Kidney Health: 8 Precise Ways

As vital organs, our kidneys cannot survive without functioning, so if they stop working, we can’t live. During urination, they remove waste, control the body’s fluid, and eliminate excess waste and water. This is crucial for maintaining a stable hormonal balance. Its abnormal function can cause serious, even life-threatening complications if it is not corrected.

An alarming statistic reported by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC 2019) indicates that 1 in 3 Americans are at risk of developing kidney disease. Kidney diseases have a major impact on your quality of life and are silent killers. According to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (National Kidney Foundation 2019, 37 million Americans have chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is about 15 percent of the adult population.

If you make a few lifestyle changes, you can manage long-term or chronic kidney disease (called CKD).

Throughout this blog, we’ll review some of the best ways to maintain a healthy kidney.

Diet must be balanced

Your kidneys break down whatever you ingest when you eat. Kidney health is negatively affected by foods that are bad for your health, such as excessive fat, dairy, sugar, or salt. A bad diet can cause high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and other conditions that can adversely affect your kidneys in the long run. Fiber, fruits, nuts, and vegetables are foods that can help your kidneys function properly. Avoid refined and processed foods.

Do not take frequent NSAID medications.

The kidneys can be harmed by common drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen. In the case of kidney disease or impaired kidney function, taking just a few doses could have a negative impact on your kidneys. Reduced kidney function patients should work with their primary care providers to choose over-the-counter medicines that don’t further compromise their kidneys.

Stay hydrated

Your kidneys receive essential nutrients from the water, and waste is removed from your bladder through urine. It is recommended that a healthy person consume at least 8 cups (approximately 2 liters) of fluid every day. Refer to your doctor for advice on appropriate fluid intake given your medical history, age, and activity level if you are experiencing severe climatic or body conditions (such as heart or liver disease).

Keep your blood pressure under control.

When diabetes, high cholesterol, or cardiovascular disease are present, high blood pressure can damage your kidneys. A doctor should be consulted if you have high blood pressure, especially if you are young. Changing your lifestyle and taking medication can help mitigate long-term kidney damage.

Get regular exercise

Keeping active can help you maintain a healthy weight, reduce your blood pressure, and lessen your risk of chronic kidney disease. Having a healthy lifestyle requires exercise, but overdoing it can damage the kidneys. You should start slowly and work your way up – it’s important to strike the right balance. Exercise causes us to drink more fluids, so it’s critical that you keep hydrated. Consult your physician if you’re at high risk for heart disease and are considering starting an exercise program.

Stop drinking excessively

Alcohol that is measured and consumed occasionally usually does not cause severe side effects. However, regular heavy drinking doubles kidney disease risk. Be sure it is safe for you to drink alcohol by consulting your healthcare provider. Regardless of whether it’s safe, drinking in moderation is important.

Give up smoking.

The blood flow to our organs is slowed by smoking. The blood can decrease the kidneys’ ability to function normally when it reaches them. Furthermore, kidney cancer is about 50 percent more likely to occur as a result of the blood. One of the best ways to reduce your risk is by quitting smoking.

Schedule regular health screenings.

Your health professional can perform simple blood and urine tests on your kidneys if you are at risk for kidney disease. The best way to detect chronic kidney disease early is to have regular testing performed. The best way to prevent further problems is to get treatment as soon as possible.