Maintaining the good health of your vital organs is important for healthy living. When we talk about vital organs, kidneys often take a backseat. These are a pair of bean-shaped organs, each about 4 or 5 inches long, located at the base of the rib cage. These multitasking organs are responsible for critical functions like the removal of wastes and toxins from the body, production of certain hormones, induce formation of red blood cells, and regulation of extracellular fluid volume, blood pressure, acid-base balance, and electrolyte concentrations. While your kidneys work hard day in and day out to keep you going, are you sure you are doing the right things to keep your kidneys healthy?
# Maintaining a healthy body weightStaying fit is really important for your kidneys because obesity can lead to high blood pressure which is bad for your kidney health. Regular physical activity can prevent weight gain, high blood pressure, and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Reduced physical activity and performance have been observed in CKD patients as compared to the general population. Several studies suggest that exercise involvement can improve several health parameters in CKD patients.
Aerobic activities like walking, running, skiing, jogging, cycling, dancing, and swimming are great for your health. Try to work up slowly for at least 150 minutes every week. But, don’t overexert yourself, be mindful of how much exercise you do. If you are not keeping yourself active now, discuss with a fitness expert before beginning any new workout program.
# Keep sipping water oftenWater helps the kidneys remove toxins from the blood and make your body free of waste material. It also helps in preventing kidney stones and urinary tract infections.
It is a popular belief that everyone should drink eight glasses i.e., approximately 2 liters of water per day, but since everyone’s body is different, daily water requirements also differ from person to person. How much water you require depends on factors like age, climate, exercise intensity, health conditions, etc. Staying hydrated is good for your kidneys but don’t overdo it as no studies have proven that over-hydration can enhance kidney function.
People who have previously had kidney stones are advised to drink a bit more water to help prevent stone deposits in the future. If you have kidney or heart or liver disease, consult your healthcare provider on the adequate water intake for your condition.
# Do not overdo OTC pillsProlonged use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDS)/ pain-killer (e.g. drugs like ibuprofen) may harm your kidneys.
People with healthy kidneys who take the medicines occasionally are likely in the clear. However, if you have kidney disease or decreased kidney function, taking medicines without consulting a doctor should be strictly avoided.
# Assess your risk and get testedIf you or your family have a history of kidney failure, diabetes, high blood pressure, or obesity, get your kidney function checked. Also, remember to keep your blood glucose numbers and blood pressure levels close to the healthy goals. Diabetes and high blood pressure both are leading causes of kidney problems.
If you don’t have any symptoms of high blood pressure or diabetes or you are not aware of your family health history, still you could be at risk. So, the best way to know your kidney’s health is to get your health tests done regularly. This helps to identify any health condition at an early stage, and take action to slow or prevent future damage.
# Eat healthy dietHealthy food choices can help to maintain ideal body weight, prevent diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, and other conditions associated with CKD. Eat healthy foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Cut down on salt and added sugars. Aim for a low-sodium diet, no more than 2,500 milligrams of sodium a day. Limit your added sugar intake to less than 10 percent of your total daily calories. Check food labels to see how much salt and sugar is in a serving. Don’t eat too much fatty food, restaurant food, processed meats, and other kidney-damaging foods.
# Quit smoking and limit alcohol intakeTry to quit smoking completely and limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Smoking and drinking alcohol both raise your blood pressure. High blood pressure is one of the most common causes of chronic kidney diseases.
Smoking can damage blood vessels, which decreases blood flow to the organs, including kidneys. When the kidneys have inadequate blood flow, they can’t function optimally. Smoking also increases the risk of developing several cancers including kidney cancer.