Why Kidney Health Matters
Your kidneys play a quiet but essential role in keeping your body healthy — and yet kidney problems are often overlooked until something feels wrong. Many people are surprised to learn just how common kidney-related conditions are, especially in South Africa, where issues like high blood pressure and diabetes can increase the risk of kidney damage over time.
For some, the first warning sign is sudden and severe pain caused by kidney stones. For others, changes happen much more slowly. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can develop without obvious symptoms in its early stages, which means many people don’t realise there’s a problem until their kidneys are already under strain.
The good news is that early awareness makes a real difference. Understanding the signs to look out for, getting checked early, and having access to ongoing healthcare can help protect your kidney health and reduce the risk of serious complications later on. With the right support and health cover in place, managing kidney conditions doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Now that you understand why kidney health matters, let’s look closer at what your kidneys actually do and why they’re so important.
Your kidneys are small, bean-shaped organs, but they do a big job every day to keep your body working properly. Most people think of kidneys only in terms of urine, but their role goes far beyond that.
Their main job is to filter waste and extra fluid from your blood. These waste products leave your body as urine, helping to keep your blood clean and balanced. When your kidneys aren’t working as they should, waste can start to build up in the body.
Your kidneys also help control your blood pressure by balancing fluids and releasing hormones that affect how tight or relaxed your blood vessels are. This is why kidney problems and high blood pressure are often closely linked.
In addition, healthy kidneys support strong bones and red blood cell production. They help keep the right balance of minerals in your body and signal your bone marrow to make enough red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your body.
Because your kidneys are involved in so many essential processes, damage to them can affect your whole body — not just your bladder or how often you urinate. That’s why looking after your kidney health is so important for your overall wellbeing.
After understanding your kidneys’ roles, it’s helpful to know about kidney stones—a common problem many face.
Kidney stones are a common kidney problem and can be extremely painful, but they are also very treatable when caught early. Understanding what they are and why they happen can help you know when to seek medical care.
What Kidney Stones Are
Kidney stones are hard deposits made up of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They develop when substances in the urine become too concentrated and start to stick together.
Kidney stones can vary in size. Some are as small as grains of sand and may pass through the body without much discomfort, while others can grow much larger and cause significant pain if they block the urinary tract.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Symptoms often appear suddenly and can be intense. Common signs include:
- Severe pain in the side or lower back
- Pain or a burning feeling when urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- A frequent or urgent need to urinate
If you experience any of these symptoms, especially ongoing or severe pain, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Why Kidney Stones Happen
Kidney stones can form for several simple and often preventable reasons, including:
- Not drinking enough water causes urine to become concentrated.
- High salt or sugar intake affects how minerals build up in the urine
- Certain medical conditions that change how the body processes minerals
- Family history, which can increase your risk
Staying hydrated and having regular health check-ups can help reduce the chances of developing kidney stones.
Beyond kidney stones, there is a more persistent concern: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). Let’s explore what CKD is and how it affects your health.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys are damaged and not working as well as they should. Unlike kidney stones, which often cause sudden pain, CKD usually develops slowly over months or even years.
In the early stages, many people feel completely fine. There may be no obvious symptoms, which is why CKD often goes unnoticed until kidney function has already declined. Over time, however, reduced kidney function can affect how well your body removes waste, balances fluids, and manages important processes like blood pressure and bone health.
Understanding CKD early is important. The National Kidney Foundation of South Africa, supported by the South African Renal Society, explains how chronic kidney disease progresses over time and why early detection and ongoing care play such a vital role in protecting long-term health (source: https://sa-renalsociety.org/nkfsa/).
Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease is grouped into five stages, based on how well the kidneys are working.
- Early stages (Stages 1–2):
Kidney damage is present, but many people have no symptoms and may only discover CKD through routine blood or urine tests. - Middle stages (Stage 3):
Kidney function is reduced, and some people may start to feel tired, notice swelling, or experience changes in urination. - Later stages (Stages 4–5):
Kidney function is significantly reduced. At this point, specialised care is needed, and some people may require dialysis or preparation for further treatment.
