Most people know that the kidneys are important body organs, vital to maintaining an individual’s health by removing waste products and excess fluids from the body. However, many may not understand the full importance of having functioning kidneys and the diminished quality of life those suffering from kidney disease experience.

The critical regulation of the body’s potassium, acid and salt content is performed by the kidneys and the kidneys remove waste products and excess fluid through the urine. This process involves complex steps of excretion and re-absorption to maintain a stable balance of the body’s chemicals. The kidneys also produce hormones that affect the functioning of other body organs including one that stimulates red blood cell production. Other hormones produced in the kidneys assist in the regulation of blood pressure and control calcium metabolism.

March is National Kidney Month, a time to build awareness and educate people on preventing this silent and implacable disease. According to the National Kidney Foundation African Americans, Hispanics, Asian and Pacific Islanders are at increased risk for chronic kidney disease. Diabetes in the leading cause of kidney failure in the African American population as the prevalence of diabetes is higher for black Americans than many other groups.

Risk factors related to developing kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure and a family history of kidney failure. Preventing kidney disease, however, goes hand in hand with healthy lifestyle choices to begin with and includes regular doctor visits, keeping weight under control, exercise, limiting salt intake, exploring family medical history, limiting alcohol intake, not smoking and avoiding taking large amounts of pain killers which are associated with an increased risk for the disease.

With the appropriate education and awareness building, kidney disease can be prevented and treated effectively for at risk populations.