8 Golden Rules Of Kidney Health That Had Gone Way Too Far
It is incredible how a bean-shaped organ can perform so many vital functions. The kidneys make up an essential part of the urinary system. Its main function is to filter the blood to produce urine and excrete them. The kidneys are also important for producing hormones and regulating blood pressure. To maintain these functions, researchers have formulated 8 golden rules of kidney health.
What Are The 8 Golden Rules Of Kidney Health?
Kidneys are highly vital for filtering blood and excreting waste. Having kidney disease can increase your chances of problems in other organs too. To keep your kidneys healthy and strong, you need to follow the 8 golden rules of kidney health.
Rule - 1: Keep Fit, Be Active
Ensure that you include at least 30 minutes of physical activity in your daily routine. Watch your weight regularly, as being overweight increases your risk for many chronic illnesses. Try to include stress-relieving activities like yoga, Tai Chi, and meditation. When you learn to cope with stress, your mental and physical health will improve tremendously.
Rule - 2: Eat A Healthy Diet
Paying attention to your diet and eating healthy food can improve your metabolism. It reduces your risk of developing diabetes, high blood pressure, heart problems, and kidney disease.
You must have heard nutritionists suggesting reducing salt intake for optimum health. The recommended sodium or salt intake is 5-6 grams per day. Ensure that your sodium and salt intake is only about a teaspoon daily. Try to limit the amount of processed and restaurant foods. Limit your intake of preserved foods, fast foods, and sugary and sweet beverages. Include more fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and dried beans in your diet.
Rule - 3: Check And Control Your Blood Pressure
Purchase a blood pressure machine and ensure that you always maintain your blood pressure below 140/90mmHg. If your blood pressure is constantly high, discuss your blood pressure target with your physician and take your medicines as prescribed. Eat foods low in salt content and eat more fruits and vegetables.
Rule - 4: Check And Control Your Blood Sugar
If you have diabetes, you will have to check your blood sugar levels anyway to know if it is under control and whether your treatment is working. But did you know that regularly checking your blood sugar levels can help maintain your kidney health? Nearly half of the people with diabetes are at a high risk of developing kidney disease. Diabetes is one of the triggering factors that contribute to end-stage kidney disease. Hence, ensuring your blood sugar levels are in the normal range maintains your kidney health. Test your HbA1c levels every three months.
Rule - 5: Take Appropriate Fluid Intake
Taking too much or too little fluid in your diet can spoil your kidney health. Inadequate fluid intake increases your risk of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. Your water intake should be 6-8 glasses per day to have enough fluid in your body to clear the waste. However, suppose you are diagnosed with a heart problem. In that case, your healthcare provider will suggest whether you need to limit your fluid intake.
Rule - 6: Smoking Is A No-No
Say a big no to smoking if you want to maintain good kidney health. The smoke you inhale decreases the blood flow to the Kidneys and impairs their functioning. People who smoke regularly have a greater chance of developing kidney cancer. Hence you need to stop smoking to maintain your kidney health. Seek professional help from your healthcare practitioner if necessary.
Rule - 7: Don't Take Over-The-Counter Supplements/Painkillers
Over-the-counter medicines being available without a prescription does not mean they are all safe. You must have known the anti-inflammatories, painkillers, and supplements that are available without the need for you to wait in the doctor’s clinic for a prescription. But you must be mindful of how many times you require these pills. These over-the-counter medicines are meant for emergency use only. If that emergency seems to occur frequently, it is a sign that something more is going on in your body that requires your attention. Discuss with your doctor before taking any vitamin or herbal supplements and painkillers.
Rule - 8: Get Your Kidneys Checked Regularly
This is crucial, especially if you belong to a high-risk group such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, etc. If your physician tells you that you belong to the high-risk category, make it a priority to test your kidney functions at least once a year.
The Bottom Line
Taking care of your kidneys early on can guarantee so many health benefits. Ensure that you discuss enough with your healthcare provider regarding your diet plans. If your physician has prescribed any medications, take them regularly. When you aim to protect your kidneys, you eventually safeguard your heart, liver, and other major organs.
