Eight tips for healthy kidneys
The kidneys filter blood, monitor water levels and produce hormones. Problems in any of these areas could be a sign of kidney failure. Here are eight tips on how to keep your kidneys healthy.
Stay active!
Staying active is key to keeping blood pressure down and protecting yourself against diabetes, which is the most common cause of kidney failure. Diabetics account for some 30 percent of dialysis patients.
Monitor your blood glucose levels!
Make sure your blood glucose levels remain stable. High blood sugar, which is associated with diseases like diabetes, damages the vessels inside the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter the blood. Healthy blood sugar levels can protect against kidney damage by allowing the vessels to do their job properly.
Keep track of your blood pressure!
High blood pressure is the second most common cause of kidney failure. Over time, high blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels. To maintain healthy kidney function, blood pressure should not exceed 140/90 mm Hg. It’s important to respond to high blood pressure, sometimes even with medication.
Eat a healthy diet!
A balanced diet including fruit, vegetables and fiber keeps your weight in check and lessens the chance of developing kidney failure. Being overweight is associated with higher blood pressure and diabetes-both of which can lead to renal failure. It’s important to keep salt consumption to a minimum too; too much salt damages the kidneys.
Get enough fluids!
The kidneys need fluid to filter out harmful substances from the body. An ideal amount is 1.5 to 2 liters. Those who do a lot of sport may need slightly more. Too much fluid can also be problematic. The recommended allowance applies to people in good health. Dialysis patients need considerably less.
Quit smoking!
Smoking is the primary cause of blood vessel damage, which prevents the kidneys from filtering the blood properly. As well as the many other health benefits of quitting cigarettes, your kidneys will thank you for kicking the habit too.
Don’t take painkillers for too long!
Taking painkillers over a long period of time can damage the kidneys. People whose kidneys are already slightly damaged are particularly at risk of developing acute kidney failure after taking painkillers, even the over-the-counter variety. If you do need to take painkillers regularly, it’s best to consult with your doctor to find out about more kidney-friendly alternatives.
Go for an annual kidney check!
That applies especially to those who fall into a high-risk category: being over 60, suffering from diabetes or high blood pressure, being overweight or having a family member with kidney failure. Your doctor will be able to detect early signs of kidney failure through a blood or urine test. Early detection is the key to successful treatment of the disease.