Proper Kidney Care: How Can You Prevent Kidney Failure?

Many people forget that their kidneys are essential for a healthy lifestyle because they filter waste from your blood. That’s why proper kidney care is an important measure to avoid kidney disease and kidney failure.

Kidney failure can be fatal unless caught quickly with proper medical attention. What can you do to help prevent kidney failure? You have the opportunity to protect yourself by knowing the facts of proper kidney care.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms vary, depending on what is causing your kidney problems. Acute (or sudden) symptoms include decreased urine output. Other warning signs can involve fluid retention (bloating of the body), often of the lower limbs. If you notice swelling in your legs, ankles or feet, it is something to bring up with your doctor immediately.

Causes

A direct blow to the kidneys can often lead to kidney failure. Along with physical trauma, blockage of the ureters can prevent waste from leaving your body through your urine.

Various medical conditions along with the improper use of medications can also lead to severe kidney issues. Always consult your doctor about your prescribed medications before taking them.

Some conditions/diseases that can cause kidney failure include:

• Lupus,
• Scleroderma,
• High Cholesterol,
• Diabetes,
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, and
• Rhabdomyolysis.

Unless you have inherited polycystic kidney disease or another genetic-based medical problem, there are things you can do to prevent kidney failure and kidney disease.

Kidney care is more important than you think! Be proactive while keeping in mind that kidney diseases do not always have symptoms. Talk to your medical provider about checking for signs and symptoms.

Source: The Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20369048

Diet

Kidney care starts with what you put into your body. Unless you have inherited kidney disease or severe medical complications, you can protect your kidneys. Here are some dietary tips:

• Salt intake should be kept to less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium, daily. Cook with other spices to liven up your meal while lowering your sodium!
• As I’m sure you know, eating plenty of fresh fruits and veggies is essential. Interesting to note, even frozen vegetables can be good for you. If they were flash frozen, they often have higher levels of the nutrients that your body needs.
• Limit the alcohol intake.
• Instead of frying your foods, baking or boiling is a healthier alternative.
• Skip the gravy and limit the sugar intake. Less than 10% of your daily diet should be from sugars. Unless you are brave enough to cut all sugar out!
• Eat whole grains such as whole wheat bread and brown rice.
• 2% Milk is a better option than whole milk. You could also give milk alternatives a try.
• Read the labels on what you purchase. Foods can be deceiving with their “all natural,” “reduced sodium” or “gluten-free” labels. Check the details on the back and remember to look at the “per serving” notation. Many will trick you with the numbers if you miss how many servings are in the package! Read those details for the best kidney care.

Exercise

We all hear it daily…a healthy body needs to be in motion. You should aim to partake in 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity. Get in the habit of daily exercise routines such as power walking, riding your bike, playing tennis or swimming. If your doctor says your weight is high and is causing other health issues, this is the time to get to the gym or even consider working out at home.

Work at a desk? Get up every hour and move around, or better yet, see if you can get a standing desk. Anything you can do to drop weight and pump more blood will help.

In Conclusion

Kidney care matters to your overall health. Many of us worry about our hearts while some worry about their livers. The truth is, all of our organs need attention and care. They work together, and when it comes to the kidneys, there are things you can do to keep them healthy. Start today, because every day matters!

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/chronic-kidney-disease-ckd/prevention

Need an Inspirational Speaker for Your Next Event?

Book Amy Today!