Tips for Black Americans for Good Kidney Function at Any Age

An estimated 55 percent of Black Americans have high blood pressure — and high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the leading risk factors for kidney disease. As such, it’s important to monitor your blood pressure so you’re aware of your chances of developing kidney disease.

What is the role of the kidneys, and what happens if they don’t work well?

Healthy kidneys have the following functions: 

• Regulate body fluids

• Filter toxins and waste

• Help create red blood cells

• Contribute to bone metabolism

If your kidneys are in decline, you may experience:

• Swelling

• Fatigue

• A metallic taste in your mouth

• Headaches/blurred vision if your blood pressure is elevated

• Changes in your urine output

• Increasing strain on other organs in the body, especially the heart

Is it possible to prevent kidney disease?

In order to prevent kidney disease, it’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. You can:

• Monitor your weight

• Limit your alcohol intake

• Avoid or quit smoking

• See your healthcare provider for regular checkups

In fact, Scherly Leon, MD, an Internist specializing in Nephrology in New York City, recommends that you treat your body like you would your car: by taking it to the shop each year for maintenance.

“People in general should see their doctor at least yearly if you're healthy… I always say do it around your birthday, like a gift to you,” she explains. “So you can have a long life. You can get your blood work checked and you can see where all your numbers stand.”

How does your environment affect your kidney disease risk?

However, try not to blame yourself if you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes. There are many social and environmental factors that generally contribute to diseases, including:

• Where you live

• Access to healthcare

• Access to nutritious foods

• Air quality and pollution

• Stress

• Access to nature

Focus on areas that you can work on, such as your physical activity, establishing a therapeutic relationship with a medical care team, the foods that you eat, and following your treatment plan.

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Written by:

Marisa Taylor Karas

Marisa Taylor Karas is a freelance journalist based in Brooklyn who has covered health, gender, and technology for 15 years. She previously worked at The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, and Al Jazeera America, among other publications, and also served as managing editor of the Mellon Foundation in New York City.

Reviewed by:

Alexandra Schwarz, MD

Alexandra Schwarz, MD, is a board-eligible sleep medicine physician and a board-certified family medicine physician. She is a member of both the AASM and the ABFM.

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