For many Filipinos, heart disease and cancer are the main health concerns that are always top of mind. However, health experts have raised the alarm over the growing number of patients diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), especially with the spike in the number of dialysis patients.
The National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) had earlier expressed alarm over the 40 percent increase in new dialysis patients between 2022 and 20231. NKTI 2021 data has also shown seven million Filipinos have worsening CKD stages. Dialysis is a medical procedure wherein machines filter the blood of patients, removing waste and toxins. This is normally done by the kidneys, with the byproducts released from the body via urine. However, for those in the latter stages of CKD, the kidney is unable to properly function, leading to waste buildup in the blood, necessitating the need for dialysis.
The Philippine Society of Nephrology (PSN), represented by Dr. Vimar Luz shared that CKD is a disease that does not currently have a cure, short of a kidney transplant. Because of this, proactive preventive measures remain the best approach in addressing this disease. Dr. Luz said that there are many simple preventive measures that can be taken for healthier kidneys during a media roundtable in Makati in observance of the National Kidney Month.
First and foremost, the PSN advocated for regular exercise. Dr. Agnes Cruz shared that spending at least 150 minutes a week working out has significant benefits, most of all, maintaining an ideal body weight. This should be followed by eating a healthy diet. Dr. Luz cited a study published in Front Nutr which saw a link between the consumption of ultra-processed food and increased risk of CKD. Dr. Cruz also highlighted the responsibility of parents and elders in ensuring that kids eat properly, lamenting that in many instances these individuals are the ones that feed children junk food at home.
Controlling both blood pressure and blood sugar is also key to prevent CKD as elevated levels of these 2 factors can adversely affect the kidney’s health. Drinking adequate water is also crucial to keeping the kidneys at optimal conditions. Smoking should also be stopped to prevent CKD and other health issues such as stroke, heart attack, and other complications.
The PSN warns that excess intake of supplements could lead to kidney damage. It’s always best to consult with a doctor before taking a supplement of any kind. Finally, For those with a family history of diabetes and hypertension, it’s best to get early CKD screening. This is as easy as having an annual checkup and urinalysis to see kidney function levels.
The health experts agreed that prevention is the best way to win the battle against CKD. “We are transforming CKD care to drive earlier diagnosis and intervention and help prevent or slow progression of the disease,” said Dr. Cyril Tolosa, Medical Affairs director at AstraZeneca Philippines. “Since 2022, we have been partnering with the Philippine Society of Nephrology through the STOP CKD program, which has allowed us to impact thousands of primary care physicians in a series of capability-building engagements all over the Philippines, united in the goal to drive earlier diagnosis and help prevent or slow progression of chronic kidney disease in a series of engagements with healthcare professionals.”
