Keep Your Kidneys Healthy With These Easy Ways
The kidneys act as very efficient filters for ridding the body of waste and toxic substances. These also return vitamins, amino acids, glucose, hormones, and other vital substances into the bloodstream. These organs also receive a high blood flow and this is filtered by very specialized blood vessels.
The five top jobs healthy kidney perform includes the following:
- Remove wastes and extra fluid.
- Control blood pressure.
- Make red blood cells.
- Keep bones healthy.
- And, control pH levels.
So, how do you keep your kidneys healthy?
Regular exercise.
Keeping active is good for more than just your waistline. It also lowers the risk of chronic kidney disease. Aside from that, it can also reduce blood pressure and boost heart health. This, of course, remains important to prevent kidney damage. You don’t even run a marathon to reap the reward of exercise. Just going on a walk or a short run or dancing around in your own room is great for your health. Find any activity that will keep you busy. It’s also easier if you make it fun.
Controlling your blood sugar.
There are so many diseases that can affect the kidneys. These include Fabry disease, Cystinosis, Lupus Nephritis, and Polycystic Kidney Disease among others. Patients with these conditions may develop kidney damage. When the body’s cells can’t use the glucose in the blood, these organs are forced to work extra hard to filter the blood. Over years of exertion, this can lead to life-threatening damage. However, if you control the blood sugar, you reduce the risk of damage.
Monitoring blood pressure.
High blood pressure causes kidney damage. If high blood pressure occurs with other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol, the impact on the body can be significant. A healthy reading is 120/80. However, if your readings remain above 140/90, you may have high blood pressure. Talk with a doctor about monitoring your blood pressure regularly, making changes to your lifestyle, and possibly taking medication.
Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet.
People who are overweight or obese are at risk for several health conditions that can damage these organs. These include diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease among others. A healthy diet that remains low in sodium, processed meats, and other kidney-damaging foods may help reduce the risk of kidney damage. If you focus on eating fresh ingredients that remain naturally low-sodium This includes cauliflower, blueberries, fish, whole grains, and so much more.
Drinking plenty of fluids.
Drinking eight glasses of water a day is a piece of cliché advice. However, it’s a good practice to encourage you to stay hydrated. Consistent water intake is healthy for the kidneys. Water helps clear sodium and toxins from these organs. This, then, lowers the risk of chronic kidney disease. Aim for at least a liter or two in a day. The amount of water you need, on the other hand, largely depends on one’s health and lifestyle.
Be aware of the amount of over-the-counter medications you take.
If you regularly take over-the-counter pain medication, you can cause kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs including ibuprofen and naproxen can damage the kidneys. Especially if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis.
Kidneys are vital to overall health. These organs remain responsible for many functions, from processing body waste to making hormones. That’s why taking care of your kidneys should be top of your health priority.
