TRENGGALEK – Dinas Kesehatan, Pengendalian Penduduk, dan Keluarga Berencana Kabupaten Trenggalek has warned residents in Trenggalek that kidney disease can develop without symptoms, making regular health checks important even for people who feel healthy.
Health officials said many kidney disorders begin quietly and show no early warning signs. As a result, many patients only discover the problem after medical tests show declining kidney function.
Sunarto, head of the Trenggalek health office, said the kidneys perform several essential tasks that keep the body stable each day.
He explained that the organs filter waste from the blood and remove metabolic residue through urine. They also regulate fluid levels and help maintain mineral balance inside the body.
The kidneys also support red blood cell production. That role makes them important for overall body function.
“The kidneys have a very important function for humans. They filter and remove waste from the body and also support red blood cell production,” Sunarto said.
He added that people should not assume healthy kidneys simply because they feel no discomfort. Some kidney problems progress slowly and remain unnoticed for years.
Doctors usually assess kidney health through blood and urine tests. Ultrasound scans also help doctors identify possible abnormalities.
“Kidney health can be identified when there are no complaints, but people should also check kidney function through laboratory tests and ultrasound,” he said.
Sunarto also highlighted several daily habits that increase pressure on the kidneys over time. Low water intake remains one of the most common causes. He said dehydration forces the kidneys to work harder than normal. Delaying urination too often may also reduce kidney performance.
Excess salt and sugar can gradually weaken kidney function. These habits create long-term risks when people repeat them every day.
Sunarto warned residents not to consume medicine without medical supervision. Repeated drug use may damage kidney tissue over time. Smoking also increases health risks. Lack of exercise and poor sleep can further affect kidney performance.
He added that excessive supplements or herbal products may also harm the kidneys, especially when people ignore proper dosage. To maintain kidney health, the local health office advises residents to drink enough water every day, eat balanced meals, and exercise regularly.
Sunarto described healthy kidneys as a long-term investment. He encouraged residents to build healthy habits early.
“Being healthy is a choice. Protect your kidneys through healthy habits, because kidney health is an investment for the future,” he said.