Contributed by – Healthians Team
Kidney problems are no stranger. We all have a loved one or someone we know suffering from some kind of kidney problem. Kidney disorders have witnessed an increase in the incidence graph due to the unhealthy lifestyle that we lead. Absorbed in our daily chaos we ignore signs that further lead to severe health issues.
Kidneys are bean-shaped organs present on both sides in the renal system. They are really important for the functioning of the body and plays a critical role in maintaining body fluid balance. Also, responsible for filtering the waste and excess fluids from the blood. The waste passes out of the body in the form of urine. Apart from this, kidneys also help in controlling the level of various essential minerals in the body and creating hormones that help produce red blood cells, regulate blood pressure etc.
Kidney disease can lead to various health problems like heart diseases, stroke, high blood pressure, etc.. Hence it is essential to take care of them. The best way is to prepare yourself to fight kidney problems and to ensure good health of kidneys. Below is a list of healthcare tips that are highly recommended for kidney patients.
Healthy Tips For Healthy Kidneys
Healthy Diet
A kidney-friendly diet will not only help in keeping the kidneys healthy but will also prevent them from any further damage. Below are some specific dietary dos and don’ts that are needed to be followed:
- A balanced meal with all the necessary nutrients like and a proper balance between calories, proteins, fat, and carbohydrate
- Limit the intake of potassium, phosphorus to ensure good health of kidneys
- Some of the healthy food for kidneys are:
- Cranberries
- Mushroom
- Oatmeal
- Kale
- Cauliflower
- Onions
- Peppers
Kidney diet: This includes limiting fluids, proteins, phosphorus, potassium, and sodium that will prevent the toxic built up in the body.
Keep Yourself Hydrated
People suffering from kidney problems, need to keep some points in their mind. They need to keep their body hydrated. Daily intake of 4-5 glasses of water is a must. Proper water intake can help get rid of several health issues and ensure good health.
Exercise Daily
Following a regular pattern of exercise regime of your choice like yoga, walk, cycling swimming etc. helps you stay healthy. One of the critical factors for a healthy body, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling high blood pressure and reducing the risk of chronic ailments. Overexerting or excessive exercise can cause a breakdown of muscle tissue that can strain the kidneys. So, make sure to workout daily but do not overexert yourself.
Quit Smoking
If you smoke, it’s time to quit! Smoking can cause damage to the blood vessels, which can lead to a decreased blood flow to the kidney. A decrease in the blood supply to kidneys can cause severe effects on kidney health. In order to ensure good health, say no to smoking today.
Avoid Consumption Of Painkillers
If suffering from any kidney problems, it is always recommended to limit your intake of pain killers as they can be very harmful to the kidneys. The best thing is to take prescription-based pain medication after consulting a doctor.
Regular Health Check-ups
Keeping a routine check of the kidney health is very important, it can be done by getting a regular checkup and maintaining the track of your kidneys. This also helps in preventing further complications and major kidney disorders.
The frequency of the test will depend on kidney health, the standard test recommended are:
- Urinalysis will screen for the presence of protein and blood in the urine
- Serum Creatinine
- Blood urea nitrogen will measure the amount of nitrogen in the blood
- Glomerular filtration rate
Eating healthy, regular exercise, controlling your weight, making some lifestyle changes can help in keeping the kidneys healthy.
