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Your kidneys have so many important functions in your body, such as cleaning toxins and waste out of your blood, and removing waste products like nitrogen waste (urea), muscle waste (creatinine), and acids. Your kidneys help balance your body’s fluids and electrolytes. During this process, your kidneys remove waste, which leaves your body as urine (pee).
Maintaining kidney health contributes to your overall well-being, following these guidelines can help your kidneys function optimally and keep your body in balance.
- Keep active and fit : Regular exercise will do well for your kidneys, these can be any physical activity you enjoy doing such as walking, running, cycling, and even dancing are great for your health. This can reduce your blood pressure and boost your heart health, which are both important for preventing kidney damage.
- Manage your blood sugar: People with diabetes, or a condition that causes high blood sugar, may develop kidney damage. When your body’s cells can’t use the glucose (sugar) in your blood, your kidneys are forced to work extra hard to filter your blood. Monitoring blood sugar levels and early intervention are essential.
- Monitor blood pressure: If high blood pressure occurs with other health issues like diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol, the impact on your body can be significant. A healthy blood pressure reading is 120/80. Prehypertension is between that point and 139/89. If your blood pressure readings are consistently above 140/90, you should consult a professional healthcare provider about monitoring your blood pressure regularly and making changes to your lifestyle, and medication.
- Maintain a healthy diet: A balanced diet that’s low in sodium, processed meats, and other kidney-damaging foods may help reduce the risk of kidney damage. Focus on eating fresh ingredients that are naturally low in sodium. Watch your weight and eat a nutritious diet. Include fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Avoid excessive salt intake. Being overweight increases the risk of kidney damage.
- Drink at least 2 litres of water daily: Wondering if there is magic behind the cliché advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but it’s a good goal precisely because it encourages you to stay hydrated. Regular, consistent water intake keeps your kidneys healthy. Regular intake of water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters in a day.
- Tobacco intake: Smoking damages your body’s blood vessels. This leads to slower blood flow throughout your body and your kidneys. Regular intake of tobacco puts your kidneys at an increased risk for cancer.
- Be aware of the amount of OTC pills you take: Check-in with your professional healthcare provider before taking over-the-counter drugs. If you regularly take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, you may be causing kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis.
- Have your kidney function tested:
If you’re at high risk of kidney damage or kidney disease, it’s a good idea to have regular kidney function tests. The following people are advised to do regular screening:
- Are over 60 years old.
- Those born at a low birth weight.
- People who have cardiovascular disease or a family history of it.
- Family history of high blood pressure.
- Obesity.
Regular kidney function tests such as Urinalysis, Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), Electrolytes urea & creatinine (E/U/Cr) are great ways to know your kidney’s health and to check for possible changes.
At Guscare Specialist Hospital our health check package includes everyone, ranging from basic to advanced options. We offer comprehensive health and wellness assessments for both men and women.