Published on 05/23/2007

Kidney Disease can be caused by lifestyle choices. The 2 leading causes of Kidney failure in America are Diabetes and Hypertension. Both of those illnesses are largely caused by heredity and are prevalent among African-Americans. In most cases both diseases are related to diet. It is no secret that the use of table salt in food preparation and as a condiment can cause blood pressure to escalate.

Kidney Disease

You need to lay off those cigarettes’, ‘drinking like that … you might have a problem’ and ‘stop using that stuff’. Those are some of the prudent warnings frequently uttered by concerned friends and loved ones. Two more warnings are being uttered but a little less often are “YOU BETTER STOP USING THAT SALT, “ YOU BETTER EAT MORE HEALTHY” & “YOU BETTER EXERCISE”.

The 2 leading causes of Kidney failure in America are Diabetes and Hypertension. Both of those illnesses are largely caused by heredity and are prevalent among African-Americans. In most cases both diseases are related to diet. It is no secret that the use of table salt in food preparation and as a condiment can cause blood pressure to escalate. The constant over-indulgence in starchy foods or foods with a high content of un-refined sugars can affect the blood sugar level within the human body. That high blood sugar puts one at risk for developing Diabetes.

Hypertension & Diabetes usually will not manifest itself with symptoms until it is too late. Many people do not notice any symptoms at all until they have the diagnosis. Diabetic and Hypertensive patients will often tell you that the minor symptoms they had were chalked up to a passing ache or episode… something they didn’t think much about.

The kidneys function to regulate blood, controlling toxic waste within the body and balancing the chemicals and nutrients found in the food we eat. When Hypertension and / or Diabetes exist within the human body it causes the Kidneys to work overtime eventually slowing or shutting them down.

A physical exam is the way to find out whether you have a problem with Diabetes or Hypertension. Treatment if necessary is essential to dealing with either illness. Engaging in an exercise program along with utilizing a nutritious diet is also important. There is much belief that African-American men do not concern themselves with their own health. If that is true does that equate to “self-genocide” (if such a word exists).

Diabetes and Hypertension symptoms are quiet and will often creep up and sucker-punch you. Ask yourself whether you have ever felt lightheaded, dizzy upon standing, had frequent leg cramps, had headaches, had problems in your feet or joints, loss of appetite, unusual changes in your appetite or taste for foods or felt fatigued. If you have experienced any of these things and have not had a full physical with laboratory work within the last 6- 12 months….’YA JUST MIGHT WANT TO CALL THE DOCTOR’S OFFICE TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT’!

By the way, I am trying to scare the HEALTH in to you.

In my next article I will talk a little bit about Kidney Disease Treatment options.