Mitishamba, over-the-counter drugs increase risks of Kidney diseases - Expert

Many kidney conditions might go unnoticed until they are at an advanced stage, leading to one gradually losing key kidney functions.

According to Dr K.B Soki, the main functions of kidneys include removing waste, neutralizing acidity in your body salt balance, and are important in the formation of red blood cells.

They regulate PH, salt, and potassium levels in your body. They also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure.

Speaking on Citizen TV DayBreak, Dr Soki noted that certain factors can increase your risk of developing kidney damage or disease.

These include consuming herbal medication (Mitishamba), over the counter medications, underlying issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.

 “Just because something is natural, it does not mean that it is safe for you, some of these herbs have  toxins. Over the counter medication might also harm the kidney,” she said.

Maintaining kidney health is important to your overall health and general well-being. According to Dr  Ruden Okiuma, hydration is a big thing in maintaining kidney health, eating healthy and having a healthy lifestyle, indulging everything in moderation and avoid taking over the counter medication, avoid taking  pain killers all the time.

One of the symptoms indicating one’s kidneys are not working as they should is when the body gets filled with waste, especially urea. It makes you feel like you can't eat, gives you a lot of nausea, itches, and as the skin changes to become darker and the body starts swelling.

“By keeping your kidneys healthy, your body will filter and expel waste properly help your body function properly,” Okiuma said.