The kidneys work 24 hours a day and filter out wastes and toxins from the blood, manage the blood pressure as well as monitor the fluid volume in the body. There are several disease-conditions which tend to put a strain on the kidneys and reduce kidney function, eventually leading to kidney failure.
One kidney may be able to work and recompense for the other impaired kidney, however, with time the other kidney too will get afflicted. It is therefore important to know what you should and should not do for kidney health. Thus, ensuring good kidney health is very vital.
What Does Strained Kidneys Mean?
Kidney strain is term used to describe excessive stress on the kidneys or a decreased functioning of the kidneys. Kidney strain is seen in the initial phases of kidney problems, before kidney failure sets in.
Several factors can cause stress and strain on the kidneys, e.g. undue alcohol consumption or taking too much of certain medications; nonetheless, a healthy kidney can recover once these factors stop. Regrettably, we never know when we are putting a strain on the kidneys because mild kidney strain produces no symptoms.
Kidney function is evaluated by glomerular filtration rate. The glomerular filtration rate is the capacity of the kidney to filter blood. Normally, the kidney filters liters of blood every hour to get rid of toxins, wastes and other substances that aren’t required by our body. These pass out as urine. When the glomerular filtration rate drops, it is a clear indication that the kidneys are not working as effectively as they should.
Signs And Symptoms Of Strained Kidneys
In the preliminary stage, the condition may be asymptomatic; i.e. the kidneys will be undergoing strain but you will be unaware for several months or years until advanced kidney disease takes hold. Investigations such as the glomerular filtration rate are very essential to help identify kidney dysfunction at an early stage.
Over a period of time, symptoms become apparent depending upon whether it is acute or chronic kidney disease, and the medical condition that has afflicted the kidneys. Common symptoms include:
- Edema of the legs
- Protein in the urine
- Blood in the urine
- High blood pressure
- Discomfort and pain in the pelvis and back.
Natural Treatment For Strained Kidneys
- Dietary and lifestyle alterations are a very crucial aspect in the successful management of a kidney disease.
- Restrict your intake of sodium and reduce the intake of other electrolytes such as – potassium and phosphorus.
- Cut down on proteins.
- Do not drink large quantities of fluid.
- Diabetics will be advocated a low GI eating plan to ensure optimal blood sugar control.
- Moderate exercise at least thrice a week is recommended; confer with your health care provider though.
- Quit smoking and steer clear of alcohol.
- Also, minimize the use of medications; opt for natural remedies instead. Avoid drugs that are not necessary, particularly painkillers.
- Those having a chronic kidney disease are at a great risk for cardiovascular diseases, thus lifestyle measures are advised for a healthy heart as well.
- Your doctor will focus on the treatment based upon the cause; hence, once the investigations have been done and the cause has been ascertained the therapy will be started.
- Maintaining a normal blood pressure is very important.
Keeping an eye on the kidney function regularly is a very critical facet of disease management. While kidney function may return to normal in an acute disease, it won’t happen in chronic cases.
Chronic kidney diseases show gradual, progressive and irreversible decline in kidney function. Treatment aims at decelerating the progress of the disease and averting greater strain on the kidneys. Once kidney function is lost, dialysis needs to be done regularly.