Professor Julia Weinmann-Minke from Germany reported that kidneys are of great importance as they help the body detoxify and regulate water, acid-base, and alkaline balance. She added, a kidney specialist at the University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University in Mainz stated that kidneys also regulate blood pressure and produce hormones for blood cell formation. Additionally, kidneys are also responsible for bone metabolism; for example, they ensure the active form of vitamin D from a precursor, on which the body relies to produce strong bone tissue. In turn, German Professor Bernd Krüger said that people most at risk for kidney problems are those with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and vascular diseases, and stroke. He added, a kidney specialist at the Darmstadt clinic said that risk factors also include obesity, age, and family history of kidney disease, as smoking increases the risk of kidney problems. Furthermore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or diclofenac can damage the kidneys when overused. Krüger explained that symptoms indicating kidney problems include foamy urine, leg swelling, constant fatigue, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, frequent urination, and itching. These symptoms should prompt an immediate doctor's visit for necessary blood and urine tests, timely treatment, and to avoid kidney failure. It's important to measure blood creatinine levels or the resulting Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), and a urine test for albumin, a protein, provides useful information. If the disease worsens, fluids and toxins build up in the body. Warning signs of kidney failure include shortness of breath, high blood pressure, heart rhythm disturbances, fluid retention, and the body stops producing urine. To avoid these severe consequences, it's essential to boost kidney health by drinking enough fluids—at least 1.5 liters daily—and exercising regularly—at least 150 minutes weekly. A balanced, low-salt diet, quitting smoking and alcohol are also crucial. Diabetics must ensure stable blood sugar levels, and if blood pressure is abnormal, it should be treated to prevent high blood pressure-induced kidney damage. People most at risk for kidney problems are those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart diseases.
