Kidney Disease Explained: Causes, Stages & How to Prevent Kidney Failure

Kidney Disease Explained: Causes, Stages & How to Prevent Kidney Failure Your kidneys work 24 hours a day, filtering waste, balancing fluids, controlling blood pressure, and keeping you alive. But kidney disease often develops silently, with no symptoms until serious damage has already occurred. In this episode of Health Made Simple, Dr. Anim explains kidney disease clearly and practically—what your kidneys do, why kidney disease is so common, how it’s diagnosed, how it’s treated, and most importantly, how to prevent kidney failure. 🩺 In this video, you’ll learn: • What your kidneys actually do and why they’re vital • What chronic kidney disease (CKD) is and how it progresses • The 5 stages of kidney disease explained simply • Why diabetes and high blood pressure cause most kidney disease • Other causes: medications, infections, genetics, and blockages • Why early kidney disease often has no symptoms • Warning signs when kidney damage becomes advanced • How kidney disease is diagnosed (blood tests, urine tests, imaging) • Evidence-based treatments that slow kidney damage • Diet and lifestyle changes that protect your kidneys • Dialysis and kidney transplant—when they’re needed • How to prevent kidney disease before it starts 🚨 Key facts everyone should know: ✓ About 10% of the world’s population has kidney disease ✓ You can lose up to 90% of kidney function before symptoms appear ✓ Diabetes causes ~40% of kidney disease cases ✓ High blood pressure causes ~30% of cases ✓ Early detection can slow progression by up to 50% ✓ Prevention is far better than dialysis or transplant 🔬 How kidney disease is detected: • Blood tests (creatinine, GFR, urea) • Urine tests (protein or blood in urine) • Ultrasound or CT scans • Sometimes a kidney biopsy 💊 How kidney disease is managed: • Tight blood sugar control (especially in diabetes) • Blood pressure control (ACE inhibitors & ARBs) • Newer kidney-protective medications (SGLT2 inhibitors) • Salt, protein, potassium, and phosphorus control • Treating anemia, bone disease, and fluid overload • Avoiding kidney-damaging medications 🛡️ How to protect your kidneys: ✓ Control diabetes and blood pressure ✓ Reduce salt intake ✓ Stay hydrated (unless advised otherwise) ✓ Avoid regular NSAID painkillers ✓ Don’t smoke ✓ Exercise regularly ✓ Get screened if you’re at risk ⚠️ Medical Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider for testing, diagnosis, or treatment. 🆘 See your doctor if you have: • Swelling in your legs or face • Foamy or bloody urine • Persistent fatigue • High blood pressure that’s hard to control • Diabetes or hypertension and haven’t had kidney tests 👨‍⚕️ About Dr. Anim I’m Dr. Anim, making complex health topics simple and practical. Kidney disease is common—but with early detection and the right care, it can often be slowed or prevented. 👍 Like if this helped 🔔 Subscribe for evidence-based health education 💬 Comment: Do you know your kidney numbers (creatinine or GFR)? 📤 Share this with someone who has diabetes or high blood pressure Health Made Simple with Dr. Anim