Now that we have discussed the important role our kidneys play in our lives, it’s important to know how to keep them healthy. To help, we have included a few tips you can use to keep your kidneys healthy and you might find that these tips aren’t as difficult as you may have thought.
Keep fit/active: We know regular exercise can really help keep us in shape, but it can also help lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. Exercise can help reduce your blood pressure and boost your heart health, which are important in preventing kidney damage. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to run marathons or become a gym warrior. Simple exercises like walking, running or even dancing can be great for your health. When it comes to exercise, it’s important to find an activity that keeps you busy but more importantly, find an activity you think is fun.
Control your blood sugar: People who have diabetes or a condition that causes high blood sugar, may develop kidney damage more easily. When your body’s cells can’t use the glucose in your blood, the body and your kidneys have to work extra hard to filter out the excess. The excess exertion over an extended period of time can lead to life-threatening damage.
Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet: People who are overweight or obese are at risk for a number of health conditions that can damage the kidneys: diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Eating a healthy diet that’s low in sodium, processed meats and other kidney-damaging foods may reduce the risk of kidney damage. It’s recommended that you eat fresh ingredients that are natural low in sodium, such as cauliflower, blueberries, fish, and whole grains.
Drink plenty of fluids: Fluid intake, especially water, is important for our bodies in many ways, but specifically beneficial for our kidneys. Regular, consistent water intake helps clear sodium and toxins from our kidneys and in turn helps lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. It is recommended to drink around 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, but how much water a specific person needs will vary depending on gender, overall health, activity, etc.
Be aware of the amount of OTC pills you take: Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication on a regular basis can cause kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if taken regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis. People with no kidney issues who take the medication occasionally are likely in the clear, but if you use these medications daily, you could be risking your health. In this situation, it’s always important to talk with your doctor and gather their advice on potential kidney-safe treatment options.
Keep fit/active: We know regular exercise can really help keep us in shape, but it can also help lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. Exercise can help reduce your blood pressure and boost your heart health, which are important in preventing kidney damage. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to run marathons or become a gym warrior. Simple exercises like walking, running or even dancing can be great for your health. When it comes to exercise, it’s important to find an activity that keeps you busy but more importantly, find an activity you think is fun. Control your blood sugar: People who have diabetes or a condition that causes high blood sugar, may develop kidney damage more easily. When your body’s cells can’t use the glucose in your blood, the body and your kidneys have to work extra hard to filter out the excess. The excess exertion over an extended period of time can lead to life-threatening damage. Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet: People who are overweight or obese are at risk for a number of health conditions that can damage the kidneys: diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. Eating a healthy diet that’s low in sodium, processed meats and other kidney-damaging foods may reduce the risk of kidney damage. It’s recommended that you eat fresh ingredients that are natural low in sodium, such as cauliflower, blueberries, fish, and whole grains. Drink plenty of fluids: Fluid intake, especially water, is important for our bodies in many ways, but specifically beneficial for our kidneys. Regular, consistent water intake helps clear sodium and toxins from our kidneys and in turn helps lower the risk of chronic kidney disease. It is recommended to drink around 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day, but how much water a specific person needs will vary depending on gender, overall health, activity, etc. Be aware of the amount of OTC pills you take: Taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication on a regular basis can cause kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if taken regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis. People with no kidney issues who take the medication occasionally are likely in the clear, but if you use these medications daily, you could be risking your health. In this situation, it’s always important to talk with your doctor and gather their advice on potential kidney-safe treatment options.