The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

STUDIES show that most people do not drink enough water on a daily basis. And that was one of the reasons the Dialysis Centre Bahamas challenged the general public to swap soft drinks, energy and alcoholic beverages with water. The 20-day World Kidney Day Challenge ran from March 12 to March 31. It was part of the efforts to raise awareness of kidney health and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

According to the Dialysis Centre, studies have shown that people who drink sodas on a daily basis have a higher risk of developing some level of CKD. This is because soft drinks increase the level of protein in the urine, which is considered an early marker of kidney damage.

The 13 participants of the 20-day water challenge were congratulated for making it to the end during special presentation event held last week at the Dialysis Centre, said Domica Davis, marketing and public relations officer.

“The World Kidney Day Challenge this year was to have organisations worldwide focus on substituting beverages with water,” she said.

“After investigating the many benefits of drinking water instead of the sugary products, alcoholic beverages, coffees, etc, I thought this would be an excellent challenge for the general public to do. I saw it fit that the Dialysis Centre Bahamas, who are proud supporters of World Kidney Day, do a 20-day water challenge. It is crucial to note that water may protect your kidneys, but it won’t cure you from chronic kidney disease.”

Some persons who participated in the challenge reported that they saw their cholesterol levels decrease, experienced weight loss and other benefits.

“I participated and successfully completed the 20-day water challenge. It was a good experience with benefits for my mind, body and spirit. There was a glow to my countenance. Personally, I think I will do this again before the year end,” Ms Davis said.   

Donna Rollins and her 15-years-old son Seth Rollins participated in the challenge together and are now making water their primary beverage choice.

“My son, who is a fitness guru, found out about it and he signed me up for the water challenge because I drink a lot of juices. He said if I can challenge myself for 20 days, I can go beyond. So we did that challenge together and although it was difficult, we completed it. And now my son wants us to do another 20 days,” she told Tribune Health.

Ms Rollins said drinking juices was her weakness before the challenge and now before she picks up a soft drink she opts for water.

“I am not a big eater, I am juice person. So sometimes if I get a little hungry I would drink a juice and it will hold me. So the challenge was really something for me, but I stuck with it,” she said.  

After the 20-day water challenge Ms Rollins said she found she had lost a total of six pounds.