The kidneys perform many important tasks that are vital to our body, such as removing waste and excess water in the form of urine. Besides, they also help control blood pressure, maintain bone health, and make red blood cells. So it is very important to take care of our kidneys. Here are few tips on how to keep your kidneys healthy.
Tips for healthy kidneys
- Stay healthy and active by doing regular exercise. This can maintain blood pressure and help control blood sugar
- You need to stop smoking
- Avoid carbonated soft drinks
- Drink a lot of water
- Avoid over-the-counter painkillers. Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys
- Certain other medicines, toxins, pesticides, and illegal drugs (such as heroin and cocaine) can also cause kidney damage
- Keep blood pressure within the target range
- Besides, stay within your target cholesterol range
- Also try to eat low-salt foods
- Moreover, you need to eat more fruits and vegetables
- Keep your weight within the target range
- Limit alcohol intake as heavy drinking can raise blood pressure and increase calories
- In addition, you need to get enough sleep
- If you are going for a health check up, make sure to also get your kidneys examined through urine, blood tests and ultrasound.
Risk factors for kidney disease:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Kidney stones
- Infection (urinary tract or whole body)
- Overweight and obesity
- Over-the-counter pain-killer use
- Previous acute kidney injury
- Family history of kidney disease
- Very low birth weight
In order to protect your kidneys, the most important thing you can do is to take good care of your body to reduce the chance of developing diseases that stress the kidneys. Healthy eating, regular exercise, and weight control are some of the best practises, and they are definitely not unique to kidney health. A healthy kidney is the reflection of a healthy body.
