The kidneys are only small, but they have a necessary function. Many people suffer from kidney disease, and most have no idea that their kidneys are starting to fail. That's because kidney damage is often overlooked as a side effect of other medical conditions. Risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, obesity, cardiovascular disease and even age can cause kidney problems. Making matters worse, there are often no signs or symptoms of early kidney disease, so people with progressive kidney failure don't have the ability to stop progression. Fortunately, there are six things you can do today to boost kidney health.
1. Follow the golden rule of hydration. We all know that drinking water is essential for good health, but drinking too much water can be just as problematic as drinking too little, especially in kidney failure. Don't focus on the 8 glasses a day rule, and focus on drinking enough water so that your urine is pale yellow or colorless.
2. Eat for better (kidney) health. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease, so choosing healthy, low-salt, low-cholesterol foods help make good choices for your kidneys. Even small changes can have a big impact. Just a few superfoods a day can keep kidney problems away.
3. Get moving. Exercising also helps control many kidney disease risk factors. A regular exercise routine will help you maintain a healthy weight, prevent diabetes and heart disease, and control blood pressure and cholesterol.
4. Be a filter to your kidneys. Kidneys are responsible for removing harmful substances from the blood, including smoke and alcohol, so give them a break and cut back on the bad stuff. Also, do not take more medicines than you need.
5. Think about your personal kidney profile. Some people are more prone to kidney disease, and they need to be more diligent when it comes to care. We know that diabetes and high blood pressure are the biggest red flags, but there are many other factors to consider – heart disease, obesity and smoking also top the list, along with age, family history and ethnicity.
6. Schedule a kidney checkup. Kidney disease is known as the “silent killer” because patients can lose 90% of kidney function before symptoms appear. Your first stop should be to talk to your doctor about your personal risks and to test your kidneys. Early intervention can save your life.
