How Seniors Can Best Maintain Kidney Health, According to Our In Home Caregivers

One of the most important aspects of health for senior citizens is maintaining great kidneys. As we get older, our body needs to change diets and exercise habits, both of which the kidneys are heavily involved in. We know why keeping kidneys healthy is important, but how exactly can seniors make sure they have the best kidney health they can? According to the National Institutes of Health, if your kidneys start to malfunction, you might not realize it for a long while. That’s why it’s so important to stay on top of preventative kidney care. Here are some of the best ways to promote healthy kidneys, according to our in home caregivers.

Blood pressure

Increased blood pressure can be a nasty side effect of less-than-stellar kidneys, so seniors should aim to do whatever they can to promote good blood pressure health. Smoking, sleep issues and not working out are some of the leading causes of high blood pressure, so in home caregivers say seniors should do whatever preventative measures they can to reduce their chances of getting it.

Watch your sodium intake

Healthy kidneys do a good job of regulating the salt in our bodies, so it’s important to be aware of your sodium intake throughout the day if you suspect you may be having kidney issues. Avoiding extra table salt during your meals is a good first step, but try to cook your meals at home. Many restaurants load their food up with sodium, so cooking your own food and using more herbs than salt is a great way to promote healthy kidneys.

Over-the-counter medication could be the culprit

Millions of people rely on NSAID medications like ibuprofen and Tylenol, but in home caregivers and medical professionals say that taking too many of these types of medication can harm your kidneys. If you are taking these medications over a prolonged period of time, you can do some serious harm, so consider switching to non-NSAID medication if you worried about your kidney health.

Don’t overdo it with herbs and vitamin supplements

Seniors might think that natural herbs and vitamin supplements are totally fine to consume, but people concerned with their kidney health should be extra cautious when it comes to them. Excessive amounts of certain herbs and supplements can be harmful to the kidneys due to the way they filter things out of your body, so in home care caregivers recommend that senior citizens talk to their doctor before starting on any new medication, natural or not.