Why is your kidney function so vital to overall well being?
Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide disease and has caused significant mortality and morbidity. It is associated with increased complications and long term disability. In this section we will review some of the different areas of health that are affected by kidney dysfunction.
Cardiovascular health: It is a well established fact that chronic kidney disease is increasingly associated with poor cardiovascular health. There is an exponential fold increase in mortality in dialysis patients when compared to the general public. CKD patients are also prone to congestive heart disease:
Sugar metabolism: There is an adverse association between diabetes and kidney function. Higher fasting blood sugar levels and chronic blood sugar elevations are associated with the deterioration of kidney function that can progress to end stage kidney disease and dialysis. This further underlines the importance of maintaining healthy blood sugar levels and effective dietary and nutritional management.
Anemia: This refers to abnormalities in your red blood cell counts and this is extremely prevalent in chronic kidney disease. There are several causes for anemia and in the case of the kidneys they are important in the secretion of erythropoietin, which is vital for adequate growth and differentiation of red blood cells. Erythropoietin is secreted by the cells of the kidney and with chronic kidney disease the levels are blunted, thereby contributing to anemia. This anemia can fuel cardiovascular mortality and morbidity.
Mineral and Bone abnormalities: The Kidneys play a vital role in mineral and bone metabolism. The kidneys help excrete phosphate and help process vitamin D. With chronic kidney disease there are high phosphate levels and low vitamin D and calcium levels, this causes a compensatory increase in the parathyroid hormone that increases calcium by promoting resorption from the bones. This causes abnormalities in skeletal architecture and extraskeletal calcification.
Inflammation: Chronic kidney disease is associated with a chronic elevation of inflammatory markers and chronic inflammation fuels chronic disease states.
Lipid metabolism: Chronic kidney disease is associated with abnormalities in the lipid levels and metabolism of lipids. This disease state is associated with a decrease in lipoprotein lipases that are needed for cholesterol metabolism.
As you have seen above, you realize the vital role played by your kidney for overall health. Diabetes and high blood sugar are some important causes for chronic kidney disease. This is why diet, exercise, and regular follow-up with your physician are important steps that should be undertaken. As always, I wish you to keep your health in center focus and live long and strong!