While this may sound worrying, it’s important to remember that many people live well with CKD, especially when it’s identified early and managed properly.
For a clearer explanation of each stage and how kidney function changes over time, the National Kidney Foundation provides easy-to-understand educational resources via the South African Renal Society, which are helpful for anyone wanting to learn more about CKD progression: https://sa-renalsociety.org/nkfsa/.
Kidney Disease in South Africa: Why Awareness Is Critical
Kidney disease is a growing health concern in South Africa, yet it often goes unnoticed until it becomes serious. Many people are living with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) without realising it, especially in the early stages when symptoms may be mild or absent.
According to the National Kidney Foundation of South Africa, supported by the South African Renal Society, kidney disease is frequently underdiagnosed in the country. This means many people only seek medical help once symptoms are severe and kidney function has already declined. High blood pressure and diabetes — both common conditions in South Africa — are among the leading contributors to CKD, further increasing the risk for many households.
The Foundation highlights that late detection remains a major challenge, which is why access to primary healthcare, early screening, and proper chronic disease management are essential for improving long-term outcomes (https://sa-renalsociety.org/nkfsa/).
Recognising the risks, you may ask when it’s time to consult a doctor about your kidney health.
Knowing when to seek medical advice can make a big difference to your kidney health. It’s important to see a doctor if you experience:
- Persistent pain in your lower back or side
- Blood in your urine
- Ongoing fatigue, swelling in your feet or face, or feeling unwell without a clear reason
- Recurrent kidney stones or repeated urinary issues
Seeing a GP early can help identify problems before they become more serious. With affordable health cover, you don’t have to delay getting checked or wait until symptoms worsen. Early medical care can prevent complications and support better long-term health.
How Health4Me Supports Members with Chronic Kidney Disease
First, let’s clarify what Health4Me offers, so you know how it fits into managing kidney conditions.
Health4Me is affordable private health cover from Momentum Health, designed for everyday South Africans who want access to quality healthcare without high costs or complicated medical terms. The plans are simple, transparent, and focused on making healthcare easier to understand and use.
Chronic Kidney Disease Cover with Health4Me
Health4Me includes Chronic Kidney Disease on its approved chronic conditions list, offering support for members who need ongoing care. Once registered, members can receive help with the management of their chronic condition, reducing the stress of navigating long-term treatment alone.
This means access to essential healthcare support without having to rely only on public facilities, giving you more control and peace of mind.
You can view the full list of chronic conditions covered, including Chronic Kidney Disease, on Bloom’s Health4Me chronic benefits page, which explains how chronic care support works in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
Why Having Health Cover Matters for Kidney Conditions
Kidney conditions often require ongoing monitoring, regular check-ups, and long-term care. Without health cover, the costs of consultations, tests, and treatment can quickly add up.
Health4Me helps make managing kidney conditions more affordable by providing access to healthcare support when it’s needed most. This reflects Bloom’s commitment to transparency, accessibility, and reliable support, so members know what’s covered and can plan with confidence.
How to Get Started with Health4Me
Getting health cover doesn’t have to be complicated. With Health4Me, you can:
- Choose a Health4Me option that fits your budget and healthcare needs
- Sign up online in just a few minutes
- Get access to GP visits and chronic condition support
If you’re concerned about kidney health or managing a chronic condition, Bloom makes it easy to explore Health4Me options designed to support long-term care while staying affordable for South Africans.
Final Reassurance: Knowledge + Cover = Peace of Mind
Kidney problems don’t have to lead to financial stress or uncertainty. With early care, the right information, and access to ongoing healthcare, outcomes can be significantly improved.
Understanding your health is empowering. Having cover that supports you over the long term gives you confidence, control, and peace of mind when you need it most.
Learning about your health is the first step. Having cover that supports you long-term is the next.
