Ensure the well-being of your kidneys for a fulfilling life. Learn about healthcare with Chula Pharmacy: Safeguard your kidneys for a fulfilling life.

    The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining bodily functions, akin to the brain, heart, and liver. Their primary task involves filtering waste from the body continuously while also regulating water balance and various mineral salts in the bloodstream. Failure to maintain kidney health can lead to detrimental effects on the body, including the accumulation of waste products in the blood, resulting in conditions such as edema, high blood pressure, anemia, and weakened bones. Severe kidney failure can even lead to fatal consequences if not addressed promptly through dialysis.

    Kidney failure manifests in two forms: acute and chronic. Acute kidney failure occurs suddenly when the kidneys abruptly lose their ability to filter waste over a period of days or weeks. While relatively rare, it can be caused by factors such as decreased blood flow to the kidneys or the ingestion of substances toxic to the kidneys, including certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is crucial to exercise caution when using such medications and only do so under close medical supervision, especially for long-term or chronic conditions.

    Chronic kidney failure, on the other hand, is a progressive condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to eliminate waste over a longer period, ranging from months to years. This deterioration eventually leads to systemic abnormalities, necessitating kidney replacement therapy through either transplantation or lifelong dialysis. However, neither option restores normalcy to the patient's life entirely. Kidney transplant recipients must take immunosuppressive drugs indefinitely, while dialysis patients must adhere to strict dietary restrictions to avoid overburdening their compromised kidneys.

    The leading causes of chronic kidney failure in most individuals include prolonged high blood pressure, poorly controlled diabetes, obesity, high blood lipid levels, and smoking—all modifiable risk factors. To mitigate the risk of kidney deterioration, it is imperative to adopt healthy lifestyle behaviors, undergo regular medical check-ups, maintain a healthy weight, abstain from smoking, adhere to prescribed medications, and avoid substances harmful to the kidneys, including certain supplements and herbal remedies lacking safety data.

    Additionally, reducing salt intake is crucial as excessive salt consumption places undue strain on the kidneys, impeding their ability to regulate water and mineral balance effectively. This entails being mindful not only of table salt but also sodium-rich condiments, sauces, processed foods, and snacks. By diligently managing blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and salt intake, along with prudent medication usage, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of requiring dialysis or transplantation, ensuring the longevity of their kidney health for a lifetime.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nattada Areepiam and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bodin Tiwasuwan

Faculty of Pharmacy Chulalongkorn University