World Kidney Day 2022: 8 Healthy Habits to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

World Kidney Day 2022: Your kidneys are fist-shaped bean-shaped paired organs located on either side of your spinal cord, at the bottom of your rib cage. They perform many important functions. Most importantly, they filter out waste products, excess water and other impurities from your blood. This waste is stored in your bladder and is later excreted in the urine.Also read – 5 Amazing Habits That Damage Your Skin

In addition, your kidneys control your body’s pH, salt, and potassium levels. They also produce the hormone renin, which regulates blood pressure and erythropoietin to produce red blood cells. Your kidneys are also responsible for activating a form of vitamin D that helps your body absorb calcium to build bones and regulate muscle function. After all, your body is a chemical factory that needs a certain pH for a chemical reaction, which is maintained by the kidneys. It is important to protect the health of the paid or such major organs, as follows: Also read – No diet is suitable for everyone: why you need to optimize nutrition according to your age, says expert

• Keep yourself active and fit: Regular exercise is good for more than your waistline, it helps reduce your risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It can also lower your blood pressure and boost your heart health, which is essential for preventing kidney damage. You don’t have to run a marathon to get the rewards of exercise. Walking, running, cycling and dancing are also excellent for your health. Find an activity that keeps you busy and helps you enjoy. It will be easier to stick to and get better results.
• Control Your Blood Sugar: People with diabetes, or conditions that cause high blood sugar, can damage the kidneys. When your body’s cells cannot use the glucose (sugar) in your blood, your kidneys are forced to work harder to filter your blood. With years of hard work, this can lead to fatal damage.
• Monitor your blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the kidneys. If high blood pressure is accompanied by other health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or high cholesterol, the effects on your body can be significant. Healthy blood pressure readings are 120/80, and pre-hypertension is between that point and 139/89. Lifestyle and dietary changes can help lower your blood pressure at this time. It is important to consult your doctor here.
• Monitor your weight and eat a healthy diet: People who are overweight or obese are at risk for certain health conditions that can damage the kidneys. These include diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease. A healthy diet low in sodium, low in processed meat, and other kidney-improving foods can help reduce the risk of kidney damage. Consider eating naturally low-sodium fresh ingredients, such as cauliflower, blueberries, fish, and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of fluids: There’s no magic behind the clich સલાહ advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but it’s a good goal because it encourages you to stay hydrated. Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys. It is recommended that you aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters per day. How much water you need depends primarily on your health and lifestyle. Additional factors such as climate, exercise, gender, overall health and whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding are essential when planning your daily water intake. Also, people who have had kidney stones in the past should drink a little more water to help prevent future stone deposits.
• Don’t smoke: Smoking damages your body’s blood vessels, slowing blood flow throughout your body and your kidneys. Smoking also increases your risk of kidney cancer. If you quit smoking, your risk of kidney damage will decrease. However, it can take many years for a person who has never smoked to return to a risk level.
• Be careful with the amount of OTC pills you take: If you regularly take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, you may have kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches or arthritis.

It is important to have your kidney function tested if you have a high risk of kidney damage or kidney disease; Generally, a kidney function test is recommended. The following people may benefit from regular screenings:
If you are over 60 years of age Also read – Coronavirus: You need to know about the third type of omicron ‘BA.3’

• If you were born underweight
• If you have Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) or a close family member with it
• If you or a close family member has a history of high blood pressure
• If you are obese

Regular Kidney Function Test (KFT) is a great way to check your kidney health and check for possible changes. Proceeding from any loss can help prevent slow or future losses.

(Inputs by Dr. Atul Ingle, Consultant Nephrologist and Transplant Physician, Director, Department of Nephrology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi)