KEEP YOUR KIDNEYS HEALTHY

Keeping your kidneys healthy is something everyone should handle with utmost seriousness. The kidneys are rightly small, I know, but once they breakdown, the whole body is going down too, it's only a matter of time.

It has been mentioned earlier in the previous post HAVE YOUR KIDNEYS BEEN HIDING FROM YOU?, that your kidneys are delicate organs. Why? Your kidneys make up just about 0.5% of your total body weight, which is way too small compared to the load of work they have on them.

Now imagine people with one damaged kidney, that is, they live on the other functioning one. It means the whole work meant to be shared by the two is done by one. This is way too much for one kidney to bear. What you see in no time is the breakdown of that one too, then you hear of total kidney failure. Hence, the need to take issues as regards your kidneys VERY serious.

              HOW DO YOU PROTECT YOUR KIDNEYS?

There's not just one thing you can do to protect your kidneys and keep them healthy; you have many things to do, of which is what we'll be discussing in the next few lines.

WATCH WHAT YOU EAT

It is not what comes out of the body that kills the body, but what goes into it. What you eat or drink has great effect on your general well-being and your kidneys, because everything still gets to them.

REDUCE YOUR SALT INTAKE

Choose and prepare foods with less salt and sodium. Too much sodium/salt intake increases blood pressure. High blood pressure causes chronic kidney disease.

To help control your blood pressure. Your diet should contain less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day.

Sodium (a part of salt) is added to many packaged foods as well. Check the Nutrition Facts label on food packages for sodium.

REDUCE YOUR POTASSIUM AND CALCIUM INTAKE

Choose foods that have the right amount of potassium. Salty food substitutes can be very high in potassium.

Calcium and Potassium supplements have been linked to an increased risk of kidney stones.

WATCH YOUR SUGAR INTAKE

This is especially for people with kidney diseases e.g diabetes. The sugar level in the blood needs to be controlled. High blood-sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys as well as the rest of the body.

YOU NEED TO WATCH THE PROTEINS TOO

Eating the right amount and the right types of protein helps your kidneys much. Excess protein intake overwork the kidneys. To help protect your kidneys, eat small portions of protein foods. You can substitute your beans and meat for fish, and other lighter ones.

CHOOSE HEART HEALTHY FOODS

Choose foods that are healthy for your heart. Foods like fish, vegetables, fruits, low-fat milk, yogurt, etc help prevent fat from building up in your blood vessels, heart, and kidneys.

CERTAIN FOODS INTAKE NEED TO BE LIMITED

Different chemicals in your diet can contribute to certain types of kidney stones. These include: excessive sodium animal protein citric acid, found in citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons, and grapefruits oxalate, a chemical found in rhubarb, beets, okra, spinach, sweet potatoes, tea, and chocolate.

Normally, you shouldn’t avoid these foods completely, as many of them are rich in beneficial vitamins and nutrients.

If you’ve had kidney stones, your doctor can analyse your particular type of stone and offer advice about adjusting your diet.

ENRICH YOURSELF WITH FRUITS

Eat more fruits and vegetables. Fruits and vegetables are packed with load of nutrients, some fruits and vegetables have anti-oxidants which helps to protect your entire body system by fighting free radicals. Fruits like apples, peaches, carrots, etc are very handy.

TAKE PLENTY OF WATER

Remember, the kidney's main function is to remove waste products from the blood through urine. This function is well aided with the presence of water in the body, making the work easier.

Dehydration (not taking enough water) can cause kidney damage. In addition, drinking water leads to frequent urination, which can help expel kidney stones before they grow large enough to cause severe pain as they pass through.

Swap sugar loaded drinks for water as it is so much better for your health - be sugar free!

NOTE: Some bottled water contains salt which can lead to fluid retention, swelling and even increased blood pressure in susceptible people. Check the label and choose low sodium varieties ( less than 30mg sodium per 100ml).

GET PLENTY OF EXERCISE

Get plenty of regular physical activity. This helps your heart to pump blood better, and also makes blood flow to the kidneys and other organs more efficiently. Exercising also helps you burn excess and unnecessary body fats.

WATCH THE KIND OF MEDICATIONS YOU TAKE

If you take any medications, do so as the label and your doctor prescribe. Some drugs are dangerous to your health, and are seen as toxins. Drugs like aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen can cause kidney damage. If normal doses of these medications are not effective at controlling pain, see a doctor.

IF YOU SMOKE OR DRINK, THEN IT'S TIME TO QUIT

Tobacco/cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking make your kidneys work harder, and can even damage them. Stay away from them so your kidneys will be kept healthy, and you too can live longer.

MAINTAIN REGULAR MEDICAL CHECK-UP

Even after keeping to all that has been earlier mentioned, regular visit to the hospital MUST not be pushed aside.

There are always exceptional cases, only a regular medical check-up routine can help you detect that.

#STAYHEALTHY, #STAYSAFE #PROTECTYOURKIDNEYS!!!

REFERENCE:

HEALTHLINE

NKDEP