More than 35 million adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD), but most of them don’t even know it. And the number is growing.
Kidneys are very important organs. They clean the blood by removing waste and extra fluid, and they help control blood pressure and make certain hormones.
If CKD is not treated, waste builds up in the body, which can lead to serious health problems like heart disease and stroke. CKD can also get worse over time and turn into end-stage kidney failure. At that point, a person needs dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
Doctors say the best way to deal with kidney disease is to catch it early. “There are treatments for kidney disease, but not many cures,” says Dr. Vasil Peev, a kidney doctor at Rush. “That’s why early prevention and action are so important.”
Here are six tips to help keep your kidneys healthy:
First, know the signs and your risk. Many people with kidney disease don’t feel sick at first. In fact, about 40% of people with serious kidney damage don’t know they have it.
You are at higher risk if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, are over 60 years old, are overweight, or have a family history of CKD. It’s a good idea to visit your doctor for regular checkups and lab tests, like blood work and urine tests, to catch problems early.
Second, eat well and stay at a healthy weight. A kidney-friendly diet includes fruits, vegetables, and whole foods, while limiting salt and added sugar.
Dr. Peev says that following this kind of diet can help avoid weight gain and lower your risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and other problems that harm the kidneys. Exercise for about 30 minutes a day and drink plenty of water. Not drinking enough water can lower blood flow to the kidneys and cause damage.
Third, keep your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol under control. These are the top causes of kidney failure. Obesity can lead to all three problems. Dr. Peev explains that losing weight through healthy food and exercise can greatly lower your risk of kidney disease.
Fourth, be careful with over-the-counter pain medicines. Drugs like ibuprofen and aspirin (called NSAIDs) can be harmful to the kidneys if taken too often or in large amounts. If you already have kidney problems, it’s even riskier.
The National Kidney Foundation says not to use these drugs for more than 10 days to treat pain or more than 3 days to treat a fever. Talk to your doctor if you need pain relief for longer periods.
Fifth, limit your alcohol. Drinking too much can damage the kidneys. The National Kidney Foundation says drinking more than three drinks a day for women or four for men is considered heavy drinking and can double your risk for kidney disease. Small amounts of alcohol now and then are usually okay, but moderation is key.
Sixth, quit smoking. Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and makes high blood pressure harder to treat. It also raises your risk for kidney disease.
People who quit smoking have been shown to lose kidney function more slowly than those who continue smoking. Quitting isn’t easy, but a smoking cessation program can help. Your doctor can guide you and provide support.
In summary, protecting your kidneys doesn’t have to be complicated. Eat healthy, exercise, stay hydrated, manage your health conditions, avoid harmful habits, and get regular checkups. These steps can help you keep your kidneys working well for years to come.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about High blood pressure drugs may affect kidney health and findings of Effective home remedies for kidney infections.
For more health information, please read studies about important cause of kidney disease and Cruciferous vegetables may reverse kidney damage in diabetics.
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