Don’t Take your Kidneys for Granted

Most people take their kidneys for granted unless something goes wrong, they have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney disease.

Current research shows that chronic kidney disease affects nearly 80 million people worldwide and is one of the fastest-growing health threats. What is particularly concerning is that kidney disease is often silent. Most people experience no symptoms until there has already been significant loss of function.

What Do Your Kidneys Do?

• Filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood
• Help regulate fluid balance and blood pressure
• Maintain proper levels of important minerals such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus
• Stimulate production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body
• Activate vitamin D and play an important role in calcium absorption and bone health

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the kidneys are viewed as much more than waste-filtering organs. They are considered a source of vitality and energy. Practitioners believe that depleted kidney energy may contribute to fatigue, hair thinning, cold hands and feet, and cognitive decline. While these concepts differ from conventional medicine, they reflect the importance placed on maintaining overall balance and health.

Declining kidney function is also associated with increased cardiovascular risk and may occur alongside diabetes and high blood pressure, two leading causes of kidney disease.

How Can You Assess Kidney Function?

• At your next physical, ask about your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is calculated from a blood test. In healthy adults, an eGFR above 90 mL/min/1.73 m² is generally considered normal, although values naturally decline somewhat with age. A persistent eGFR below 60 may indicate chronic kidney disease and deserves further evaluation.
• Also ask for a urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (microalbumin test). A value below 30 mg/g is considered normal. Measuring both eGFR and urine albumin is especially important if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of kidney disease.

Lifestyle Matters

An anti-inflammatory eating pattern can help protect both kidney and cardiovascular health. Focus on:

• Minimizing ultra-processed foods (packaged foods)
• Consuming organic vegetables and leafy greens daily
• Including organic extra-virgin olive oil in your daily diet
• Consuming fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as wild salmon
• Staying physically active, since regular movement promotes healthy circulation and blood flow

Environmental exposures also matter. Paying attention to water quality and minimizing unnecessary exposure to pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and other toxins can reduce the burden placed on the body’s natural detoxification systems, including the kidneys and liver.

What About NAC?

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a modified form of the amino acid cysteine that helps replenish glutathione, one of the body’s major antioxidants. Intravenous NAC has been used in hospitals for decades to treat acetaminophen overdose and protect the liver. Adding NAC to your daily regimen might be helfpul.

Knowledge Is Power

Because kidney disease often progresses silently, regular screening and healthy lifestyle habits are essential. Know your numbers, maintain an anti-inflammatory diet, and stay active. Taking care of your kidneys today can pay dividends in both health and longevity for years to come.