Kidney problems are one of the most common problems in developed countries, health surveys show, and oftentimes these kidney diseases are linked with other health problems as well. Approximately one in every 10 adults in the United States are suffering from chronic kidney disease or CKD, according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearing house (NKUDIC), which shows that kidney diseases are indeed a public health concern that keeps on growing. This only shows that caring for one’s kidneys is a needed and is supposed to be a responsibility of the patient as well as the health care providers.
The risks of developing kidney diseases may include: high blood pressure, diabetes, family history of kidney problems, race, age, and heart disease. Men and women who are at high risk of developing kidney problems may follow the tips shared by their health care providers on how to keep their kidneys healthy. Tips from the National Kidney Disease Education Program include the following:
- Make sure to maintain a healthy blood pressure level. The kidney helps in regulating the blood pressure. Age and gender may affect the blood pressure levels but it may be kept below 120/80. An achievable blood pressure level may be suggested by health care providers and it may be maintained through proper diet and medications.
- Lessen the salt intake. Fluid retention is influenced by the slat levels in the body. This might become a problem for those who are at risk of developing kidney problems if they are not able to curb their salt intake.
- The medications are only to be used as directed. Most medications directly affect the kidneys as they are excreted from the body through urine.
- Maintain an active lifestyle. Having an active lifestyle not only keeps your kidneys healthy but also the rest of the body.
- Maintain a proper body weight. Overweight and obese individuals are at risk of developing kidney problems.
- Curb your alcohol intake. Too much alcohol in the body destroys the kidneys. People with drinking problems may not only have kidney diseases but also problems with their liver.
- Choose to eat more fresh fruits and vegetables. Other foods need to be minimized if not avoided. Kidney damage is often exacerbated caused by too much smoke.
- Keep the cholesterol levels in check and manage blood sugar problems properly.
Having healthy kidneys is achievable as long as the person is informed of the dos and don’ts, health experts say.
URL References:
kidneyfund.org/kidney-health/are-you-at-risk/
kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/kustats/
nkdep.nih.gov/learn/keep-kidneys-healthy.shtml
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