10 Strategies for a Healthy Kidney

NSUR
February 17, 2023
5:32 pm

According to the National Kidney Foundation, over 37 million individuals in the United States have chronic kidney disease, with only 10% of these people being aware of their condition. The organization predicts that the number of patients with Critical Kidney Disease will continue to rise in the future.

Maintaining kidney function is a crucial part in staying healthy long-term. Maintaining the health of your kidneys enables your body to filter and expel waste as well as create hormones that assist your body function properly. So here are some tips that can help maintain an optimal kidney health:

Stay Hydrated

Water carries nutrients to your kidneys and toxins to your bladder in the form of urine. A healthy individual should consume 8 cups or 2 liters (approx.) of water every day. Consult your doctor about the proper fluid consumption for your medical history, age, and activity levels if you have severe climatic or bodily disorders (such as heart or liver illness, pregnancy, etc.).

Balanced Diet

Choose heart-healthy foods such as fresh fruits, fresh or frozen veggies, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Consume nutritious foods and limit your intake of salt and added sweets. Each day, limit your salt intake to fewer than 2,300 mg. Try to keep added sugars to less than 10% of your daily calories.

Exercise Regularly

Exercise is beneficial to more than your waistline. It has the potential to reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease. It can also lower your blood pressure and improve your heart health, both of which are helpful in preventing kidney damage.

Quit Smoking

It is hard to stress how important quitting smoking is for promoting healthier kidneys. Smoking reduces blood flow to all organs and may reduce the effectiveness of blood pressure drugs. It may be difficult to break the habit, but it is the best option for everyone.

Don’t Overuse OTC Medications

The National Kidney Foundation advises limiting the use of these over-the-counter medications to no more than 10 days for pain relief and no more than three days for fever reduction. Consult a doctor if your discomfort or fever persists.

Keep Your Blood Pressure In Check

High blood pressure can harm your kidneys, and it is extremely dangerous when combined with other risk factors such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease. If you have high blood pressure, especially if you are young, you should talk to your doctor about the dangers. To reduce the long-term impact on your kidneys, you’ll need to make lifestyle changes and take medication.

Manage Your Glucose Levels

Diseases like diabetes, in which the body produces excess amounts of glucose, can be harmful for the kidney. When your body’s cells are unable to utilize the glucose (sugar) in your blood, your kidneys must work extra hard to filter it. This can result in life-threatening damage after years of effort. However, managing your blood sugar lowers your chance of injury. Furthermore, if the damage is detected early, a doctor can take actions to reduce or avoid further harm.

Cut Back On Alcoholic Beverages

Except for exceptional occasions, it is recommended to avoid alcohol. People who wish to drink more frequently should limit their intake to one drink per day for ladies and one to two drinks per day for males.

Regular Doctor Visits

If you are at risk for kidney disease, then have them evaluated on a regular basis by a health professional using basic blood and urine tests. Early therapy is the most effective and can help avoid future health issues.

Proper Sleep

Each night, aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep. Take measures to enhance your sleeping patterns if you have difficulty sleeping.

Take advantage of NSURx when making healthy lifestyle changes!

With the NSURx Prescription Benefit Card, you can save money on your kidney medications at more than 35,000 pharmacies across the United States.

You can save up to 80% on your kidney medication by using an NSURx card. Hundreds of dollars in savings could be yours every time you fill out your prescription.

The more you shop with NSURx, the more NSUR Coins you will receive as a reward.

Reference: