Healthy kidneys clean the blood by removing excess fluid, minerals and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood free of detritus and toxins. But if the kidneys are damaged and are not working properly, they can accumulate hazardous waste in the body, raise blood pressure and cause anaemia to appear. This phenomenon is called renal failure.
If your kidneys fail, you need treatment to prevent it from progressing. Treatment options are first drugs, such as preventive ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors or ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers), which prevent some causes. When it is severe, dialysis or a kidney transplant are the only solutions. Whatever treatment you choose, you must change your lifestyle, this includes changing your diet and planning your activities. But, with the help of health professionals, family and friends, most people with kidney failure can lead a full and active life.