How to keep kidneys healthy

It is crucial to keep your kidneys healthy to prevent any kidney disease and other related conditions. Kidneys are one of the most important organs in the human body, responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and regulating fluid balance.

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How to keep kidneys healthy

Below are some techniques on how to keep your kidneys healthy:

Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and other fluids helps flush out toxins and waste products from the body. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, or more if you are physically active or live in a hot climate.

Eat a healthy diet: A balanced and nutritious diet is key to maintaining kidney health. Focus on unprocessed items like fruits, lean protein, and whole grains. Avoid or limit foods that are high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

Control your blood sugar and blood pressure: Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease. If you have these conditions, it is important to manage them carefully through lifestyle changes and medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Diabetes and high blood pressure are leading causes of kidney disease (cottonbro studio/ Pexels)

Exercise regularly: Regular physical activity can help lower blood pressure and improve kidney function.

Quit smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and decrease blood flow to the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney disease.

Avoid overuse of painkillers: Long-term use of certain over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen, can damage the kidneys. If you need to take painkillers on a regular basis, talk to your healthcare provider about the best options for you.

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There are many foods that are beneficial for kidney health, as well as foods that should be avoided to keep your kidneys healthy. Here are some examples:

Foods that are good for kidney health:

1. Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants, which help to protect the kidneys from damage.
2. Fish: Fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to lower blood pressure.
3. Leafy greens: Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are high in vitamins and minerals, and low in potassium, making them a great choice for people with kidney disease.

Leafy greens keeps kidneys healthy (Cats Coming/ Pexels)

Foods to avoid for kidney health:

1. Salt: Too much salt can increase blood pressure and put a strain on the kidneys.
2. Sugar: Eating too much sugar can increase the risk of diabetes, which is a leading cause of kidney disease.
3. Red meat: Red meat is high in protein and can increase the workload on the kidneys. Limit your intake of red meat and opt for lean protein sources such as fish or chicken.

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Maintaining our kidneys healthy is a matter of adopting healthy lifestyle habits and managing any underlying health conditions. By following these tips, you can help protect your kidneys and reduce your risk of kidney disease.