The urinary system is responsible for the removal of waste products, regulation of blood flow and blood pressure, electrolyte homeostasis, acid/base balance, red blood cell production and vitamin D synthesis. The system is composed of the kidneys, ureters (tube-like structures that connect the kidneys to the bladder), bladder and the urethra. The main job of the kidneys is to filter waste and extra water from the blood to make urine and it is the most powerful regulator of the body's internal environment.
Our bodies, as miraculous as they are, will eventually deteriorate as we age affecting every organ system that we have until death ensues. The urinary system is no exception to the aging process, however, there are things that we can do to retard the aging process and avoid diseases of the kidney and bladder and avoid medical conditions that affect those organs.
As mentioned in my previous blogs, the over 65 age population is growing rapidly in the USA and Europe. In 2019, there were approximately 50 million people over the age 65 in the USA which represents around 15% of the total population and it is expected to increase to 80 million people by the year 2040. As the elderly population increases so will the incidence of kidney disease.
Because of the many important functions of the kidney it is extremely important to protect it. The ureters, bladder and urethra are important as well but are not as important to overall health as the kidneys. After 30 years of life, the kidneys begin to decline in function as a result of normal aging even without the presence of disease. The ureters are not significantly altered by the aging process but the bladder gradually loses its elasticity and can contribute to incomplete emptying and urinary incontinence due to weakening of the sphincter (valve-like structure) that holds urine in the bladder. In men with enlarged prostate glands, it can be to difficult to fully eliminate bladder contents because of the proximity of the the prostate gland to the urethra.
Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy
Because of the decreased blood flow and shrinkage of the kidneys that occurs with age, there is a growing need for people to ask and know about their kidney function from their healthcare provider because kidney dysfunction is often without symptoms until it progresses to a severe stage of disease. Drugs like ibuprofen, naproxen, some antibiotics, smoking tobacco and x-ray contrast agents can cause kidney damage especially in older individuals. However, the most significant contributors to kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure accounting for 70% of all kidney failure. We, at AHAD Health & Wellness have consistently emphasized the tremendous importance of adopting and improving healthy lifestyle behaviors that include:
1) Eating fiber - rich, wholesome unprocessed foods
2) Increasing physical activity, aiming for 30 minutes of exercise daily
3) Getting the proper amount and good quality of sleep usually in a range of 7 to 9 hours every night
4) Manage distress (bad stress) by engaging in activities such as prayer, meditation, yoga, exercise, music or whatever destressing activity works best for you
5) Have or develop loving and supportive relationships with family, friends or associates
6) Avoid exposure to substances such as tobacco, alcohol, illicit drugs and environmental toxins
I also like to include having a strong spiritual foundation that supports ethical and moral maturity and development.
A kidney patient speaks with his healthcare provider. Source: National Kidney Disease Education Program
Sources:
Journal of the American Society of Nephrology, February 2017
National Institute of Aging
Nursing Times of May 2017
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