Kidneys are critically important organs for the body, as they are responsible for overall health by maintaining a stable balance of body chemicals. Hence looking after them is crucial.
These important organs remove waste and toxins from the blood, and water through urination. They also
> manage the body’s fluids, salt, and potassium levels,
> maintain blood minerals balanced,
> release a hormone that controls blood pressure,
> stimulate vitamin D to support bone health and many more.
After evaluating the importance of kidneys for your body, take a look at what may happen if they are damaged. In case your kidneys don’t function and stop working properly, it may lead to dangerous, life-threatening problems such as blood filtering (dialysis treatment), heart stroke, weakened bones, etc.
Some risk factors that may lead to kidney disease are
- high blood pressure,
- diabetes,
- obesity,
- family history of kidney failure,
- cardiovascular disease, etc.
Here you can find some major lifestyle changes that can help keep your kidneys healthy.
1. More fluids for adequate hydration
Consuming an adequate amount of fluid may help your kidneys do their job any better. During dehydration, your urine may change from straw-colored to darker. To avoid dehydration and stay adequately hydrated, you should drink approximately two liters of water per day.
2. A balanced and healthy diet
You might also need to balance your diet. On the whole, healthy eating habits control weight and blood pressure. First of all, start to monitor your levels of fat, salt, potassium, and phosphate. Consider consuming plenty of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains. Therefore, a lower-protein diet may keep your kidneys functioning smoothly and in good condition.
3. Exercise regularly to keep a healthy body weight
Health problems can occur when people are overweight or obese. In this situation, losing even a few pounds can positively affect your health. So, every step will make incremental progress towards reducing your blood pressure, as well as improving overall health.
To avoid kidney disease you should keep a healthy weight. Hence staying active and exercising regularly may reduce your risk of chronic kidney disease.
4. Quit smoking and excessive alcohol drinking
Both excessive alcohol drinking and smoking may increase the risk of high blood pressure, which, in its turn, may cause kidney disease. Besides, tobacco slows the blood flow in the kidneys which may lead to an inability of the kidneys’ normal functioning.
If you are looking to rearrange your diet, keep in mind that daily sodium, as well as alcohol intake, may have a serious effect on blood pressure.
5. Periodically check your kidneys
According to statistics, in the United States, over thirty-three percent of adults are at risk for kidney disease. So, it’s essential to get your kidneys tested if you have some symptoms such as painful urination, need to urinate more often and feel thirsty, dark (bloody) urine, etc. If you have any of these symptoms and want to get tested or consult with Dr. G Health, please get in touch!
