7 Habits To Adopt To Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Kidneys are extremely important organ of human body that carry detoxification process to eliminate toxins, excess water and waste products from the body. These bean-shaped organs need to be in their best health to help the body process everything normally. Kidney problems are rising these days due to various reasons. Lifestyle factors play a vital role in maintaining health and wellness. Therefore, we must ensure practices for healthy kidneys. In this article, Dr. Atul Ingale, Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician, Director, Department of Nephrology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi shares kidney health tips to ensure your kidneys are in good shape.

7 Healthy Habits for Kidney Health

Here are some good habits for healthy kidneys that you must adopt to keep kidney problems at bay.

Be active and fit

One of the staple habit that can keep you healthy and fit all your life is physical activeness. As long as your body is fit and in its best shape, you are healthy. Regular exercising is very important to reduce the risk of kidney diseases. This would boost blood circulation that keeps heart and other organs healthy. Do some sort of physical activity daily to promote overall wellness.

Also Read: Do You Know Why A Kidney Fails?

Regulate blood sugar

Not just diabetes patients but everyone should keep a check on their blood sugar levels. High blood sugar can cause damage to your kidneys because when blood sugar is irregular or blood cells are unable to use glucose present in the blood, this increases load on your kidneys. Therefore, diabetics are at a greater risk of chronic kidney diseases.

Monitor Blood Pressure

High blood sugar and high blood pressure both are equally catastrophic for your kidney health. One of the healthy habits for kidney is to monitor your blood pressure regularly. High BP increases risk of cholesterol, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and kidney diseases. If your blood pressure rises frequently, you must consult a doctor for the same to prevent getting kidney disease(s).

Healthy diet and weight management

Healthy diet is not only necessary to keep your weight in check but also your kidneys. Being overweight or obese increases risk of kidney problems and so, managing weight is very important. Having a healthy weight and right BMI is the key to good health. Avoid consuming oily, salty and junk foods if you wish to keep your kidneys health. Have seasonal produces and try to have only home-cooked food. Just don’t do any crash diet for weight loss as it can further increase risk of health issues in the long run.

Also Read: 7 Golden Rules For Healthy Kidneys

Drink a lot of fluids

Water is the best detoxifying drink that cleanses whole body. If you consume healthy fluids like water and fresh fruit juices, you can easily release toxic elements from the body. Drinking water not only keeps the body hydrated but it also manages kidney functions and weight management. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water everyday to keep your kidneys healthy. Besides, water intake also lowers down the risk of kidney stones.

Avoid smoking and drinking

If you smoke or drink alcohol, stop these habits to ensure your kidneys are healthy. Nicotine decreases blood flow and damages the blood vessels over time that hampers blood supply to the body including kidneys. Alcohol is equally catastrophic as it dehydrates the body and hampers kidney functions.

Avoid taking unnecessary OTC medicines

If you like to pop a pill for every minor to major issue, it can threaten your kidneys. If you frequently take over-the-counter medicines, your health is at risk because these drugs cause long-term impact.

Conclusion

Apart from the aforesaid habits, you must also get kidney function test yearly or once in two years. This will help keep a track of your kidney functions and whether there is some underlying issue that requires medical assistance. Do not ignore kidney issues as these can develop chronic illnesses like kidney failure over time.

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