Kidney disorders have become very common in recent times.
From hereditary causes to lifestyle causes, people are becoming more afflicted with kidney disorders. This article would discuss some causes, symptoms and ways to prevent kidney diseases.
First, let’s re-familiarize ourselves with what the kidneys do. Your kidneys are fist-sized organs located at the bottom of your rib cage, on both sides of your spine.
They perform several functions. Most importantly, they filter waste products, excess water, and other impurities from your blood.
Kidneys are also responsible for activating a form of vitamin D that helps your body absorb calcium for building bones and regulating muscle function.
Some causes of kidney disorders include smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, diabetes, lack of exercise among others.
Early symptoms of kidney disorder include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, chest pain, itching, unexpected weight loss.
Maintaining kidney health is important to your overall health and general well-being. Here are some tips to help keep your kidneys healthy.
- Regular exercise. This is good for more than just your waistline. It can lower the risk of kidney disease. It can also boost your heart health, which is important to preventing kidney damage.
2. Control your blood sugar. People with diabetes may develop kidney damage. However,if you can control your blood sugar, you reduce the risk of damage. Also, if the damage is caught early, your doctor can take steps to reduce or prevent additional damage.
3. Drink plenty of fluids. There’s no magic behind the cliché advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, however, regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys.
4.Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity can increase your risk for conditions associated with kidney failure, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
5.Eat a heart-healthy diet
A heart-healthy diet — one low in sugar and cholesterol and high in fiber, whole grains, and fruits and vegetables — helps prevent weight gain.
6. Reduce salt intake
Eating too much salt is associated with high blood pressure.
7. Drink enough water
Dehydration reduces blood flow to your kidneys, which can damage them. Ask your doctor how much water you should drink per day.
8. Limit alcohol
Alcohol increases your blood pressure. The extra calories in it can make you gain weight, too.
9.Don’t smoke
Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys. It damages kidney function in people with or without kidney disease.
10. Limit over-the-counter pain medication
In high doses, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, reduce the amount of blood flow to your kidneys, which can harm them.
11. Reduce stress
Reducing stress and anxiety can lower your blood pressure, which is good for your kidneys.
Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters in a day. People who have previously had kidney stones should drink a bit more water to help prevent stone deposits in the future.
Also, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
