The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy

The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy

Your kidneys are important organs, and you cannot live without them if they fail to function. They are responsible for waste removal and controlling body fluids. All these are essential for maintaining an even balance of chemicals in the body. Therefore, any abnormal function can result in severe or even lethal complications.

Fortunately, there are various things you can do to keep them in good health at each stage of your life:

Beware of the signs and symptoms

As much as kidney diseases affect many people, the signs and symptoms are hardly noticeable. Also, most people with an abnormal functioning kidney don’t realize it until too late. So, it is vital to determine if you are at risk.

Some factors that increase the chances of you getting kidney diseases are:

  • Obesity
  • Cardiovascular illnesses
  • Diabetes
  • Family history of chronic kidney illnesses
  • Hypertension
  • Age above 60

It is very important to keep up with yearly exams with your doctor. Your doctor might order a urinalysis test or bloodwork to check for kidney disease and slow down its advancement.

Exercise

Regular exercise has numerous benefits, including helping you maintain a healthy weight and keep hypertension at bay. It can also lower your chances of getting kidney diseases. Therefore, you don’t have to run long marathons or take part in aggressive workout routines.

Simple exercise activities like walking, swimming, and cycling can play a significant role in keeping your kidneys in good health.  And if you are having difficulty picking an activity to keep you active and fit, consider enrolling in a fitness coaching program.

Stay hydrated

Most people do their best to stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, working out, and avoiding the temptation of sweet treats and junk food. However, you keep forgetting one vital part of your health due to your busy routines or just ignorance: hydration. Besides that, you probably know that you are supposed to drink eight glasses of water every day, but do you do that? Water is not only good for your kidneys but all organs in your body.

Consume healthy foods

It is important to note that most kidney issues come up due to other conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart illnesses. This said, it is crucial to stick to healthy eating habits to control your weight as well as your blood pressure. A balanced diet makes sure that your body gets all the nutrients it needs and keeps your kidneys functioning well. So, eat plenty of veggies and fruits, nuts and foods high in fiber, and more importantly, avoid processed or refined foods.

Watch your blood pressure

When was the last time you had your blood pressure checked? High blood pressure can be unnoticeable and can put you at higher risk of developing kidney diseases as well as cardiovascular problems. So, consider getting a simple and fast blood pressure check at your local health facility. And if your blood pressure is higher than normal, your doctor might suggest some life changes or prescribe you medication to put it under control.

Avoid too much alcohol

Moderate consumption of alcohol usually has no serious side effects. However, too much drinking can put you at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. So even before you go out to indulge in some alcohol, it is crucial to check with your general practitioner to know the amount of alcohol that is safe for you. Even if it is harmless, it is crucial to limit your intake.

Bottom Line

The best thing you can do for your kidneys is to take care of your entire body to lower your chances of developing illnesses that put them in a tight position. Exercise regularly, limit your alcohol intake, eat healthy foods, stay hydrated, and schedule a kidney examination.