and allow your doctor to detect any potential issues early on. Additionally, eating a healthy diet low in salt and sugar, staying physically active, and reducing stress are great ways to protect your kidneys from harm. Taking these small steps now can have big benefits down the road!
At Clinical Pharmacology of Miami, we have upcoming kidney studies dedicated to creating a better tomorrow for CKD patients. Contact us at (305) 817-2900 or visit our website to learn more about our services!
Resources:
https://www.kidney.org/sites/default/files/11-10-1811_silentkiller.pdf
https://www.kidneyfund.org/resource/myths-facts-about-kidney-disease