Your kidneys are vital organs that play an important role in maintaining your health. They make urine by filtering wastes and extra fluid out of the blood while preserving valuable substances like protein and glucose (sugar). The two bean-shaped organs are located near the middle of your back on either side of the spine. Regularly seeing a kidney specialist like Tsegaw E Egziti M.D will help you keep your kidneys healthy. However, there is much you can do to take care of your kidneys, including:
Maintain a Healthy Weight
You should watch your weight to take care of your kidneys. The more overweight you are, the more likely you are to have kidney problems. So you need to reduce your weight or maintain it according to a healthy range. A recent study showed that obese individuals who lose 15 percent of their body weight would improve the function of their kidneys. It will also lower blood pressure and reduce heart disease and diabetes risks.
Eat a Healthy Diet
A balanced diet with plenty of fiber, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains is one of the best ways to take care of your kidneys. You should limit your consumption of red meat and avoid high-sodium foods such as processed and canned products. With a balanced diet, you can provide the nutrients that your body needs while avoiding foods that may stress or harm your kidneys.
Learn to Manage Your Health Conditions
There are various conditions related to kidney function, and some of them can be treated if diagnosed early enough. That’s why you need to learn how to manage your health conditions and find the resources you need. Studies show that those who learn about their health conditions and actively manage them tend to live longer, healthier lives than those who just go with the flow and don’t try to improve their quality of life.
Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is an integral part of taking care of your kidneys. Walking at least 30 minutes a day for five days or more per week can help improve blood flow to the kidneys. If you are physically able, consider engaging in activities that will help strengthen your leg muscles, such as jumping rope, dancing, or even climbing stairs. These kinds of activities will help the blood flow to the kidneys.
Do Not Use Tobacco Products
If you are a smoker, quitting is among the best ways to take care of your kidneys. It is good for your health in general and improves renal blood flow, which means less stress on your kidneys. If you can’t quit smoking all at once, you can gradually lower the number of cigarettes that you smoke until you can finally stop.
Avoid Too Much Sodium in Your Diet
Even if your kidneys are healthy, too much sodium will take a toll on your ability to function over time. Studies show that reducing salt intake will allow the kidneys to remove waste products more effectively. The American Heart Association recommends that you avoid more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day.
Taking care of your kidneys may not be easy, but it is one of the best things you can do to improve and maintain good health. The more effort you put into taking care of your kidneys, the better chances you have of avoiding kidney diseases and other complications later in life.
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