Kidneys act like sophisticated coffee filters for the body, according to Professor Bertrand Fougere, who set out new advice for protecting them on the French television programme "Bonjour ! La Matinale TF1."
Fougere said the European Society of Cardiology had issued new recommendations on monitoring kidney health. The kidneys, he explained, are roughly the size of a fist and sit at the base of the back. Their job is to filter the blood, removing waste, retaining what the body needs, and eliminating excess water through urine. They also help control blood pressure.
Why Kidney Decline Can Go Unnoticed
Fougere warned that when kidney function starts to decline, there are usually no immediate symptoms and no obvious change in urine. Detecting problems requires specific tests, he said.
The first is a blood test that measures the filtration rate and the amount of water passing through the kidneys. The second is a urine test that measures what remains in the body afterward. According to Fougere, healthy people do not need to have their kidneys monitored constantly.
Who Should Get Checked Annually
Under the new European Society of Cardiology guidelines, people with high blood pressure, diabetes or cardiovascular disease should have their kidney function checked once a year, Fougere said.
The European Society of Cardiology is a professional medical organisation that develops clinical guidelines used by doctors across Europe to manage heart and related conditions, including their effects on other organs such as the kidneys.
Three Recommendations for Kidney Health
Fougere set out three habits for protecting the kidneys. The first is protecting the arteries, which he said means staying physically active, avoiding smoking, controlling blood pressure and eating well.
The second recommendation is to drink water regularly, but not in excess, unless a person is exercising, he said.
The third is to avoid self-medication, particularly with anti-inflammatory drugs. Fougere specifically named ketoprofen and ibuprofen, saying these damage the kidneys.
Protecting Kidney Function Long Term
Fougere said good daily habits are needed to keep the kidneys filtering properly, and that people with a specific underlying condition should be monitored appropriately for it.
