Istanbul Gelisim University - “Nearly 20% of the population is at risk for kidney disease”

“Nearly 20% of the population is at risk for kidney disease”

“Turkish Kidney Foundation Awareness Seminar” was held by the Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences. Turkish Kidney Foundation Projects Coordinator Ayşe Onat and Renal Dietitian and Trainer Gökçen Efe Aydın, who participated in the event, explained the symptoms of kidney diseases. Expressing that nearly 20% of the population is at risk for kidney disease, Onat stated that women have a higher risk.

“Turkish Kidney Foundation Awareness Seminar” was held by the Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Economics, Administrative and Social Sciences. In the event organized to raise awareness, information and suggestions for the protection of kidney health were shared.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE?

Ayşe Onat, the Turkish Kidney Foundation Projects Coordinator, stated, “Kidney disease is actually a national public health problem. It is pretty common. If you or someone close to you has not had a kidney problem, this disease is seen as far away as Mars. When you experience it, then you understand. Turkish Society of Nephrology conducted research. Nearly 20% of the population is at risk for kidney disease. Women are at higher risk than men. It is higher than the Turkey average.” Onat listed the symptoms of chronic kidney disease as follows:

Fatigation,
Muscle cramps and frequent urination at night,
Swelling around the eyes, feet and legs,
Dryness and itching of the skin.

“WHEN PROTEIN IS TAKEN IN EXCESS IN DIETS WITHOUT CARBOHYDRATES, KIDNEY PROBLEMS OCCUR”

Diet has a serious impact on health. Ayşe Onat said, “The amount and frequency of meals are very important in order to prevent kidney diseases and have a healthier body. If you have a health problem or are constantly taking medication, make sure to consult your doctor. From milk and dairy products, cheese, milk, yogurt, kephir should be consumed. According to the season, vegetables and fruits, and bread from the grain group are very important for our nutrition. Many people struggle with eating disorders. When protein is taken in excess in diets without carbohydrates, kidney problems occur. We see them in the long run. The kidneys are the organs that hold the load of protein in the body. Hence, one-way, non-diverse diets should be avoided.”

BE CAREFUL IF THE URINE IS DARK IN COLOUR!

When it comes to kidney health, the first thing that comes to mind is water consumption. Daily water consumption is of great importance for both general health and kidneys. Renal Dietitian and Trainer Gökçen Efe Aydın indicated, “The amount of water we consume is very significant. This can be understood by looking at urine colour. Healthy urine color is yellow. When it is light yellow, it means that the body's need for water has been met. Light yellow is better for health. When you first wake up in the morning, its color will be dark since you did not drink water during the night and your body needs water. There may be differences in the color of urine due to medications and various diseases. It may also have something to do with food coloring. If we see the color red, we need to control what we eat and drink. In general, red color is seen in kidney stone falls. If the yellow urine color is foamy, it is associated with protein leakage. If it is seen repeatedly, it is necessary to consult a doctor.”