CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — The Department of Health (DOH) promotes healthy lifestyles to prevent kidney diseases.
These recommendations include eating healthy with less salt, a low-fat diet, and less sugar; being physically active for at least 30 minutes per day or 150 minutes per week; quitting smoking; stopping the harmful use of alcohol and medicines that are not prescribed; and managing stress.
DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development Non-communicable Diseases Cluster Medical Officer Cindy Canlas stated that kidney diseases are consistently among the top 10 leading causes of death in the region.
The identified common kidney problems are kidney stones and infections, polycystic kidney disease, and glomerulonephritis, or the inflammation of the tiny filtering units in the kidneys.
Canlas mentioned that one of the factors that pushed the government to give more attention to kidney diseases is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD).
“CKD has different levels. In the early stages of kidney disease, patients may not notice signs and symptoms, so it is usually detected when it has progressed to a more severe stage leading to [End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)],” she explained.
Moreover, Canlas stressed that the function of the kidney is at 30 percent or lower when CKD progresses to stages four or five.
“This implies that our kidneys may shut down, leading to ESKD or ESRD. When this happens, since the kidneys no longer function, we will need renal replacement therapy. This may include hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and if no other options are available, kidney transplant,” she further explained.
Given these, DOH emphasized the importance of taking measures to prevent the occurrence and development of kidney disease, reiterating that prevention is still better than cure.
Regarding physical activity, the public is encouraged to adopt a physically active lifestyle.
DOH suggested progressively increasing physical activity to moderate levels, engaging in muscle-strengthening activities, and limiting sedentary behaviors.
Maintaining a healthy diet that provides the body with the nutrients needed for proper functioning and protection against malnutrition and non-communicable diseases is also recommended.
Related to this, Canlas highlighted the significance of “Pinggang Pinoy,” which serves as a food guide for Filipinos using a food plate model.
This illustrates the recommended proportions of food groups for every meal, including “Go” foods like rice, bread, corn, oats, and sweet potatoes; “Grow” foods like fish, eggs, legumes, chicken, and meat; and “Glow” foods such as vegetables and fruits. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
