Can I Live a Normal Life with Kidney Disease?

Kidney Disease and Everyday Life: Practical Health Tips

Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, can not be completely cured with medicine. However, individuals dealing with such conditions can live longer by taking proper care of their health. This entails adopting certain lifestyle modifications and healthy habits that can help manage the condition and boost overall health.

Even if you are suffering from mild kidney failure, taking care of your health is necessary to prevent the situation from getting worse. Proper care will help keep your kidneys healthy and reduce the risk of other major health issues.

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How to Live a Normal Life with Kidney Disorder?

To ensure that one can lead a healthy life with a kidney disorder, they need to do the following:

1. Maintaining a Healthy Diet

Adopting a balanced diet will keep your body healthy and reduce the risks of severe health issues. Limiting salt intake, including sources of proteins, vitamins, minerals, herbs, spices, etc., in your diet can do a miracle. Individuals suffering from both chronic kidney disease and diabetes can include the following in their diet:

● Fruits like grapes, apples, berries, plums, cherries, etc.

● Vegetables like onions, turnips, cauliflower, eggplants, etc.

● Carbohydrates including bagels, unsalted crackers, sandwich buns, white bread, and pasta.

● Proteins like eggs, poultry, fish or other lean meats, unsalted seafood, etc.

Apart from this, you should intake sufficient water to keep yourself hydrated. Proper hydration keeps your kidneys healthy.

2. Taking Your Medicines on Time

It's essential to follow all the medications that have been prescribed to you, even if you're fine. This is because some medicines help prevent severe health problems in the future. Moreover, always read the instruction leaflet that comes with your medicines to learn about potential interactions with other medications or supplements. If you have questions or notice side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Additionally, you must do the following:

● Consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any over-the-counter (OTC) medications like painkillers or supplements.

● This is because these medicines can sometimes harm your kidneys or interfere with your prescribed treatments.

Following these steps helps ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment.

3. Exercise Daily

Regular physical activity benefits people with kidney disease, regardless of its severity. It may boost energy levels, enhance sleep, improve bones, and prevent depression. Exercise may also reduce the risk of developing complications, such as heart disease.

If you have mild to moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD), you can normally maintain the same activity level as a person without kidney disease. But with advanced or severe CKD, you may get tired more quickly.

Thus, it is essential to consult with your doctor about the types and intensity of physical activity that are safe and suitable for your condition to maintain your health and well-being.

4. Avoiding Smoking and Drinking

Quitting smoking can significantly improve your health and lower the risk of various health issues. If you need help quitting, consult your doctor for support and possible treatments.

While moderate alcohol consumption may be allowed with kidney disease, it's essential to stay within the recommended limit of 14 units per week. If reducing alcohol intake is challenging, talk to your doctor or healthcare team for guidance. Making these lifestyle changes can help protect your kidneys and overall well-being.

5. Vaccination

Kidney disease makes your body weaker and more prone to infection. Everyone with kidney disease should receive a yearly flu shot and a one-time pneumococcal vaccine. These vaccinations are easily available at your doctor's office or local pharmacies that provide vaccination services and keep your health safe.

How to Prevent Kidney Disease?

Regular health checkups can be a great step towards the prevention of kidney diseases. If you are at risk of CKD (chronic kidney disease), opt for periodic tests to ensure that any abnormalities are detected early. It will enable you to get treatment at the right time.

Here are some tips to prevent the risks of CKD (chronic kidney disease):

● Diabetes patients need to keep their blood sugar levels under control.

● Managing high blood pressure can reduce the risk of kidney failure.

● Maintaining a healthy weight is necessary to keep the kidneys functioning.

● At least 30 minutes of exercise is required 5 days a week for sound kidney health.

● A balanced diet, moderate alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking are other measures for healthy kidney functioning.

Curing kidney disease is not possible, but preventing it with healthy habits can reduce the risks of severe health hazards. You can undergo the required treatment and maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay normal even after a kidney disease. Consult your doctor whenever necessary, especially when starting a new medication. They can help you determine if it has any adverse effects on your kidneys.