Simple Ways To Maintain Children's Kidney Health To Stay Optimal

Illustration of maintaining children's kidney health (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Children's kidney health has a crucial role in supporting optimal growth and development. Kidneys function to filter waste from the body, balance fluids and electrolytes, and help regulate blood pressure.

Although small, this organ bears a big responsibility, and if its function is disrupted, the impact can be very serious. Therefore, it is important for parents to start paying attention to the child's kidney health from an early age.

Dr. Sathiyan S, a senior nephrology consultant from SIMS Hospital, Chennai, emphasized that a healthy lifestyle must be built from childhood. One of the habits that must be taught is to drink water regularly.

"White water is the best choice to keep kidney work optimal. Children need to get used to consuming enough water every day, and avoiding too many sweetened drinks such as soda or juice in packaging," he said.

These drinks can increase the workload of the kidneys and in the long term have the potential to cause disturbances. In addition, it is important for parents to provide a healthy and balanced diet. Children's food intake should be low in salt and minimal in processed foods.

Too much salt can increase the risk of high blood pressure, which is one of the common causes of kidney function disorders. On the other hand, home fruit, vegetables, and home foods with good nutritional content can protect the kidneys from early damage.

Physical activity should also not be forgotten. Children should be encouraged to remain active, either through regular exercise or outdoor play activities. Sufficient physical movements will help maintain ideal weight and reduce the risk of the emergence of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, which are known as a serious threat to the kidneys.

Simple activities such as cycling, small running, or dancing at home can be a good start to building active habits.

The use of drugs also needs to be closely monitored. Many parents provide pain relievers or other free drugs without consultation with a doctor. In fact, improper drug consumption can have side effects on the kidneys. Therefore, it is important to always consult with medical personnel before giving medicine, especially if it is used repeatedly.

Also be aware of symptoms that may be a sign of disorders in the child's kidneys, such as swelling around the eyes or ankles, abnormal blood pressure, repeated urinary tract infections, or the presence of blood in urine.

If any of these signs appear, further medical examinations should be carried out immediately to prevent complications.

Dr. Sathiyan also emphasized that children tend to imitate what they see. Therefore, parents need to be an example in adopting a healthy lifestyle by eating nutritious food, maintaining hydration, exercising regularly, and doing regular health checks. This continuity will be a strong foundation for children to build a healthy lifestyle throughout their life.

Healthy kidneys do not form in a short time. Building them is a continuous process and starts from everyday habits. With the right steps since childhood, the risk of chronic kidney disease in the future can be significantly suppressed.