PROTECT YOUR KIDNEYS WITH THESE TIPS

Maintaining the health of your kidneys is essential for bodily function. They help remove waste products, control the production of red blood cells and balance your body’s fluids.

In order to protect your kidneys, you may have to make some simple lifestyle changes. For instance, cut down on pain medications; they may reduce blood flow to the kidneys, quit smoking, and eat more fruits and vegetables – garlic, apples, and blueberries.

Without proper care, one may develop kidney disease. According to the National Kidney Foundation, “1 in 3 American adults is currently at risk for developing kidney disease.” It’s important to get routine kidney function blood tests to ensure that your kidneys are working properly.

Drink water, but don’t overdo it. Water is needed to help the kidneys function properly. It helps them dissolve nutrients and ensures that bacteria, proteins and waste products don’t build up in the kidneys and bladder.

STOP SMOKING

It is well-known that smoking can increase the risk of kidney disease in people with diabetes. A study now shows that smoking may lead to dangerous changes in kidney function in otherwise healthy people as well.

CUT DOWN ON PAIN MEDICATIONS

Be careful when consuming pain medications – especially analgesics. They may help control your pain, but if there is decreased kidney function, you should avoid them at all costs. They reduce blood flow to the kidneys, according to the National Kidney Foundation. Check with your doctor to be sure if you can use certain medications.

EXERCISE REGULARLY

The National Kidney Foundation explains that exercise is important because it controls blood pressure and cholesterol, helps maintain a healthy weight, promotes a better night’s sleep, and, most of all, it prevents kidney disease.

KEEP BLOOD SUGAR UNDER CONTROL

If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar under control in order to protect your kidneys.

Make sure you exercise, consume a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables and cut out alcohol.

REDUCE SODIUM INTAKE

It is imperative to lower your sodium intake in order to protect your kidneys. According to the World Action on Salt & Health, “a high salt diet will alter this sodium balance, causing the kidneys to have reduced function and remove less water resulting in higher blood pressure. This puts strain on the kidneys and can lead to kidney disease.”

EAT MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

If you are trying to protect your kidneys or are suffering from kidney disease, it is important to eat your fruits and vegetables. Some of the best foods to eat include red bell peppers, garlic, apples, blueberries, fish, egg whites and cabbage.

AVOID DRINKING ALCOHOL

The National Kidney Foundation explains that your kidneys filter harmful substances from your blood and one of these substances is alcohol – “alcohol can cause changes in the function of the kidneys and make them less able to filter your blood.” It also affects the ability of your kidneys to keep the right amount of water in your body.

MONITOR YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

According to research, “high blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure in the United States after diabetes.” It’s extremely important to monitor your blood pressure; high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys and lessen their ability to work properly.