Why Kidney Disease Is ‘The Silent Disease’: Everything You Need to Know to Be More Proactive

Kidney disease is often called the “silent disease” because you can lose up to 90% of your kidney function before you experience any noticeable symptoms. Unless you get regular health care checkups with blood screenings, you may not realize you have a problem until more serious developments occur.

A recent hospital scare with my father has underscored the importance of kidney function as we age and the role of a healthy diet in maintaining overall health.

Our kidneys' primary function is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. Taking the blood screening tests you receive during annual physicals seriously is crucial. More than one in ten Americans have some stage of kidney disease. Early detection can be life-changing – and prolonging.

Through proper function, the kidneys regulate and keep in balance salts like sodium and potassium, acids, and hormones responsible for the following:

• Removing waste products like ammonia, urea, uric acid, creatine, and creatinine
• Removing excess salts (electrolytes) and fluid through producing urine, which controls blood chemistry
• Regulating blood pressure through the release of hormones
• Building strong bones and controlling red blood cell production (with vitamin D and calcium)
• Producing roughly two quarts of urine daily while filtering over 200 quarts of fluid daily

Blood screenings by medical professionals can test markers of kidney disease, so regular blood work can catch it early.

Here are some early signs (outside of recording filtration rate and measuring waste products in the blood) to look out for:

• high blood pressure
• pain during urination
• pain in your lower back
• swelling in ankles / lower legs
• blood in urine / frothy urine
• shortness of breath
• loss of appetite, nausea, itching, and a metallic taste in the mouth

What to Eat and Drink for Better Kidney Health (and How Much)

A kidney specialist and dietician should also approve the amount of these foods and drinks:

Water or Sparkling Water
Both drinks work well for hydration and should replace dark sodas. Depending on kidney function, you may need to increase or decrease your daily fluids. It's crucial to seek professional advice from doctors and dietitians to find the ideal amount, as too much or too little fluid intake can be dangerous to the chemical balance in the blood.

Coffee and Teas
To reduce the potassium, sodium and phosphorus levels in morning drinks (hot or cold), you may need to avoid creamers, milk or sweeteners and go plain. The antioxidants in teas and coffee can help decrease the risk of kidney disease. For those on fluid restrictions, these cups of coffee and tea count toward your total daily consumption limits.

Cranberry Juice
Both carrot and apple juice contain too much potassium, which may need to be limited or avoided altogether on a kidney (renal) diet. Cranberries are low in potassium and contain unique compounds that exhibit antibacterial properties that can prevent infections within the kidneys, bladder and urinary tract. 

Managing potassium intake is critical for individuals with kidney disease, and cranberries offer a kidney-friendly drink option for maintaining that needed balance. To make this even more confusing, some kidney patients require more potassium and sodium and less fluid. You can determine what suits your health and kidneys only through regular blood screenings, health physicals and medical advice.

Foods low in sodium, potassium, phosphorus and animal proteins are considered a more “kidney-friendly diet” by medical professionals and dietitians. Omega-3s are found in fish such as salmon and tuna; berries high in fiber and antioxidants like blueberries, strawberries and red grapes; vegetables such as broccoli; leafy greens, peas and beans. Eggs are also typically found on kidney-safe diets. However, obtaining a more personalized approach for your specific issues is highly recommended as there is no “one size fits all” regarding kidney health.

Risk Factors for Kidney Disease

If you have more than two or three of these factors, you could be at risk:

• Over 60 years old
• Smoking
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Heart problems
• Family history of kidney disease
• Lack of annual check-ups after age 40
   

If you think you have kidney issues, see a doctor and get a series of blood or urine tests to confirm. Do not make additional fluid changes to your diet without guidance from medical staff, as not all issues can be helped by simply adding (or limiting) water and other fluids.

Want to Learn More About Military Life?

Whether you're thinking of joining the military, looking for fitness and basic training tips, or keeping up with military life and benefits, Military.com has you covered. Subscribe to Military.com to have military news, updates and resources delivered directly to your inbox.