The kidney is the prime filter of the human body—along with other essential tasks. It tackles toxins in the bloodstream and manages fluids and electrolytes throughout the organism, keeping us running. As such, it’s important to know how to keep them in tip-top shape and how to help them when they’re not.
Kidney disease affects 15% of the US population, and that only includes people who know they have it. Today, we’ll focus on a few ways to keep your kidneys healthy, and some recommended behaviors during care.
Healthy Diet And Habits
Overall, we recommend keeping a balanced diet consistent with your caloric intake needs, providing all forms of nutrients for a fully functioning body. Additionally, getting in your 30 minutes of daily exercise and drinking plenty of water allows your kidneys to clean the blood supply more efficiently and distribute these fluids throughout your body.
Keep your body moving within the range of what’s comfortable and possible. Keeping blood flowing aids in lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, as well as promoting muscle health. Your body is amazing, so keep it moving.
Choose Healthy Foods
We can take a page from the American Kidney Fund, which suggests that the right diet for a patient with kidney disease consists of the right proteins for growth and healing, fats for energy, vitamin distribution and temperature, and carbs, which are more easily transformed to energy than protein and fat.
Bet on more natural and healthier options that are low in sodium and grain carbs, and healthier carbs like fruit and vegetables. Naturally, discuss with your dietitian what diet is best for your case.
Monitor Levels
Keep a close eye on blood pressure, as it constricts and narrows blood vessels, including those of the kidneys. Cholesterol, other than impacting blood flow, can clog renal arteries, resulting in diminished kidney function. If you have any type of diabetes, it’s crucial to keep an eye out on your renal health, as it is proven to injure renal blood vessels as well.
Be sure to approach your doctors if you have any questions to stay one step ahead.
Limit Alcohol And Pill Intake
Alcohol severely impacts renal function, as it introduces toxins to the bloodstream. Your liver may do most of the heavy lifting when dealing with alcohol, but your kidneys do their share, too. A small amount of alcohol tends to be no problem; moderation is key.
Something similar happens with over-the-counter drugs. Substances like ibuprofen and aspirin, while helpful in many instances, often impact the kidneys through toxins that slowly limit renal function. Limit over-the-counter drug use to 10 days. If there are no changes, contact your doctor.
Know The Signs
There are few to no symptoms associated with the early stages of kidney disease; approaching your doctor regularly is the best measure.
As CKD gets worse, a few common symptoms start showing up:
- Tiredness
- A constant need to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Swollen ankles or other limbs as a result of water retention, otherwise known as edema
- Sudden weight loss and lack of appetite
These symptoms on their own may indicate anything, so the best course of action when they become present is to contact your practitioner.
Ask Your Doctor
As we repeated throughout this post, a proper medical check-up is the best way to find any issues with your kidneys. Medical treatment is also the most indicated course of action, especially considering how vital kidneys are for the entirety of the body. Timely attention to kidney health can make a difference in your treatment.
PRINE Health provides holistic care for chronic kidney disease and other common renal afflictions. We have teams and partners all over the country, so we encourage you to approach us and set up an appointment. Make use of our guides on kidney health diet here. Your kidney health matters.
