by RG Alama

Davao City (13 July) -- The right diet, drinking lots of water (preferably distilled) and not holding back your full bladder are among the ways in taking care of your kidneys.

End stage Renal Disease is the ninth leading causes of deaths in the country. ENSRD is a condition where the kidney functions is down to only 15%. Those who are experiencing it undergo renal replacement therapy like undergoing dialysis and kidney transplant in the worst-case scenario.

According to Society of Nephrologists-Mindanao Chapter secretary Dr. Franklin Guillano, in 2009 about 407 patients underwent renal replacement therapy in Region XI alone. About 18 of these patients had their kidneys replaced.

National figures registered about 8,000 patients in 2007 that had undergone renal replacement therapy.

But Guillano said that there are still unrecorded ENSRD cases in the country, some don't even know they have it. He is estimating that many Filipinos have chronic kidney diseases. Pastor Ronaldo Flores a kidney transplant recipient recounts the arduous process in how he was able to get his much needed transplant and treatment.

"I was physically, financially and psychologically affected. I cannot concentrate on many things because of my sickness," Flores said.

He was able to meet the resources by going to different Non-Government Organizations, Social Outreach programs of the government like the Lingap fund of the Davao City Government and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. "I was really persistent especially in following up my applications," Flores added.

He became a benefactor of the Rotary Rotaplant kidney transplant program; Pastor's sister donated one of her kidneys for the treatment.

According to Dr. Guillano aside from the high costs of kidney transplant, the availability of a kidney donor is also a hindrance to many people seeking for that kind of treatment.

In a related development, Dr. Theresita Bad-ang, adult nephrologist, said that based in 2008 figures, diabetes has become the leading causes of renal diseases dislodging the traditional chronic glomerulonephritis as the primary origin of renal diseases.

Meanwhile Urinologist Dr. Jonathan Latayan said that high salt

diet, lack of water intake, irregular urination habits by young Filipinos particularly children are factors which will lead to kidney diseases.

class="caption">During one forum Latayan said that they recommended to the Education Department officials to build more comfort rooms in schools so that children can frequently discharge their bladder. He describes that holding one's urine in their bladder is like a clogged toilet bowl which will invite bacteria to multiply and spread.

He also recommended taking two to three glasses of water daily, preferably distilled. He said that mineral water is just like clean deep-well water as it contains many minerals which can harm the kidney.