The kidneys are the vital organs of our body that sit just below our rib cage on either side of spine. Every day, these two bean-shaped organs filter about 55 gallons of blood daily to sift out about two quarts of waste products and excess water.
The kidneys prevent the buildup of wastes and excess fluid in the body, keep electrolyte levels stable, produce hormones that make red blood cells, regulate blood pressure and build strong bones.
People who have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney failure are at increased risk of developing chronic kidney disease. It’s important to keep our kidneys healthy. Kidney disease can happen to anyone. Following tips will keep our kidney healthy:
Stay hydrated.
Our kidneys need sufficient fluid to clear sodium and flush out toxins. Most experts recommend sipping 1.5 to 2 liters of fluid daily. Just keep in mind that your fluid needs depend on various factors including gender, fitness level, climate, health conditions and whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have previously suffered from kidney stones or kidney disease.
Adopt a healthy diet.
The vast majority of kidney problems stem from other medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. So it makes sense to reduce your risk of those chronic conditions by eating a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Not only will this style of eating help control weight and blood pressure, it may also stave off other diseases, such as cancer.
Exercise.
Engaging in regular physical activity is just as important as developing healthy eating habits. Both help prevent weight gain and keep blood pressure levels in check. “Keeping trim and fit helps the kidneys continue to function as long as possible,” experts say.
Stop smoking.
Smoking wreaks havoc on your blood vessels, decreasing the flow of blood not only to the kidneys but to all of your vital organs. And when the kidneys don’t have adequate blood flow, they won’t work as well as they should. To make matters worse, smoking raises blood pressure levels and increases your risk of heart disease.
Keep medications in check.
Many medications, whether over-the-counter or prescription, filter through the kidneys to be cleared from the human body. The best way to maintain your kidney health is to take care of yourself. Eat sensible food, stick to a regular fitness regimen and avoid unnecessary medications. Spotting kidney disease early – and treating it – can help you sidestep complications ranging from bone disease to premature death. (With inputs from Agencies)
