Kidney Health Secrets: Expert Recommendations for World Kidney Day

Kidney Health Secrets: Expert Recommendations for World Kidney Day

Theme of the Year: “Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet”

The kidneys are vital organs that perform numerous essential functions to maintain the health of the entire body. The kidneys ensure filtration of blood plasma, removing water, electrolytes, metabolic waste products, and toxins, while the formed elements of blood (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) and large proteins remain in the vessels. On average, about 1,500–1,700 liters of blood pass through the kidneys daily, with filtration carried out by approximately one million nephrons, the structural and functional units of each kidney.

Each nephron contains a glomerulus, where plasma passes through a semipermeable membrane. Blood cells and large proteins do not pass through the glomerulus and remain in circulation.

As a result of filtration, primary urine is formed, with a volume of approximately 150–180 liters per day. Most of the water and useful substances are reabsorbed back into the body, resulting in 1–2 liters of final urine, which are excreted from the body. This filtration helps maintain water and electrolyte balance, remove toxins, and ensure stability of the internal environment.

However, the role of the kidneys is not limited to blood purification. They also function as an endocrine organ, synthesizing several key hormones:

• Erythropoietin – stimulates red blood cell production;
• Calcitriol (active form of vitamin D) – contributes to bone tissue maintenance.

Their coordinated function ensures homeostasis, maintaining water and electrolyte balance, acid-base equilibrium, and stable blood pressure.

Risk Factors and High-Attention Groups

The risk of kidney disease increases significantly in the presence of certain chronic conditions, lifestyle factors, and hereditary predispositions. In such cases, regular health monitoring and preventive check-ups are especially important.

Key risk factors include:

• Diabetes mellitus – one of the most common conditions leading to kidney damage and diabetic nephropathy.
• Arterial hypertension – long-term high blood pressure can damage renal vessels and reduce filtration capacity.
• Overweight and obesity – increase the load on kidneys and the risk of chronic kidney disease.
• Smoking – impairs kidney blood supply and may accelerate kidney disease progression.
• Hereditary predisposition – a family history of kidney disease increases the likelihood of developing it.
• Excessive salt intake – contributes to high blood pressure and kidney strain.
• Insufficient fluid intake – may impair metabolic waste excretion and normal kidney function.

Symptoms and Early Signs

Kidney diseases at early stages often develop almost unnoticed, so many people do not suspect a problem for a long time. However, there are signs to watch for:

• Swelling (edema) – usually appears on the face, eyelids, hands, or feet, especially in the morning.
• Changes in urination – frequent urges, reduced or increased volume, color change, or foam.
• Pain or discomfort in the lower back – may indicate inflammatory processes or other disorders.
• High blood pressure – sometimes kidney problems cause persistent elevation.
• Fatigue and weakness – may be associated with accumulation of metabolic waste.

If these symptoms appear, it is important not to delay a medical consultation and, if necessary, undergo testing to detect possible issues early and maintain kidney health.

Diagnosis and Modern Methods

Regular diagnostics play an important role in the early detection of kidney disease, as many can progress without noticeable symptoms. Modern medicine offers laboratory and instrumental methods to assess kidney condition and function:

• Urinalysis – detects signs of inflammation, protein, blood, or other abnormalities.
• Serum creatinine – indicates the kidneys’ ability to filter metabolic waste.
• Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) – evaluates how efficiently the kidneys cleanse the blood.
• Kidney ultrasound – determines kidney size, structure, and identifies potential changes or masses.
• Additional laboratory tests – blood and urine tests for detailed kidney function assessment.

When and Why to See a Doctor

Timely consultation helps detect kidney disease early, prevent complications, and preserve kidney function. Consult a doctor if you experience:

• persistent or recurring swelling of face, hands, or feet;
• lower back pain or discomfort;
• changes in urination: frequent urges, decreased or increased volume, color change;
• persistent high blood pressure;
• constant weakness, fatigue, or reduced performance.

Regular check-ups are especially important for people in risk groups: diabetes, hypertension, overweight, or hereditary predisposition.

Global and Moldova Situation

Global Picture

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Global Burden of Disease Study, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects over 850 million people worldwide, making it one of the most common non-communicable diseases.

Millions lose part of their kidney function or require dialysis each year, and more than 1.5 million people die due to complications from kidney failure.

Over half of CKD cases are associated with diabetes and hypertension.

📌 Source: World Health Organization, Global Burden of Disease Study

Situation in Moldova

Regional studies, including in Moldova, show similar trends. Screening data indicate that signs of kidney function decline — such as reduced GFR or presence of protein in urine — can be detected in approximately 7–10% of adults.

Elderly individuals and patients with diabetes, hypertension, and overweight are considered high-risk groups.

Kidney Health Secrets: Expert Recommendations

• Maintain adequate hydration
  Ensures efficient filtration and waste elimination. Light-colored urine indicates proper hydration.
• Control salt and protein intake
  Excess sodium raises blood pressure and kidney load; controlling protein and limiting processed foods reduces renal parenchyma damage risk.
• Stay physically active
  Moderate aerobic and strength exercises improve circulation, help maintain optimal weight, and reduce kidney vessel strain.
• Regularly monitor blood pressure and glucose levels
  Early detection of CKD risk factors.
• Do not ignore warning signs
  Swelling, urination changes, back pain, or persistent weakness require consultation. Early diagnosis prevents progression and preserves kidney function.
• Undergo regular check-ups
  Laboratory tests (urinalysis, serum creatinine, GFR calculation) and instrumental methods (kidney ultrasound) allow early detection of abnormalities, even in asymptomatic patients, especially those in high-risk groups.
• Minimize harmful habits
  Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol reduces kidney strain and lowers risk of urinary tract disease.
• Systematic prevention
  Kidney care requires ongoing attention: regular check-ups, a healthy lifestyle, and timely medical consultation help maintain normal kidney function throughout life.

Preventive Kidney Examination at Invitro Diagnostics

As part of kidney disease prevention and early detection, Invitro Diagnostics offers comprehensive examination programs.

Basic Kidney Profile

Includes essential laboratory tests to evaluate kidney health and detect early-stage issues:

• Biochemical urinalysis (with sediment examination)
• Creatinine
• Urea
• Uric acid
• Total protein

Extended Kidney Profile

In addition to the basic profile tests, the extended profile includes urinary system ultrasound, which allows assessment of kidney size and structure, bladder and ureter condition, and detection of stones, cysts, obstructions, or other structural changes affecting kidney function.

By caring for kidney health, you can schedule an appointment with a nephrologist, and for a comprehensive evaluation of overall health, with a gynecologist or urologist.

Our specialists will help detect and address any issues in a timely manner.

Book your tests or a doctor consultation on this number: 078 903 999