8 Golden Rules You Must Follow to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

The kidney is one of the vital organs of the body which is number two and is located on both sides of the spine at the bottom of your rib cage. The kidneys help filter blood and remove waste products, regulate body fluids, electrolytes and acid-base balance and maintain hemoglobin levels and bone health through their endocrine functions. Kidney disease occurs in two ways – Acute Kidney Injury, and Chronic Kidney Injury. Acute kidney injury that occurs over a period of days to weeks is caused by excessive vomiting or dehydration due to diarrhea, painkillers and drug-induced secondary to certain antibiotics, inflammation of the kidneys, local infections in the kidneys or systemic infections, urinary incontinence. Stones due to stones, enlarged prostate gland.,. Chronic kidney disease that occurs in weeks to months is usually secondary to inherited kidney diseases such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic inflammation of the kidneys, recurrent kidney infections, and polycystic kidney disease and Alport syndrome.Also read – 5 More Watering Side Effects

Chronic kidney disease is one of the major non-communicable diseases of public health because of its high burden and high cost of treatment in advanced stages. Percent and it affects about 850 million people worldwide. Chronic kidney disease is currently the 12th most common cause of death and with a growing number of diabetics, it is expected to become the 5th most common cause of death by 2040. Also read – Smoking affects male and female reproductive health, the doctor explains

Patients with chronic kidney disease have no symptoms in the early stages. Most patients are asymptomatic until 90 percent of their kidney function is lost. Early detection of kidney injury can prevent disease progression and thus prevent morbidity and mortality associated with advanced stages of chronic kidney disease. Conduct screening tests at regular intervals. People at risk for developing chronic kidney disease are – diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, family history of kidney disease, age> 50 years and people of African, Hispanic, Aboriginal and Asian descent. Also read – Weight Loss Tips: Are You Losing Inches But Not Lose Weight? The nutritionist explains the reason

Here are 8 golden rules to keep your kidneys safe and healthy:

1. Stay active and fit: Regular physical activity, be it walking, running, cycling or even dancing, is great for your general health. This helps lower your blood pressure and increase heart health, which is important for both maintaining kidney health and reducing the risk of chronic kidney disease.
2. Blood Sugar Control: Patients with diabetes can have kidney damage if they have uncontrolled blood sugar. The kidneys of these patients are forced to work harder to filter their blood, which can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys if continued for years. The risk of kidney damage is reduced if sugar is controlled and kept in range. If kidney damage is identified at an early stage by screening methods, your doctor may prescribe medications that can prevent or reduce the additional damage to the kidneys.
3. Blood pressure control: High blood pressure, like diabetes, can cause chronic damage to the kidneys. If your blood pressure is consistently above 140 / 90mm Hg, you have hypertension. You should consult your doctor about lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, regular exercise and relaxation techniques, and the need for medications to control blood pressure.
4. Eat healthy and keep your weight under control: People who are obese are at increased risk for a number of health conditions, including heart and kidney disease. A healthy diet low in sodium, processed foods and red meat helps reduce the risk of kidney damage. Fresh fruits and vegetables along with whole grains should be essential in your diet.
5. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you work outdoors and in the summer. Drinking water regularly keeps you hydrated and helps your kidneys remove excess sodium and waste from your body. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day, amounting to 1.5-2.0 liters.
6. Don’t smoke: Tobacco smoking damages blood vessels leading to atherosclerosis. This reduces the blood flow through the kidneys which increases the risk of kidney disease.
7. Do not take over-the-counter (OTC) tablets: Especially pain killers that belong to the class of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Mefenamic acid, Diclofenac, Aceclofenac., Should be avoided. These drugs can damage your kidneys if taken regularly.
8. Get your kidneys tested if you are at risk of developing chronic kidney disease: Periodic screening tests for people of African, Hispanic, Aboriginal and Asian descent, with a family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity, kidney disease, age> 50 years.

(Dr. Hari Prasad A, Consultant Nephrology, Kaveri Hospitals Electronic City (Bangalore).