These are the questions being asked by NHS Suffolk ahead of this week’s World Kidney Day (10 March).

Daniel Chapelle, NHS Suffolk’s health improvement manager said: “The main function of healthy kidneys is to clean our blood by removing excess waste and salt from the food we eat and the liquids we drink. Every day kidneys will filter around 200 litres of blood, with the waste becoming urine and the cleansed blood recirculating around our body.


“Maintaining healthy kidneys is important to keep the amount of fluid in our bodies at a healthy balance and to ensure that our blood pressure remains at a healthy level, and to help prevent the onset of chronic kidney disease (CKD).


“One of the main causes of CKD is high blood pressure, with too much pressure leading to heart disease, stroke and worsening of kidney function. CKD is a common disease and is mainly associated with ageing.


“However, we can all reduce our chances of contracting CKD by choosing some simple healthy lifestyle options that will help keep our kidneys in good shape.”

– Control your blood pressure by lowering the amount of salt by not eating high salt foods or adding salt to foods.
– Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
– Keep your weight within the recommended range.
– Alcohol increases your blood pressure, so moderate your intake.
– Quit smoking – smoking can lead to heart disease and strokes and will make any existing kidney condition worse.
– Drink plenty of water.
– Being physically active should help lower your blood pressure.

You can find out more about World Kidney Day at www.worldkidneyday.org

For more information about NHS Suffolk visit www.suffolk.nhs.uk