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The kidneys are one of the most important human organs. Their main function is to filter blood and clear the organism. However, they often suffer from bad habits or diseases. According to the WHO statistics, 1.2 million people died from kidney disease in 2015, and another 19 million became disabled.
Kidney diseases are among the TOP 10 causes of global mortality. For a modern person who cares about their health, the issue of preventing kidney disease is more relevant than ever. Specialists from Mediglobus have compiled a list of recommendations from world nephrologists and medical organizations that will help you to ensure a long and prosperous life.
What causes kidney illnesses?
Kidney diseases are caused by a combination of factors. Some factors we can change, while others are beyond our control. The risk of kidney disease is most influenced by:
genetic factors;
old age;
diabetes;
being overweight;
high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease;
bad habits.
One of the most common causes of kidney disease is a mutation in the APOL1 gene. In people who have it in an incorrect form, there is a 15% risk of developing kidney disease throughout their lives. This mutation is most commonly found in people of African descent, but can also occur in people of other ethnic groups.
Of course, it is impossible to influence our heredity or the fact of ageing. For those patients who are at risk, doctors recommend regular visits and kidney tests. Most diseases detected at an early stage can be cured quickly, easily and without significant consequences. In contrast, the neglected pathological process requires dialysis and kidney transplantation.
#1. Control blood sugar levels
In industrialized countries, diabetes is the number 1 cause of kidney disease. For example, statistics on the USA show that every fourth person with diabetes has ill kidneys.
The reason why the connection between these two diseases is so strong is the sensitivity of kidney vessels to high blood sugar. Also, many patients with diabetes suffer from high blood pressure, which is also a risk factor.
Even people with pre-diabetes are at risk. It is a condition where blood sugar levels are high but the body is still healthy.
To avoid diabetes, one should follow such recommendations:
Reduce sugar and simple carbohydrates in the diet;
Eat foods rich in vitamin D;
Eat foods rich in fibre;
Drink water rather than sweet drinks;
Keep weight within healthy limits;
Lead an active lifestyle;
It is also important for patients with congenital or acquired diabetes to take care of their health, in particular, to follow the doctor’s recommendations and monitor blood sugar levels.
#2. Keep an eye on your heart health
After high blood sugar, the most common causes of kidney disease are high blood pressure and cholesterol. Kidneys are so closely connected to the blood system because the most active part of them are blood capillaries through which the filtration process goes. In the case of heart malfunction, kidneys are often the first to suffer. This relationship also works in the opposite direction – kidney disease can lead to cardiovascular disorders.
Doctors have the following recommendations for maintaining low blood pressure:
Drink a lot of liquids;
Avoid alcohol;
Do not cross your legs while sitting;
Eat often, in small portions;
Wear compression socks/stocking;
Do not stand up sharply.
The main method of fighting high cholesterol is a special diet. It is rich in fruits, vegetables, foods with high in soluble fibres (beans, oatmeal) and omega-3 fatty acids (seafood). Fatty foods are not completely excluded from the diet, but their quantity should not exceed 25-35% of daily calories.
#3. Do not abuse drugs
Some medicines that patients use to treat various symptoms or illnesses can damage the kidneys if abused. This is particularly true for Ibuprofen – a non-prescriptive painkiller also known as Advil, Haltran, Menadol or Motrin. Many patients are not aware of the side effects of prolonged abuse.
Similar side effects can be caused by drugs that are taken to reduce stomach acidity in acid reflux or ulcer disease. Again, however, it is in chronic drug abuse that the problem occurs.
It is therefore important to remember that any drug should only be taken on the recommendation and under the supervision of a doctor.
#4. Visit doctor for regular check-ups
One of the features of kidney disease is that the damage can accumulate for many years, but remain practically symptomless. By the time the disease becomes obvious – being acute pain in the side or urination problems – the disease will be on the late stages. Recovery may not be possible without a kidney transplant. However, this can be avoided if you visit with your doctor regularly.
Most foreign clinics offer the service of annual check-ups, during which doctors thoroughly examine the patient’s health. Depending on the goals, the patient can choose a regular package of services or include consultation with additional doctors. The latter option is often favoured by patients who know they have a predisposition to certain groups of diseases.
Kidney diseases in the early stages are often found on examination by a gynaecologist or proctologist. In foreign clinics, consultation with these specialists is part of the standard package.
#5. Quit smoking
Kidney health is affected by smoking in several ways at once. It increases blood pressure, reduces blood flow to the kidneys, disrupts the release of hormones, narrows and damages blood vessels, leads to atherosclerosis. Heavy metals that are present in cigarettes accumulate in the renal tissue and poison the body.
Smoking often leads to kidney stone disease and chronic kidney failure.
Also, by quitting smoking, a person reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Smoking is responsible for 90% of lung cancer deaths, and 80% of deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This habit increases the risk of coronary heart disease and heart attack by a factor of 4.
However, a smoker can improve their health by giving up this habit. In 5 years, people who quit smoking have the same risk of a heart attack as non-smokers. The risk of cancer of the mouth, throat, oesophagus and bladder is halved in 5 years and lung cancer is reduced in 10.
To help a patient quit smoking, many clinics offer multi-step rehabilitation courses that include nicotine replacement therapy, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and support groups.
Which foreign clinics offer kidney disease diagnosis and treatment?
Kidney diseases make up a large morbidity percentage of any country’s population. For this reason, there are always departments that specialize in kidney diseases in multidisciplinary clinics abroad.
A separate item in the treatment of kidney disease is transplantation. Legislation in different countries regulates organ transplantation for citizens and medical tourists in their way. In EU countries, organ transplantation is performed only between first-order relatives. In Israel, a third-generation relative can be a donor, while in Turkey a third-generation relative or best friend can be a donor.
Most often patients from third-world choose countries such as Spain, Germany, Austria, Korea, Israel and Turkey. Doctors in top clinics of these countries have extensive experience in kidney treatment. They are deservedly recognized by the international medical community and have patients’ trust.
Among the most popular clinics in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney disease can be noted:
Quironsalud Hospitals Group in Spain;
Wiener Privatklinik in Austria;
Assuta Medical Center in Israel;
Liv Clinic in Turkey;
Resume
Kidney diseases are among the top 10 mortality causes in the world.
Kidney diseases can go unnoticed for a long time, and by the time the patient visits a doctor, the damage may be irreversible.
To minimize the risk of kidney disease, the global medical community recommends the following: normalize blood sugar levels, do not smoke, monitor the health of the heart, do not abuse medications and regularly visit a doctor for check-ups.
For kidney diagnostics and treatment, medical tourists most often choose hospitals of Spain, Germany, Austria, Korea, Israel, and Turkey.
If you are looking for a reliable clinic that specializes in kidney diseases, our coordinators can help you. Leave your application by clicking the “Get a free consultation” button and you will be contacted shortly. They will help you find the right clinic and arrange your trip.
