Have you ever wondered why there is an increase in the number of deaths caused by kidney damage? What do you eat or drink? Is it healthy for your kidney? Keep reading as we discover useful tips that would help in the care and management of the kidney.
The kidney is one of the most essential organs in the body and is vital to the overall well-being of an individual and at such, has to be taken care of very well.
By taking proper care of your kidneys, your body will filter and remove waste products properly and also be able to produce hormones that would help the body to function properly. Below are some tips that would help keep your kidneys healthy:
- Regular exercise: Exercising regularly is good as it helps to reduce the risk of chronic kidney diseases. It also helps to reduce blood pressure and further boost your heart health which are all important in preventing the breakdown of the kidney. Well, you don’t have to run marathons or race so fast to achieve this. Walking, jogging or even dancing are all forms of exercises that are good for better health. Just find an exercise you like and keep busy with it.
- Being conscious of your blood sugar: It is very likely that people with diabetes, or a condition that causes high blood sugar may develop kidney damage. The kidneys are forced to work extra hard in order to filter one’s blood when one’s blood cells can’t use the glucose i.e sugar in the blood and over the years, it can lead to kidney damage. Therefore, if one can control his/her blood sugar, it would help reduce the risk of kidney damage.
- Constant check of blood pressure: High blood pressure can cause kidney damage. It is always advisable to constantly check your blood pressure in order to be on the safe side, and when you notice that you may have high blood pressure, do well to talk to your doctor, make changes where necessary and take medications.
- Keep your weight in check and have a healthy diet: An overweight person is at a higher risk of developing different health conditions that can affect the kidney. A healthy diet will go a long way in reducing the risk of kidney damage. Concentrate on eating fresh ingredients that are naturally low in sodium such as fish and also eat plenty vegetables and fruits.
- Take plenty appropriate fluids: It is good to always stay hydrated. Regular and consistent intake of water is healthy for the kidneys. It is highly advisable to take up to eight glasses of water every day as water helps remove sodium and other toxins from the kidneys. It also reduces the risk of chronic kidney disease. It is also advisable to reduce the intake of carbonated and sweetened fluids if you want your kidneys to be healthy.
- Say No to smoking: Smoking destroys one’s body blood vessels and thus leads to slower blood flow throughout the entire body and to the kidneys. Smoking also puts the kidneys at a higher risk for cancer. So, if you stop smoking, the risk of having kidney damage will reduce.
- Be conscious of the amount of OTC pills you take: If you are the type that regularly take over-the-counter (OTC) medications, you might be causing a general breakdown of the kidneys. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) which includes ibuprofen can damage the kidneys when taken regularly for reduction of pains and headaches. Reducing the intake of these drugs will likely reduce the risk of having to deal with a damaged kidney.
- Go for a medical checkup if you’re at high risk: If you’re at a high risk of having to deal with kidney disease, it is good to always go for a regular kidney function test. A regular kidney function test is a good way to know the state of your kidney and to also check for possible changes. Being ahead of any damage will help slow down or totally prevent future damage.
Generally, the kidneys are vital to the overall well-being of an individual as they are responsible for many functions in the body. That is why taking care of your kidneys should be one of your top healthcare priorities. Having and maintaining an active health lifestyle is the best thing you can do to ensure that your kidneys stay healthy.
