90% of people who have chronic kidney disease don't know that they have it. It causes more deaths than breast cancer but often flies under the radar until it's too late. Knowing how to take care of your kidneys is essential for a long and healthy life.
Keep reading for seven effective tips on how to help your kidneys.
1. Avoid Frequent Use of NSAID Medications
NSAID, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, are over-the-counter drugs that help to reduce swelling and pain. Ibuprofen is the most famous NSAID.
Used infrequently with healthy kidneys, NSAIDs are perfectly safe. If taken regularly, however, they can cause damage. If you have pre existing kidney disease or reduced kidney function, NSAIDs need to be entirely avoided as just a small dose can wreak havoc.
2. Check and Control Blood Pressure
Consistent high blood pressure can cause kidney disease. It's especially dangerous if it's combined with other factors like diabetes, high cholesterol, and many cardiovascular diseases.
If you have high blood pressure and are still young, medical intervention needs to be taken to lower your blood pressure.
3. Up Your Water Intake
Kidneys are responsible for flushing out your body's waste through urine. Your body naturally experiences kidney detox, by using water to flush out impurities.
Making sure that you are drinking enough fluids and water is critical for your kidney function.
The rule of thumb that you need eight cups of water a day is actually a myth, but in general, you should drink between two and three liters a day.
4. Maintain a Balanced Diet
A diet centered around fat, sugar, salt, and dairy can make it harder for your kidneys to function properly. While they are okay to include in your diet in small amounts, high amounts of these foods can lead to conditions that impact the kidneys, like obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
Integrating a diet that is rich in nuts, fiber, fruits, and vegetables not only helps your body process waste but includes a higher water content to help your kidneys work properly.
5. Regular Exercise
Regular exercise can reduce the risk of high blood pressure and chronic kidney disease. It doesn't really matter what kind of exercise you are participating in, just as long as your body is moving.
Be careful not to overdo your workouts, however, as too much exercise and not enough liquid can cause kidney damage.
6. Stop Smoking
In addition to a plethora of other health concerns, smoking can harden the arteries and blood vessels which directly impacts your kidney function.
Despite being difficult, quitting tobacco is a top priority for anyone who is interested in the health of their kidneys.
7. Visit Your Doctor Regularly
If you're worried about your kidneys, or have a family history of kidney disease, checking in with your doctor on a regular basis can literally save your life. Your doctor can test the function of your kidneys as well as look for other conditions that can impact kidney function that might otherwise be missed.
How to Help Your Kidneys
Chronic kidney disease can be fatal. The good news is, however, that there are plenty of things you can do to boost the health of your kidneys. Eating healthy, drinking water, and making sure you get regular exercise are some of the easiest things you can do to improve your kidney health.
Now that you know how to help your kidneys, you can follow these tips to increase the health of your body and the longevity of your life.
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