8 Secrets to keep your Kidney Healthy

Table of Content

• Why are healthy kidneys significant for your good health?

• 8 Secrets to keep your kidneys healthy

• Take home points

• FAQ on 8 Secrets to keep your Kidney Healthy

Introduction

Humans are complex organisms that have several organs working in an integrated manner for maintaining good health. If the heart functions as a blood pump and lungs function as a blood purifier, your kidneys act as a filter for blood. Healthy kidneys are very essential for the proper performance of all other vital organs. So, how to keep kidneys healthy?  Dive in here to know the ways to keep your kidneys healthy.  

Why are healthy kidneys significant for your good health?

According to WHO, we lose almost 33.5 million lives each year due to chronic kidney diseases.  We have a staggering number of people in statistics which makes kidney diseases a major cause of death both in developed and developing countries. So, why is it important to have healthy kidneys and what role do they play? Well, kidneys may not receive the limelight as ‘heart health’ receives, but they are the important players in the system for maintaining your overall well-being. They help in balancing out the chemicals and hormones that are vital parts of the metabolism. Healthy kidneys are necessary for avoiding the building up of toxins in your bloodstream. Other than this, they help in the formation of red blood cells and the building of stronger bones. Kidneys also produce enzymes that are necessary to keep your blood pressure levels at bay. Keeping your kidneys healthy is important for the holistic functioning of the organ systems. 

8 Secrets to keep your kidneys healthy

Some of the ways which can help you in keeping kidneys healthy are listed below,

1. Consuming balanced diet 

Most kidney disorders arise from underlying diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases. So, having fresh forms of foods rather than stuffing our diets with processed foods can keep kidneys healthy. Have portion control over your diet that can prevent obesity and other related illnesses. Healthy kidneys need a good diet to sustain their roles and functions for a long time. 

2. Staying hydrated

Since kidneys are the filter systems to your body, it needs water to perform well. Water helps in the removal of toxins from the blood in the form of urine. Having said that, overhydration can give counterproductive results to the benefits of water. So, just target four to six glasses a day for keeping kidneys healthy. 

3. Maintaining optimal blood pressure 

In cases of high blood pressure, kidneys overwork themselves to compensate for elevated blood pressure levels. This damages the functioning of kidneys beyond any doubt in the long run. So, keep your blood pressure at optimal levels for keeping your kidneys healthy. Include foods like beans, berries, lentils, citrus fruits and carrots for maintaining your blood pressure. 

4. Having regular exercise regimes

Regular exercises can improve your health by bringing down stress and anxiety. Since regular exercises have an anti-inflammatory effect on the body, they can help in keeping your kidneys healthy by reducing blood pressure. Aim for workouts like swimming or cycling that can help in exerting major muscles. These exercises can contribute to maintaining healthy kidneys. 

5. Staying away from alcohol

Alcohol not only damages your central nervous system but also affects kidney functions. Alcohol affects the ability of kidneys to filter the minerals, electrolytes and toxins. It interferes with the basic functions of the kidneys by negatively impacting every vital metabolism. So, keeping kidneys healthy requires abstinence from alcohol-related beverages. 

6. Quitting cigarette

Smoking can damage your blood vessels by causing inflammation and blockages. This can cause high blood pressure by clogging the arteries and other major blood vessels. This puts a major strain on kidney health and causes the disorder of functions. So, staying away from nicotine is essential for maintaining healthy kidneys. 

7. Avoiding OTC supplements

Any medications taken without a prescription does more harm than good. OTC supplements like Ibuprofen and Naproxen (NSAIDS) can disrupt your kidney functions if taken for a prolonged period. Taking these medicines occasionally for managing chronic pain does not harm but having them regularly is always a bad idea. Consulting your Kidney Doctor or Nephrologist regarding chronic pain is a better choice rather than taking any OTC pain killers. 

8. Doing regular screenings

If you are having health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases that can trigger kidney diseases, it is wise to get your kidneys checked regularly. So, restoring your healthy kidneys with early detection can only save you from possible kidney failures. 

Take home points

• Healthy kidneys are essential for the holistic functioning of all vital organs. Having lifestyle diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and high blood pressure increases the risks of kidney diseases. 

• We have to have healthy kidneys for proper removal of blood toxins, balancing minerals, optimising blood pressure and maintaining bone health.

• The secrets to healthy kidneys are exercise, a balanced diet, good hydration, sobriety, and regular kidney checkups.   

References

National Kidney Foundation 

Centres for Disease Control and Prevention