Kidney is an organ that has the most important role for body health. Consisting of right and left halves, the size of the kidney ranges from 10 to 12 centimeters. As an organ with a vital function in human life, the kidney has the function of filtering various metabolic waste products and toxins, controlling the balance of water, salt, blood pressure, and much more. Therefore, maintaining kidney health is very important to do. To maintain kidney health, consider the following facts and myths about kidney health.
- Fact: Urine color determines kidney health
The color, volume, and whether or not the urine that comes out smoothly can indicate the health condition of your kidneys. When the kidneys are unhealthy or have problems, usually the urine that comes out will be cloudy, frothy, or even mixed with blood. If you are already experiencing symptoms of kidney problems as mentioned above, immediately do a laboratory test to get the right treatment.
- Fact: The content in the urine of men and women is different
The kidney is an organ that produces urine which contains waste that must be excreted from the body. The main difference between male and female urine is that male urine contains testosterone metabolites, while female urine contains progesterone and estrogen.
- Fact: Lack of drinking can affect kidney health
Lack of consuming mineral water of at least 1.5 - 2 liters per day can slowly interfere with kidney health and make kidney conditions gradually worsen over time. However, when you are elderly, the need for urine decreases to 1-1.5 liters per day.
- Fact: Excess protein and salt can increase the risk of kidney problems
Eating too many foods that have high levels of protein can increase the risk of kidney damage. Meanwhile, consuming salty foods (containing excess salt) in the long term can also cause kidney failure.
- Myth: Problems with the kidneys can be felt physically
There are no physical symptoms for kidney problems. Damaged kidneys only cause symptoms when the patient has advanced or end-stage kidney disease.
- Myth: Back pain from sitting too long is an indicator of kidney failure
Waist pain or pain from sitting too long is not a sign that you are experiencing kidney failure. It could be that the low back pain is caused by the spine. Then, due to sitting too much and not drinking enough water, kidney stones can form which can also cause back pain.
- Myth: Kidney disease only affects the elderly
Kidney disease in fact can strike anyone. Usually, kidney disease can strike a person at a young age if he has type 1 diabetes mellitus from childhood, suffers from kidney disorders, or has the bad habit of consuming too much packaged food and drinks, as well as high doses of vitamin C.
Those are various myths and facts about kidney health. Take care of your kidney health by adopting a healthy lifestyle such as regular exercise, eating healthy food, fulfilling your body's fluid intake, and maintaining an ideal body weight. In addition, do an early examination to the doctor to detect symptoms, as well as to the laboratory to do urine and blood tests aimed at preventing kidney disease.
Article reviewed by dr. Muthalib Abdullah, Sp.PD KGH-FINASIM (Internal Medicine Specialist - Kidney Consultant - Hypertension).