Paying Mind to Your Kidney Health

Caring For Your Kidneys

Your kidneys may be one of the most essential organs in your body — and they have a big job to do! Not only do your kidneys filter waste and excess water, but they also regulate your pH, salt, and potassium levels. Not to mention, your kidneys also produce hormones that regulate your blood pressure and the production of red blood cells. Now that you know all the things that your kidneys do to keep you healthy, here are some tips to keep them in tip-top shape and reduce your risk of developing kidney disease.

Keep Active

Adopting a regular exercise routine can help to lower your risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Staying active doesn’t mean you have to be a gym rat or run a marathon. Simple walking or riding a bike can help you stay in motion for overall good health. The best way to stay active is to find an activity that you enjoy as you’ll be more likely to stick to an enjoyable routine.

Watch Your Blood Sugar Levels

People who have diabetes may be at risk of kidney damage or developing chronic kidney disease. This can happen because when your body’s cells are unable to use the glucose in your blood, your kidneys are filtering your blood in overtime and working harder than it should. When your kidneys are overworked, this could lead to severe complications. Controlling blood sugar levels can reduce your risk of damaging your kidneys.

Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly

Since high blood pressure is a known cause of kidney damage, managing your blood pressure can help you stay on top of your kidney health. When other health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol are combined with high blood pressure, it can have a detrimental effect on your overall health.

Adopt a Healthy Diet

Adopting good eating habits not only helps you keep a healthy weight, but reduces your risk of developing diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease. Eat a diet that is low in sodium and avoid processed meats and fast foods. Adding more vegetables, fish, and whole grains are kidney-friendly ways to eat.

Drink Lots of Fluid

Staying hydrated is key to kidney health. Water can help clear toxins from your kidneys. Steer clear of sugary beverages and sodas. If you don’t like to drink water alone, add cucumbers or lemons for a refreshing flavor.

Adopting the above habits can help you keep your kidneys healthy and happy!