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Living With Kidney Disease? Doctor Explains How To Manage Kidney Health Beyond Dialysis And Transplant

Changing and improving lifestyle kidney diseases can be tackled easily. Read this article to know how you can improve life with kidney diseases.
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Living With Kidney Disease? Doctor Explains How To Manage Kidney Health Beyond Dialysis And Transplant

Living with kidney disease can be tough, and treatments like dialysis or a transplant can seem overwhelming. But there are many other ways to stay healthy and happy. Simple changes in your diet, regular exercise, and taking care of your mental health can make a big difference. In this article, we'll share easy tips and advice to help you manage your kidney disease and live a good life. 

To understand this, OnlyMyHealth interacted with Dr Prakash Chandra Shetty - Consultant Urologist, Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai. “By improving the quality of life and with disciplined lifestyle changes, it is naturally possible to tackle kidney diseases easily,” said Dr Shetty. Nevertheless, there are other methods that can be employed to manage health and well-being besides the normal treatments like dialysis and transplants.

Understanding Kidney Disease

Kidney

“Kidney diseases are caused by the dysfunctionality of general kidney functions which is also referred to as chronic kidney diseases,” Dr Shetty said. To avoid complications it is important for one to identify the symptoms early enough. Typical warning signs include tiredness, swelling in legs and feet, shortness of breath, and changes in urine pattern.

Also read: Kidney Transplant: Expert Explains This Procedure, Its Importance, Risks, And Complications

Diet and Nutrition

This is because diet has a significant effect on managing this condition. This type of alimentation should seek to cut down on sodium, phosphorus and potassium intake among others. Warning, he said, “High sodium content may raise blood pressure and worsen functioning capacity of kidneys. With accumulation of phosphorus in the bloodstream there can occur weak bones leading to heart problems too.” These levels need to be regulated so that no cardiac issues would arise.

Regular Exercise

kidney

In general terms staying active is essential for an overall healthy lifestyle including having good kidney health. Studies have shown regular physical activities can help keep blood pressure under control and manage blood sugar levels necessary for CKD sufferers through regular exercise. “Walking, swimming as well as yoga are some examples of light workouts which have great health benefits when done regularly,” Dr Shetty advised.

Medication Management

It is vital that one takes the recommended drugs as prescribed. Some of these may include medications for blood pressure control, blood sugar regulation or anemia which often affects CKD patients. Adherence to the medication program provided by doctors helps avoid any negative side effects and problems.

Also read: Lifestyle Tips That Can Reduce Your Risk Of Kidney Cancer

Regular Check-Ups

Medical checkups on a periodical basis are very important to keep a check on your kidney functionality and treatment plans if needed. Test of urine and blood is also important in track of disease progression and treatment effectiveness.

Stress Management

Kidney

Living with a chronic illness can be quite trying and this might negatively affect health conditions. Finding ways of managing stress is important. Some such techniques are meditation, deep breathing exercises, hobbies, etc. Support groups either offline or online offer both emotional support and practical advice from people who have had similar challenges coping with kidney diseases.

Hydration

Balanced but needful hydration is essential. However, Dr Shetty advised to avoid overhydration for those with kidney disease even though staying hydrated is necessary. It’s crucial to follow the advice on fluid intake provided by the healthcare giver.

Conclusion

Treatment of kidney diseases is way tougher than just having dialysis and transplants. You need to follow a disciplined plan with a good diet, stay active, take medicines on time and have regular check ups, not take any stress, and most importantly drink plenty of water. These tips will help you live a healthier life.

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