Tips for healthy kidneys
Download the National Kidney Month Checklist Here
The kidneys are important organs that affect many other body parts, including the heart. Follow these tips to keep them working efficiently:
Avoid extra salt
Eating a lot of salty foods can disrupt the balance of minerals in the blood. This can make it harder for the kidneys to work properly. Try swapping out processed foods — which usually have a lot of added salt — for whole foods, such as:
- fresh fruits and vegetables
- lean cuts of meat
- nuts
Exercise
High blood pressure is a known risk factor for chronic kidney disease. Regular exercise, even for just 20 minutes a day, can help reduce blood pressure.
Stay hydrated
Drinking plenty of water helps the kidneys perform one of their most important functions: removing toxins. Learn more about how much water you should really be drinking every day.
Use medications with caution
Regularly taking certain over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can cause kidney damage over time. Occasionally taking them is fine, but work with your doctor to find alternatives if you have a condition that requires managing pain, such as arthritis.
Know the risk factors
Several things can increase your risk of developing a kidney condition. Make sure you regularly have your kidney function tested if you:
- have diabetes
- are obese
- have high blood pressure
- have a family history of kidney disease
The Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
- 37 million American adults have CKD and millions of others are at increased risk.
- Early detection can help prevent the progression of kidney disease to kidney failure.
- Heart disease is the major cause of death for all people with CKD.
- Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is the best estimate of kidney function.
- Hypertension causes CKD and CKD causes hypertension.
- Persistent proteinuria (protein in the urine) means CKD is present.
- High-risk groups include those with diabetes, hypertension and family history of kidney failure.
- African Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, American Indians and Seniors are at increased risk.
- Two simple tests can detect CKD: blood pressure, urine albumin and serum creatinine
How Can Home Care Help?
· Caregivers prepare nutritious meals and snacks.
· Medication reminders
· Meal Time Reminders
· Report Changes in well-being
· Water Intake Reminders
· Accompany to MD Appointments
RESOURCES and Information for this post:
Golden Heart Senior Care of Scottsdale provides in-home care services for seniors in Scottsdale and the surrounding areas in Phoenix. If you or a loved-one want to learn more, call us at 480-284-7360. https://goldenheartscottsdale.com/
Medline: https://www.healthline.com/health/human-body-maps/kidney
National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/about-chronic-kidney-disease#facts