World Kidney Day: How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy for Life

Medically Reviewed by:Dr. Kanika
World Kidney Day: How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy for Life

Due to the fact that kidney disease is a "silent killer"—it advances without obvious signs until serious harm has been done. Usually, kidney health is often neglected till the symptoms of kidney damage appear. 

Prompt testing, such urine analysis and kidney function tests, can help identify problems early and avoid consequences like renal failure. To preserve these essential organs for life, let's embrace good lifestyle choices, promote routine health examinations, and increase awareness of the significance of kidney care on World Kidney Day.

Why is Kidney Health Important?

Kidney issues may be managed by maintaining an active lifestyle and eating a healthy diet. Kidneys serve a variety of purposes in our body. Above all, they purge your blood of waste, extra water, and other contaminants. Your bladder stores these waste materials, which are then released through urine.

Your kidneys also control the amounts of potassium, salt, and pH in your body. Also, they release hormones that govern red blood cell formation and blood pressure. Also, a kind of vitamin D that aids in calcium absorption for bone formation and muscle regulation is activated by your kidneys. Your entire health and well-being depend on maintaining kidney function. Maintaining the health of your kidneys will assist your body create hormones that support healthy bodily functions as well as filter and eliminate waste.

Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy for Life

By preventing or controlling diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure that harm the kidneys, you may safeguard your kidneys. The actions listed below may assist in maintaining the kidney health as well as the health of the rest of your body.

1. Stay Active & Fit

Exercise on a regular basis benefits more than simply your waist. It may reduce the chance of developing chronic renal disease. Additionally, it can lower blood pressure and improve heart health, all of which are critical in preventing damage to the kidneys. To benefit from exercise, you don't need to run marathons. You may improve your health by walking, jogging, cycling, and even dancing. Have fun and find something to occupy your time. It will be simpler to follow and produce excellent outcomes.

2. Keep Your Blood Sugar Levels in Control

Kidney damage can occur in people who have diabetes or another illness that raises blood sugar levels. Your kidneys have to work harder to filter your blood when the cells in your body are unable to utilize the glucose (sugar) in it. This can cause potentially fatal harm after years of effort. However, you lower the chance of harm if you can control your blood sugar levels. A doctor can also take action to lessen or stop further harm if it comes to light early.

3. Manage Your Blood Pressure in Normal Limits

Damage to the kidneys can result from high blood pressure. The effects on your body can be profound if high blood pressure coexists with other conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or high cholesterol. A blood pressure measurement of 120/80 is considered healthy. Between that threshold and 139/89 is prehypertension. At this stage, dietary and lifestyle modifications may help reduce your blood pressure. 

4. Eat Healthy & Maintain Your Body Weight in Normal Limits

Individuals who are obese or overweight are susceptible to certain illnesses that might harm the kidneys. These consist of renal illness, heart disease, and diabetes. It may be possible to lower the risk of kidney disease by eating a balanced diet reduced in processed meats, salt, and other compounds that may harm the kidneys. Make an effort to consume foods like cauliflower, blueberries, seafood, whole grains, and other fresh foods that are naturally low in salt.

5. Stay Hydrated

The well-worn recommendation to consume eight glasses of water daily is a good aim since it helps you to keep hydrated, but there is no secret behind it. Drinking water on a regular basis is good for your kidneys. Water aids in the kidneys' removal of toxins and salt. Additionally, it reduces your chance of developing chronic renal disease. At least 1.5 to 2 litres should be consumed each day.

6. Quit Smoking

Blood vessels in your body are harmed by smoking. As a result, blood flows more slowly to your kidneys and throughout your body. You run a higher risk of kidney cancer if you smoke. If you are habitual of smoking and quit after some years of smoking, then also your risk will decrease with the quitting. But it will take years to get back to the risk level of someone who has never smoked.

7. Keep Check on Taking Number of OTC Medications

Regular use of over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers may be harming your kidneys. Regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as naproxen and ibuprofen, for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis, might harm your kidneys.

8. Get Your Kidney Function Test Done If You Are at High Risk of Developing a Kidney Disorder

Regular renal function testing is a good idea if you have a high risk of developing kidney issues. Regular screening may help the following individuals:

  • Individuals over 60
  • Those with low birth weights
  • Those with cardiovascular illness or heart diseases running in the family members 
  • Those with high blood pressure or a family history of hypertension
  • Those who are obese
  • Individuals who think they could have kidney damage

A routine kidney function test is a reliable way to assess the health of your kidneys and look for any potential changes. Future damage can be slowed down or prevented by taking timely actions.

Important Parameters of Kidney Function Test

Following are the lab components that are thoroughly analysed to check for any kidney damage during the kidney function test (KFT):

Conclusion

Your general health depends on your kidneys. From producing hormones to digesting bodily waste, these organs are in charge of a variety of tasks. Because of this, maintaining your kidneys should be your first health concern.

Protect your kidney health with expert tips on prevention, diet, and lifestyle changes. Get a kidney check-up and celebrate World Kidney Day with Dr. B. Lal Lab. Book your test now!

FAQs

Q1: How often should I get my kidneys tested?
A: If you have risk factors like diabetes or high blood pressure, you should get tested at least once a year. Otherwise, regular check-ups are recommended, especially after the age of 40.

Q2: What tests help monitor kidney health?
A: A simple urine test (urinalysis), blood tests (creatinine, eGFR), and blood pressure monitoring can help assess kidney function.

Q3: Can dehydration affect kidney health?
A: Yes, chronic dehydration can strain the kidneys and contribute to kidney stones or infections. Drinking enough water daily is essential.

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