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3.9 Minute

12-08-2024 Team Medicover urology

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr G Gokul Nachiketh, Urologist

Kidney Health Guide: Preservation and Wellness Tips

Kidney health is crucial for overall well-being. Our kidneys perform essential functions such as filtering waste, balancing fluids, and regulating blood pressure.

This guide will provide you with effective kidney care strategies to ensure your kidneys remain healthy and functional.

11 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Taking care of your kidneys involves adopting healthy lifestyle choices and preventive measures. Maintaining kidney health requires ongoing attention and care. Here are some kidney care strategies or effective ways to keep your kidneys healthy:

Reduce Intake of Certain Medications

There are a few medications that may cause kidney complications if taken in too large a dose. One should use them only if the doctor prescribes them. A few medicines of this kind are:

NSAID drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen.
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)

Be Careful with Antibiotics

Frequent use of these bacteria-fighting drugs can harm your kidneys, even if you are perfectly healthy. The risk is higher if you already have kidney issues. Some types of antibiotics are more likely to cause problems, including:

Penicillin
Sulfonamides
Cephalosporins

Avoid Herbal Supplements

Most of the supplement makers are not required to prove their products are safe. A few supplements are harmful to your kidneys, particularly if you have kidney disease.

They can worsen your condition and interfere with your medications. Take your doctor's suggestion before trying any herbal supplements.

Eat Healthy

Kidneys filter everything we eat and drink, including unhealthy substances like excess fat, salt, and sugar.
Over time, a poor diet can cause high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, and other conditions that strain your kidneys.
A healthy diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while minimising processed foods helps the kidneys function well.

Keep an Eye on Salt Intake

Salt has various effects on people:

Increased Protein in Urine: For some individuals, it raises the protein levels in their urine, potentially harming the kidneys or worsening existing kidney disease.
High Blood Pressure Risk: Consuming a lot of salt increases the chances of getting high blood pressure, a common cause of kidney disease.
Kidney Stones: High salt intake also raises the risk of kidney stones, which can be very painful and may cause damage if left untreated.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Water is essential for transporting vital nutrients to your kidneys and moving waste to your bladder as urine.
Insufficient water intake can block the tiny filters in the kidneys, leading to stones and infections.
Frequent mild dehydration can damage your kidneys over time.
Generally, drinking four to six cups of water is adequate, but you may need more if you're ill or exposed to heat.

Stay Active and Fit

Regular exercise helps prevent conditions such as diabetes and heart disease, which can cause kidney damage. However, avoid transitioning from inactivity to intense workouts too quickly, as excessive exercise can harm your kidneys if you're unprepared.

Here are some guidelines:

Do 30 to 60 minutes of exercise at least five days a week.
Start slowly, especially if you last exercised a while ago.
Consult your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine if you have any health issues.

Get Screened

Understanding your risk for kidney disease is crucial.
Increased risk factors include a personal or family history of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, or kidney failure.
Your doctor may recommend kidney function tests during routine checkups if you fall into these risk categories.
Early detection facilitates easier treatment and potential prevention of further complications.

Be Cautious With Alcohol

Moderate consumption (one or two drinks) is generally acceptable for healthy individuals.
However, drinking more than four drinks in less than 2 hours can cause sudden and severe kidney damage.
Alcohol can dehydrate the body, impairing kidney function and leading to various health issues such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and liver disease.

Quit Smoking

Smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer and damages blood vessels, affecting kidney function by reducing blood flow.
Smoking can also interfere with medications used to treat high blood pressure, a significant risk factor for kidney disease.

Manage Health Conditions

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common conditions affecting kidney health.
Regular exercise and a balanced diet are essential for managing both conditions.
For diabetes, monitoring blood sugar levels closely and taking insulin as prescribed is crucial.
For high blood pressure, regular monitoring and strict adherence to prescribed medications are necessary for effective management.

How to Check Your Kidneys

For high blood pressure, regular monitoring and strict adherence to prescribed medications are necessary for effective management.

Blood Test (Serum Creatinine & GFR): Measures kidney function.
Urine Test (Urinalysis): Checks for protein, blood, or infection.
Blood Pressure Monitoring: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys.
Ultrasound or Imaging: To detect kidney size, stones, or blockages.
Ask your doctor about these tests during your annual health screening if you're at risk.

How to Improve Kidney Function Naturally

Looking for natural ways to enhance your kidney function? Try these methods:

Stay well-hydrated (8–10 glasses of water daily)
Eat a balanced, kidney-friendly diet
Avoid overuse of painkillers and antibiotics
Reduce salt, sugar, and processed foods
Practice yoga and light exercises
Limit alcohol and quit smoking
Get enough sleep and reduce stress

These kidney health tips support your goal to improve kidney function naturally

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Lifestyle Tips for Kidney Health

Implementing simple lifestyle changes can significantly impact your kidney health. Also, developing positive daily habits is essential.

Here are some practical tips for healthy kidneys:

Maintain Body Weight & Do Regular Exercise: Being overweight increases the risk of kidney disease. Aim for regular physical activity and a balanced diet to maintain a healthy weight.
Stay Hydrated: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day to help your kidneys function properly.
Avoid Overuse of Painkillers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can harm the kidneys if used excessively.
Healthy Eating: Foods like berries, fish, leafy greens, and whole grains support kidney health.
Limit Processed Foods: Generally, these contain high levels of sodium and unhealthy fats.
Avoid Excessive Salt: Use herbs and spices to flavour food instead of salt.
Stay Informed: Educate yourself about kidney health and stay proactive about your wellness.
Monitor Health Indicators: Keep an eye on your blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels.

How to Preserve Kidney Function and Protect Them?

Preserving kidney function is crucial for long-term health. Here are strategies for preserving and protecting kidney function.

Control Blood Pressure and Diabetes
Healthy Diet
Avoid Harmful Medications
Regular Monitoring of Health
Avoid Dehydration
Healthy Lifestyle
Manage Stress

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Conclusion

Taking care of your kidneys is essential for overall health.

By following these strategies, tips, and habits for kidney care, you can support optimal kidney function.
Focus on preservation and protection methods to maintain kidney health.
Regular check-ups and a proactive approach can prevent kidney-related issues. Include kidney-friendly foods and consider yoga for kidney health.
If you're at high risk or already have signs of kidney issues, consult a kidney specialist (nephrologist) for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

To keep kidneys healthy, maintain a balanced diet low in salt and fat, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, and have regular check-ups to monitor kidney function.

Control blood pressure and blood sugar levels, follow a healthy diet, stay active, avoid overuse of painkillers and NSAIDs, and have regular screenings if you're at high risk.

To protect kidney health, foods high in sodium, such as processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks, should be limited. Additionally, reducing the intake of red meat, high-phosphorus foods, and foods with added sugars can benefit kidney function.

It's recommended to get your kidney function tested annually. This test is essential if you have risk factors such as high blood sugar, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney disease.

Drink plenty of water, reduce sodium intake, eat kidney-friendly foods (like berries, apples, and cabbage), exercise regularly, and avoid excessive use of over-the-counter medications.

Yes, staying hydrated is essential for kidney function. Kidneys flush out toxins and waste products, supporting their optimal function along with water.

Regular blood tests (like serum creatinine and eGFR) and urine tests, as well as monitoring for symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination, and regular check-ups with a healthcare provider.

Regular exercise promotes overall health. It helps with kidney health by controlling blood pressure and reducing the cause of diabetes and heart disease.

High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function properly over time.

Treatment depends on the condition. Options include medication, lifestyle changes, managing underlying conditions (like diabetes and hypertension), dialysis, and, in severe cases, kidney transplantation. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.