Is there anything wrong with your kidneys?

At least 850 million people in the world have kidney disease, and between 5 million and 11 million die each year. This burden disproportionately affects vulnerable populations in low-income countries. In the coming years, kidney disease is projected to become the fifth leading cause of death, a serious public health concern. The good news is that timely screening and intervention can not only reduce healthcare costs, but also save lives.

"Are your kidneys okay? Early detection is the key to kidney health" is the slogan of World Kidney Day, which is being celebrated today. The 2025 campaign aims to raise awareness of the risk factors for kidney disease and emphasise the importance of early detection.

Alessandro BalducciPresident of the International Federation of Kidney Funds - World Kidney Alliance (IFKF-WKA): "Simple tests, such as measuring serum creatinine and urine albumin levels, as well as assessing risk factors such as diabetes and hypertension, can help detect kidney problems at an early stage. By focusing on early detection, we can reduce complications, improve overall health and save lives.".

Marcello TonelliPresident of the International Society of Nephrology (ISN): "Today, we call for a global effort to test high-risk groups, raise awareness and focus on kidney health to reduce the burden of kidney disease worldwide.".

Li-Li XiaoCo-Chair of the Joint Steering Committee of World Kidney Day: "Kidney disease is often referred to as a silent killer because people usually do not experience any symptoms, even in the later stages. Understanding your risk and getting tested is crucial for early detection and prevention.".

• Assess your risk of disease - take an online test "Are your kidneys healthy?"

How to protect your kidneys

1. Take care of your physical fitness, be active

Daily physical activity in the fresh air will help maintain a normal body weight, lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease.

2. Eat a healthy diet

Balanced nutrition will help maintain normal body weight, reduce blood pressure, prevent diabetes, heart disease and other conditions associated with chronic kidney disease.

In particular, reduce your salt intake to 5-6 grams per day, which is about a teaspoon (including the salt already in your food). To do this, try to limit highly processed foods in your diet and use natural spices instead of salt in your dishes. Salt consumption will be easier to control if you prepare your own meals from fresh ingredients.

3. Check and control your blood sugar levels

Almost half of people with diabetes, do not know they have diabetes. Therefore, you should have your blood glucose checked at least once a year as part of a general health check-up. This is especially important for those who are approaching middle age or older. About half of people with diabetes kidney damage develops; but this can be prevented (or mitigated) by controlling diabetes. Check your kidney function regularly with blood and urine tests.

4. Check and control your blood pressure

About half of people with high blood pressure do not know that they have hypertension. Therefore, it is necessary to check your blood pressure regularlyespecially for those who are approaching middle age or older. High blood pressure is dangerous for the kidneys, especially if it is associated with other factors (diabetes, high cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases).

5. Drink enough

Optimal fluid intake depends on many factors, such as physical activity, climate, health, pregnancy and breastfeeding.

If you have kidney, heart or liver disease, your doctor may adjust your drinking regime.

6. Stop smoking and limit alcohol consumption

Smoking slows blood flow to the kidneys, which can reduce their ability to function properly. Smoking also increases the risk of cancer kidneys by almost 50%.

Safe dose of alcohol no - especially for those with kidney problems. Alcohol abuse causes dehydration, which can prevent your kidneys from working properly and lead to weight gain, liver disease, high blood pressure and other conditions that put more strain on your kidneys.

7. Take medicines only as prescribed by your doctor - do not self-medicate

Popular over-the-counter medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and painkillers (ibuprofen, etc.), can cause kidney damage if taken uncontrollably on a regular basis.

If you have a kidney disease, for example, kidney failure, several doses can be dangerous. Always consult your doctor!

8. Check your kidney function if you have one or more risk factors:

• diabetes mellitus;
• arterial hypertension;
• obesity;
• family history of kidney disease.