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More than 20 million Americans have impaired kidney
(renal) function and 3 million have kidney disease. High
blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes
of kidney disease. Mild forms of high blood pressure can
damage kidneys over several years. Severe hypertension
causes kidney malfunction over a relatively short period of
time.
African Americans have a six-fold higher incidence
than whites of kidney failure related to high blood
pressure. Not only do they develop hypertension earlier, but
it tends to be more severe, consequently Blacks have more
strokes, heart failure and kidney failure than non-African
Americans.
How the Kidneys Work
After food is consumed and digested, the body takes what
it needs for energy and self-repair, the waste that is left
over is sent to your blood. Then the kidneys remove the
waste and extra fluid from the blood (about 2 quarts each
day) and sends it to the bladder where it is stored as
urine. In addition to removing harmful wastes, the kidneys
also release hormones that make red blood cells, regulate
blood pressure and help maintain the chemical balance of the
body.
Kidney Stones
A high salt intake can increase the amount of calcium in
your urine, which can cause stone formation. Also,
medications with thiazide will be less effective too much
salt is consumed.
If you have kidney stones, you may need to follow a
special diet that is low in salt, calcium, oxalate, or
protein and is determined by why you form stones. In some
cases, a special diet may be enough to prevent the formation
of more kidney stones. In other cases, medications or a
combination of a special diet and medications will be
necessary.
Additional Information
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