Observed annually on the second Thursday of March, World Kidney Day falls on March 12 this year. The 2026 theme, "Kidney Health for All – Caring for People, Protecting the Planet," calls for a unified global response to kidney disease and its environmental intersections.

A growing global challenge

As a vital organ for maintaining human homeostasis, the kidney possesses an intricate structure and complex physiological functions. This very complexity makes it highly vulnerable to damage from metabolic and immune disorders, ischemia, hypoxia, infections and toxins – all of which can lead to Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and Acute Kidney Injury (AKI).

CKD has become a major and escalating global health crisis, affecting 1 in 10 people worldwide. In China alone, the number of CKD patients reached approximately 156 million in 2023, the highest prevalence in the world.

Often asymptomatic in its early stages, CKD can progress unnoticed until it results in severe health consequences. Its impact is profound, affecting not only the individual but also families and entire communities. Beyond the kidneys themselves, the disease significantly elevates the risk of cardiovascular complications and diminishes overall quality of life.

At its most advanced stage – kidney failure – survival depends entirely on life-sustaining replacement therapies such as dialysis or transplantation. Furthermore, the burden of this disease is unevenly distributed, disproportionately impacting disadvantaged populations and worsening existing global health inequities.

Keys to CKD prevention

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and early screening and detection are keys to preventing chronic kidney disease.

Adequate hydration and healthy diet are essential. For a healthy adult, it is recommended to drink 1,500 to 1,700 milliliters of water per day, consumed in small amounts throughout the day, about 200 milliliters each time. During dry seasons, total daily intake can be increased to around 2,000 milliliters. Prolonged urine retention should be avoided, as it may increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

The recommended daily salt intake is limited to no more than 5 grams, whereas people with hypertension are advised to restrict it further to 2-3 grams. Excess sodium intake can raise blood pressure and increase the burden on the kidneys.

Furthermore, adults are advised to keep added sugar intake below 50 grams per day, ideally under 25 grams, as high blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time. In addition, limiting purine-rich foods, including organ meats and seafood, may help prevent elevated uric acid levels that can affect kidney function.

People with underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, high uric acid or gout are at higher risk of kidney disease. "Patients with these conditions are more likely to develop kidney problems, which are often caused by metabolic disorders," Liu Li, associate chief physician at Peking University First Hospital's Department of Nephrology, told CMG.

Regular exercise and regular sleep patterns are also important. At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week, such as brisk walking or jogging, can help improve circulation, strengthen the immune system and support overall kidney health.

It is recommended to go to bed before 11 p.m. and ensure seven to eight hours of sleep per night. Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which can damage blood vessels and increase the burden on the kidneys, should also be avoided.

For most adults, integrating urinalysis and kidney function tests into an annual health checkup is vital. However, high-risk individuals – including those with a family history of renal disease – should take a more proactive approach, undergoing kidney ultrasounds and urine microalbumin tests every six to 12 months to catch potential issues in their earliest, most treatable stages.

(Cover image designed by CGTN's Yu Peng.)