PORTLAND, Ore. — It's National Kidney Month, doctors say it's important to look after your kidneys and make sure they stay healthy.
Strive Health Regional Medical Director, Dr. Anjali Gupta says, "Kidneys are very vital organs of our body. They filter the blood and remove the waste products from the body. They help regulate blood pressure."
The early stages of kidney disease are asymptomatic. In fact, doctors say 37 million Americans have kidney disease. And 90% of those with kidney disease aren't aware they have it. That can cause many not to seek help until it's too advanced.
"Earlier stages of kidney damage, we usually detect it by a blood or urine test. But yes, the symptoms from kidney disease happens usually when the disease is more advanced like you have lost 60 to 70 percent of your kidney function," said Dr. Gupta.
Doctors say there are some warning signs to figure out if you have advanced kidney disease.
She says, "Your legs get swollen, you get swelling around your eyes, you feel tired, you feel fatigued, you lose your appetite, you start losing weight, you cannot sleep well, or you get itchy skin."
With advanced kidney disease, you could need dialysis treatment which helps to filter your blood.
But doctors say there are some things you can do to protect your kidneys.
Dr. Gupta says, "Exercising regularly, keeping a healthy weight. If you're a smoker, quit smoking. A well-balanced diet. All this keeps yor kidney healthy that keeps your body healthy."
It's especially important for diabetic to take care of themselves.
"Keeping your blood sugars under control is very important because diabetes is the number one risk of kidney disease," said Dr. Gupta. "And if you do have high blood pressure, keeping your blood pressure within the target range, also keeps your kidney healthy."
Doctors say you're never too young to take care of your health and your kidneys.
Dr. Gupta says, "Everyone needs to keep their kidneys healthy. Everyone needs to work on lifestyle modifications. People who are 60 and above are at high risk of kidney disease, but kidney disease can manifest at any age."
To learn more about how to take care of your kidneys, go to kidney.org