By Toi Degree

March is National Kidney Month, a time to raise awareness about kidney disease and encourage proactive health management. This year’s focus is on taking charge of your health and understanding the factors involved in managing kidney disease.

The vital role of your kidneys

Your kidneys perform essential functions to keep your body in balance, including:

• Removing waste products and extra water from the body
• Helping make red blood cells
• Balancing important minerals
• Regulating blood pressure
• Keeping bones healthy

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

CKD occurs when the kidneys become damaged over time (for at least 3 months), making it difficult for them to perform their functions. CKD increases the risk of serious health complications such as heart disease and stroke.

Early signs and symptoms of CKD

CKD develops slowly and often goes unnoticed until it reaches advanced stages. Symptoms may include:

• Foamy urine
• Changes in urination frequency (more or less than usual)
• Itchy or dry skin
• Fatigue
• Nausea and loss of appetite
• Unintended weight loss

Advanced CKD symptoms

In later stages, people may experience:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Swelling in arms, legs, ankles or feet
• Muscle cramps or aches
• Shortness of breath
• Vomiting
• Trouble sleeping
• Breath that smells like ammonia (urine-like or “fishy” odor)

Who is at risk for CKD?

CKD can develop at any age, but certain factors increase the risk:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease or heart failure
• Obesity
• Age 60 or older
• Family history of CKD or kidney failure
• History of acute kidney injury (AKI)
• Smoking or tobacco use

The impact of social and environmental factors

Health is influenced by more than just genetics. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, social determinants of health (SDoH) — such as where people live, work, and access healthcare — play a major role in kidney disease risk.

For example, limited access to healthy food increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, CKD and obesity.

Early detection is key

Since CKD often starts without symptoms, early screening is essential. Knowing your risk factors and getting checked can help detect CKD early, allowing for better management and prevention of complications.

Steps to protect your kidney health

Take charge of your health by adopting these healthy lifestyle habits:

1. Meet regularly with your healthcare team

Stay connected with your doctor in person or through telehealth to monitor kidney health.

2. Manage blood pressure and monitor blood glucose

• Work with your doctor to maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
• If you have diabetes, check your blood glucose regularly.

3. Take medication as prescribed

• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all medications you take.
• Avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen and naproxen, as they can harm the kidneys.

4. Maintain a healthy weight

• Follow a balanced meal plan.
• Consider working with a doctor to create a weight management strategy.

5. Reduce stress & stay active

• Engage in stress-reducing activities.
• Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day.

6. Prioritize sleep

• Get 7 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night.

7. Quit smoking

• If you smoke, take steps to quit to protect your kidney health.

Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference in keeping your kidneys healthy and reducing your risk of CKD. Take action today for a healthier future!

Call toll-free at 855.NKF.CARES (855-653-2273) or email nkfcares@kidney.org.

Toi N. Degree is associate family and consumer education agent with North Carolina Cooperative Extension. Contact her at 704-216-8970 or toi_degree@ncsu.edu.