The campaign about kidney urges everyone around the globe, from all cultures and ages, to keep fit and active.
This campaign is a symbol to encourage people to maintain a minimum level of physical activity in any way they can, with their own means and frequency, regardless of their physical condition.
Small steps can make a difference to keep healthy kidneys.
High blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney failure put one in three persons at an increased risk of developing kidney disease.
But even if you don’t fit in any of those risk categories, it’s important to take care of these critically important organs.
You can do a number of things to keep your kidneys functioning properly and keep them as healthy as possible at every stage of life.
Hydrate
But don’t overdo it. Contrary to popular belief, no studies have proven over-hydration as an effective practice in enhancing kidney function.
So, while it’s always a good idea to drink enough water, drinking more than the typical four to six glasses a day probably won’t help your kidneys do their job any better.
Eat healthy foods
Your kidneys can tolerate a wide range of dietary habits, but most kidney problems arise out of other medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.
Because of this, follow healthy, moderate eating habits to control weight and blood pressure.
Preventing diabetes and high blood pressure will help keep kidneys in good condition.
Exercise regularly
If you’re healthy, getting your exercise is a good idea because, like healthy eating habits, regular physical activity can stave off weight gain and high blood pressure. But be mindful of how much exercise you do, especially if you’re not conditioned. Overexerting yourself when you’re not fit and healthy can put a strain on your kidneys, especially if you exercise so much that you cause excessive breakdown of muscle tissue.
Supplements and herbal remedies
Excessive amounts of certain vitamin supplements and some herbal extracts may be harmful to your kidneys.
Talk to your doctor about any vitamins and herbs you plan to take.
Quit smoking
Smoking can damage blood vessels, which decreases the flow of blood in the kidneys. When the kidneys don’t have adequate blood flow, they can’t function at optimal levels.
Smoking also increases the risk of high blood pressure as well as the risk of kidney cancer.
Over-the-counter medications
Common non-prescription pills like ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAID’s) can cause kidney damage if taken too regularly over a prolonged period.
If you have healthy kidneys and use these medicines for occasional pain, they probably don’t pose a risk.
But experts insist if you take them for chronic pain or arthritis, you should talk to your doctor about monitoring your kidney function or finding alternative ways to control your pain.
Regular kidney function screening
If you have either diabetes or high blood pressure, your physician should screen for kidney dysfunction as part of routine care for those conditions.
Kidney health takeaway
Often, your kidneys simply become affected by other medical conditions.
The most important thing you can do to keep your kidneys safe is to take care of your body to reduce your chances of developing diseases that put a strain on your kidneys.
Eat healthily, exercise regularly and control your weight. These healthy practices are not new and definitely not specific to kidney health.
Healthy kidneys like a healthy body.
Tips to help keep kidneys healthy
Keep your blood pressure at the target set by your health care provider.
If you have diabetes, control your blood glucose level.
Keep your cholesterol levels in the target range.
Take medicines the way your provider tells you to.
Cut back on salt.
