Medically CitedIn This Article
Overview
Every drop of blood that flows through your body gets purified by the pair of hardworking and consistent kidneys that reside in your body. Therefore, pampering them is of utmost importance.
Approximately 30 million people in the US suffer from kidney ailments, but only 10% of people know about them. Read through these beneficial lifestyle changes that keep your kidneys healthy and viable.
Why Are Your Kidneys So Special?
The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs present on either side of the spine, with the right kidney lower than the left to accommodate the liver. These organs serve to filter and detoxify the body off waste and balance the body fluids.[1]
They filter toxins and urea, which is synthesised in the liver due to cellular processes, and transport them to the kidneys for removal. They help in maintaining blood pressure and under stress release the chemical angiotensin which assists in retaining water content. It is essential to know how to keep your kidneys healthy and viable.
Practical Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy and Happy
1. Keep yourself hydrated
According to Dr. Lee Fang Jann, Urologist and Kidney Transplant Surgeon, drinking sufficient water helps kidneys to filter waste from the blood and prevents kidney stones. The amount of water needed can vary based on individual health conditions, so consultation with a doctor is recommended.
2. Keep your blood pressure under control
High blood pressure is commonly associated with heart disease, hypertension, and stroke; however, few people are aware that it can also cause chronic kidney failure.The average blood pressure for a healthy individual is 120/80, and if your blood pressure fluctuates between 130/89 and 140/90, you should keep a regular check on it and consult a doctor for possible risks associated with it, including damage to the kidneys.
To maintain healthy blood pressure, reduce salt intake. You must also cut down on junk food, and it is advised that the food be homemade.
3. Keep a check on the blood sugar levels
Kidney Health and Blood Pressure
People who have diabetes are at a greater risk of developing chronic kidney symptoms such as high sugar levels, disruptions in the blood flow, and water movement, which is essential for the functioning of the kidneys.
You should keep a check on your sweet tooth and not eat much of chocolates and sweet dishes to keep your kidneys viable and healthy.If you have diabetes, you must get your sugar levels checked regularly. Some may also be prescribed insulin to keep their sugar levels under control.
4. Stay fit and healthy
A balanced diet of vitamins and minerals, fresh fruits and vegetables, wholegrain bread, rice, and wheat will help to keep your body on track. It also helps prevent heart ailments and hypertension, and it reduces the pressure on the kidneys as well.
Additionally, you can also cut down on having spicy and salty food. You must stay active and have a regular exercise regimen to keep your body fit and active.
5. Maintain a slim body and stay physically active
Increased weight results in increased blood pressure, which thereby increases the load on the kidneys. Hence, it is best to keep a check on your diet and refrain from overeating.
You can also check your BMI, which is a measure of the body mass index and will give you the precise weight and height you should have. To maintain a healthy and slim body, aim for a 15-minute walk, cycle, or run every day and join the movement for better kidney health.
6. Do not overuse over the counter medications
Medicines such as NSAIDs like aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen have a variety of side effects and should do not be taken on a regular basis. It can cause ulcers and kidney damage and is difficult to flush out of the body.[2]
Instead, if you suffer from frequent bouts of back pain or a headache, you should consult your physician.
7. Avoid smoking and drinking
Drinking and smoking both results in a high blood pressure which can be bad for kidneys[3]. It is advised to quit smoking entirely for which you can use nicotine patches. Alcohol intake of not more than 14 units a week is recommended for both men and women.
Smoking and drinking also may cause cancer and deteriorate heart health so you should keep a check on them before getting addicted.
Drinking alcohol & smoking can seriously damage your kidneys. Shutterstock Images
8. Get your kidneys regularly checked
If you have high urea and blood creatinine level which is common in people with diabetes and heart ailments, you should get your blood tests done regularly. There are many kidney tests which can periodically check the extent of damage and warn you, so you can start taking precautionary measures.
You should also refrain yourself from eating outside and instead indulge in homemade food and natural herbs to keep your kidneys healthy.
9. Take medicines regularly
It is a universal thing to forget the medication or be distracted due to the workload and pressure. You may often skip meals as well due to meetings and deadlines, however, at any cost, you should make it a habit not to do so. Even a day’s delay or miss of a medicine dose can cause harm to the body processes which may take time to revert to normal.
Conclusion
Kidneys are vital for the functioning of the body and perform the essential functions of expelling toxins and waste. To keep your kidneys healthy and happy, you must keep yourself hydrated and well-nourished with a diet rich in vitamins, fruits, and green vegetables.
Also, you should maintain a healthy exercise regimen and develop a habit of walking or cycling which will keep your body fit and active and maintain healthy blood pressure and sugar levels.
If you want to learn more, check out 9-11-responders-report-more-head-neck-cancers for detailed information.
3 Sources
We review published medical research in respected scientific journals to arrive at our conclusions about a product or health topic. This ensures the highest standard of scientific accuracy.
[2] Oxytocin : https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3603170/
[3] Avoid smoking and drinking : https://alcohol.org/effects/kidney-disease/
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