How to Prevent Kidney Disease?

Effective Tips to Prevent Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is characterised by your kidneys losing their function over time. Kidneys are a vital part of your body, filtering out excess fluids and waste. Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is often caused by underlying diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. You can take preventive measures to manage kidney disease symptoms.

1. Quit Smoking : Smoking, as we all know, is extremely harmful to your body. Not only does it affect your lungs, but it also reduces blood flow to your kidneys. Additionally, it also damages blood vessels in your kidneys. Quitting can be tough, but it is not impossible. Reach out to the National Tobacco Quit Line Services (NTQLS) at 1800 112 356 for help. Alternatively, you can also ask your doctor for assistance.
2. Stay Active : If you suffer from high blood pressure, exercising can help you manage it. Staying active is extremely crucial, not only for your kidney health but also for your overall health. It helps you maintain a healthy weight and fight off many diseases. Moreover, it also lowers your cholesterol levels and builds strength. You can combine strength training with cardio exercises for maximum results.
3. Adopt a Healthy Diet : In most cases, kidney disease is a result of underlying conditions such as diabetes. Eating a healthy diet will help you manage diabetes symptoms and, in turn, keep your kidneys happy. Choose low-fat dairy products, leafy vegetables and fresh fruits over processed and junk foods. You will get all your necessary nutrients and minerals from them. This will also strengthen your immune system.
4. Maintain Blood Sugar Levels : High blood sugar levels often clog blood vessels, damaging and harming the kidneys. Moreover, if you have diabetes, managing blood sugar levels is crucial. Choose food and drinks with natural sugar instead of added sugar. Avoid sugary drinks, such as cold drinks. Your doctor may prescribe medications to keep your blood sugar in check.
5. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption : Excessive alcohol consumption is linked with kidney disease. It can add extra calories and disrupt kidney function. It also leads to weight gain. Therefore, limit your alcohol intake to 1 glass a day. Gradually work to reduce your alcohol consumption altogether. If you need assistance in quitting, talk to your doctor.
6. Visit Your Doctor Regularly : Regular check-ups can help your doctor know what is going on in your body and tailor your treatment accordingly. Doctors use two types of tests to determine kidney function disease: a blood test and a urine test. These tests determine whether your kidneys are functioning properly or not.

Who is at Risk of Developing Kidney Disease?

Anyone can develop kidney disease. However, some people are at greater risk of developing it. They are:

• People with heart disease
• Individuals suffering from diabetes
• People who are obese or overweight
• Individuals with high blood pressure
• People with a family history of kidney disease

Although kidney disease has no cure, you can reduce your chances of getting it by tweaking your lifestyle. Changing your diet and staying active helps you effectively keep your kidneys happy and functioning.