How Healthy Are Your Kidneys?

NCERx recently asked people about their kidney health. About 1100 answered questions regarding their kidney pain history and their prevention practices. Seventy-one percent of respondents reported that they have experienced some form of kidney pain. However, 78 percent do not suffer from any of the listed chronic conditions that would trigger this pain. Consequently, most people's kidney problems occur occasionally and tend to be less severe.

 

 

The more water people drank, the less likely they were to suffer from a urinary tract infection (UTI). In the graph below, the y-axis reflects the number of UTIs reported while the individual bars indicate the amount of water people consume daily. As the graph indicates, the incidence of UTIs is proportionally related to the amount of water one consumes. Sixty-six percent of respondents drink less than the recommended six glasses per day and 69 percent have had a UTI. Unfortunately, 40 percent only drink 2-4 glasses of water per day, putting themselves at a greater risk of developing a UTI.

 

 

While most people drink less than the recommended amount of water and have experienced kidney pain, they also are taking measures to prevent further kidney problems. Sixty-four percent have increased their water intake. Only 14 percent of respondents have done nothing to prevent their kidney problems. However, 14 percent also indicated that they have never experienced kidney pain. Consequently, it is difficult to determine whether those who have not taken preventative measures actually suffer from kidney. The lack of action possibly stems from the lack of a problem.

 

NCERx's survey found that kidney problems are common, though tend to be minor and intermittent. Although most people fall short of the recommended water intake, they are conscious of it and are making an effort to promote general kidney health.