Kidney Health: 8 Daily Habits To Follow To Keep The Organ Healthy
Oct 24, 2024
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Daily Habits To Follow To Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
Photo : iStock
Your kidneys are one of the important organs of the body and therefore, it is important that you take necessary steps that help you to keep the organ healthy. There are several factors that determine your kidney health. Some of these include blood sugar level, blood pressure level, diet and sleep among others. If these are not managed well, it can lead to kidney disease.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that affects 800 million people across the globe. CKD not only impacts the kidneys but also affects nerves and other organs which can eventually lead to heart disease, stroke, anaemia, increased infections and others.
CKD is a condition wherein the kidneys are damaged and cannot filter blood as well as they should. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems. Therefore, it is important that you take the necessary steps that help to keep your kidneys healthy.
Here, take a look at 8 daily habits that one should follow to keep their kidneys healthy.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking enough water is important for maintaining kidney health as it helps the kidneys to filter waste and toxins from the blood. Staying hydrated dilutes urine, thereby, reducing the risk of kidney stones. Try to drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily unless advised otherwise by a healthcare professional.
Balanced Diet
Follow a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. This helps to improve overall health and reduce the risk of kidney-related issues. Avoid excess sodium, processed foods and meals that are high in fats which can add pressure to the kidneys and lead to high blood pressure which is a leading cause of kidney damage.
Reduce Salt Intake
Excessive salt increases your blood pressure which can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys. Reducing salt intake helps to maintain healthy blood pressure levels and reduces the risk of kidney disease. You can choose herbs and spices to add flavour to your food instead of salt.
Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity helps to improve blood pressure and overall heart health, both of which are important for maintaining healthy kidneys. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as walking or cycling on most days of the week.
Control Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar can damage the kidneys over time, especially in people with diabetes. Monitoring blood sugar levels and following a healthy lifestyle can help reduce the risk of kidney disease.
Avoid Overuse of Painkillers
Frequent or prolonged use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can damage the kidneys. Only take painkillers when necessary and as prescribed by a healthcare professional to avoid long-term kidney damage.
Monitor Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is a leading cause of kidney damage. Regularly checking blood pressure and managing it through lifestyle changes or medication can protect the kidneys. Maintaining a healthy weight, reducing stress and limiting alcohol also helps in controlling blood pressure.
Quit Smoking
Smoking slows blood flow to the kidneys, thereby, reducing their ability to function well. Smoking increases the risk of kidney disease over time. Quitting smoking not only benefits the kidneys but also helps to improve overall health.
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