The kidneys filter nutrients in the circulatory system and process the liquid waste that will be eliminated in the urine. They also monitor blood pressure. A large number of factors, including nutrition, medical conditions, drugs and smoking, put our kidneys under abundant stress, causing them to function poorly. The American Society of Nephrology said that over the past 20 years, the number of Americans diagnosed with kidney disease has doubled. Whether you are at risk of genetic kidney disease, have diabetes, or want to prevent kidney stones or ailments, there are numerous lifestyle changes you can make to improve their health.. Read on to find out how to support your kidney function.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Support the Kidneys through Nutrition
Step 1. Drink lots of water every day
Doctors recommend drinking about 2 liters of water daily. Proper hydration removes waste build-up from the body and prevents the formation of kidney stones.
Step 2. Plan your nutrition for healthy kidneys
Include brightly colored fruits and vegetables, phosphorus-reduced protein, and low-potassium foods in your meals.
- Color-rich fruits and vegetables are loaded with antioxidants. Choose for example from cherries, plums, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, red peppers, red leaf salad and red cabbage. Garlic, cauliflower and extra virgin olive oil, although they don't have a bright hue, are also foods rich in nutrients that are beneficial for the kidneys.
- Eat cranberries or drink the juice. Cranberries help prevent bladder infections by preventing bacteria from attacking the bladder walls, thereby helping to reduce stress on the entire kidney system as bladder infections can cause kidney infections.
- Eat proteins such as fish and egg whites, as low-potassium, low-fat ingredients.
Step 3. Avoid or limit the consumption of foods that are known to put stress on the kidneys
- Limit your consumption of fizzy drinks. Some of them can increase the risk of kidney stones. They can also increase the risk of diabetes, which can lead to subsequent kidney disease.
- Limit the sodium in your diet. Packaged foods often contain sodium as a flavoring and preservative. Excess sodium can cause high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Limit your potassium intake. Potassium can increase the risk of high blood pressure. Foods rich in potassium include citrus fruits, soy, broccoli, peas, and meat.
- Limit your phosphorus intake, especially if you are at risk of heart disease. The kidneys monitor the phosphorus and calcium levels in the body. If they are damaged, dangerous calcium deposits can develop. Foods rich in phosphorus include peas, nuts, cocoa, beer, dairy products, and cola-based drinks.
- Limit alcohol consumption. The Mayo Clinic recommends a limit of 1 alcoholic beverage per day for women and 2 for men. The safest way to support your kidneys is to refrain from drinking alcohol.
Method 2 of 3: Support the Kidneys through Exercise
Step 1. Move for at least 30 minutes a day
Exercise lowers blood pressure, thereby decreasing kidney stress.
Step 2. Maintain a healthy body weight
Avoid gaining weight, especially around the waist, to help prevent diabetes and high blood pressure. If you are overweight, consult your doctor and learn how to reduce weight and keep yourself fit and healthy.
Method 3 of 3: Support the Kidneys with Drugs
Step 1. Schedule an annual medical check-up that includes a blood test
Often, in the beginning, reduced kidney function can be asymptomatic. A doctor can help support your kidneys by prescribing medications to help lower your blood pressure or promote kidney function.
Step 2. If you have high blood pressure, check your blood pressure regularly
Many clinics and pharmacies offer this service free of charge.
Step 3. Avoid taking pain medication regularly
Occasional use of acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin shouldn't harm your kidneys, but if you suffer from chronic pain and take these medicines daily, your kidneys will be at risk of harmful consequences. Consult your doctor and consider possible alternatives.
