BY: NOBUHLE LAGAMA ZOZO
There’s an old saying: “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.” It’s a comforting idea; why worry about something that seems to be working perfectly well? Yet, some things quietly wear down beneath the surface while appearing fine. This is exactly what happens with our kidneys.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in the lower back. Their main role is to remove waste and excess fluid through urine, but they do far more. They purify the blood, regulate blood pressure, assist in red blood cell production, and support bone health through Vitamin D metabolism. Incredibly, they filter up to 200 litres of blood every day, separating waste for removal and returning clean blood to the body.
When the kidneys are damaged, they lose their ability to filter waste effectively. Toxins then build up, leading to health problems such as high blood pressure, anaemia, and heart disease. Common warning signs include dry or itchy skin, swollen feet, fatigue, muscle cramps, and trouble sleeping.
Long-term damage can result in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which makes it a silent killer. It develops gradually, with few or no symptoms, until most kidney function is lost. You can lose up to 90% of function without noticing.
In South Africa, kidney disease affects over 10% of the population, surpassing the global average of 9.5%. However, experts believe the real number may be higher due to limited data collection.
Early detection is crucial. Two simple tests can help:
* Albumin-to-Creatinine Ratio (ACR) detects early protein leaks in the urine.
* Creatinine and eGFR test estimates how well your kidneys are filtering waste.
Once kidneys reach End-Stage Failure, dialysis or a transplant becomes necessary.
If your kidneys are still healthy, protect them: drink enough water, eat balanced meals, reduce salt, sugar, and fat, exercise regularly, and avoid smoking, alcohol, and unnecessary painkillers.
Your kidneys may be silent, but they never stop working for you. Listen to their silence — and protect them before it becomes a warning.
