Kidney Health: Expert Urges Early Detection and Lifestyle Changes to Combat Growing Disease Burden
Munich, Germany – Kidney damage, often irreversible once advanced, necessitates a proactive approach to health, according to Professor dr. Michael Fischereder, a leading kidney expert at Großhadern Clinic Nephrology. With a growing number of diseases,including genetic and autoimmune conditions,posing threats to kidney function,early diagnosis and preventative measures are paramount.
Professor Fischereder highlights that while meaningful kidney damage may be arduous to reverse, advancements in medication can often halt or slow the progression of the disease. To support kidney health and delay the onset of illness,he strongly advises regular physical activity and a diet rich in fiber and low in fat. Specific dietary recommendations include avoiding processed foods, high-sodium items, and phosphate-rich products such as processed cheeses, condensed milk, and ready-made meals.
for individuals whose kidney function has deteriorated to less than ten percent,the only viable options are dialysis or a kidney transplant.Professor Fischereder points out the significant impact of dialysis on life expectancy, stating it can reduce it by two-thirds, with younger patients losing more years.Kidney donation, while life-saving, remains a rare occurrence.
In Germany, live kidney donation is currently permitted between close family members and individuals with a strong personal connection, such as relatives, spouses, registered life partners, fiancés, or close friends. Discussions are underway to expand this donor pool through legislative changes. The feasibility of living kidney donation stems from the fact that individuals can live healthy lives with a single kidney. Though, the donor must be in excellent health.Moreover,transplants can be accomplished even if the donor and recipient do not initially match in tissue type or blood group,provided the donor undergoes necessary medical preparation.
