By Shannin Prather
January 2023 | 2023 Winter Newsletter
Kidneys work hard to keep our bodies going at their best. Kidneys help balance fluid and mineral levels, activate Vitamin D for healthy bones, filter wastes from our blood, and help monitor hormones that regulate blood pressure and production of red blood cells.
When kidneys are damaged, there is risk of kidney disease. Kidney disease can lead to heart and bone issues, high blood pressure, stroke, and kidney failure. Individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of kidney failure are at higher risk for kidney disease.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in three American adults are at risk for kidney disease. Roughly 90,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant in the U.S.
Protect your kidneys by preventing and managing health conditions that can cause kidney damage. For those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease, the best way to protect their kidneys is to keep blood glucose numbers stable, take medications as prescribed, and keep blood pressure lowered.
Nutrition is a key component in maintaining kidney health. A kidney-healthy diet is rich in green vegetables, fruits, low-fat dairy, non-fried fish and poultry, beans, seeds, nuts, and whole grains. It is recommended that sodium be limited and added sugars be avoided.
Drinking plenty of water is part of good nutrition and can help clear sodium and toxins from kidneys. Aim for drinking at least two liters of water each day. Those who have previously had kidney stones should drink a bit more to help prevent future stone deposits.
Regular exercise can also play an important role in keeping kidneys healthy. Physical activity can lower risk for chronic kidney disease, reduce blood pressure, and boost heart health. Taking a daily walk or doing other low-stress activities can help prevent many health conditions, including those associated with kidney disease.
Early kidney disease may not have noticeable symptoms but there are simple medical tests that can catch developing issues. Discovering damage early can help slow or prevent future damage. If you are at risk for kidney disease, talk to your doctor about kidney health.