Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy
According to the Cleveland Clinic, more than 37 million Americans live with kidney disease. It’s a chronic condition that can lead to kidney failure. Kidney disease develops because of injury or toxin, and through proper education on your kidney health and precaution, you can reduce your risk of kidney damage.
The Role of Your Kidneys
Each person had two kidneys. They are organs located on the side of the spine below the rib cage. Kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins and waste from the blood and turning it into urine so it can leave the body. When kidneys are not working correctly, toxins and waste can build up in the body leading to kidney disease or kidney failure.
- Kidney Disease- When your kidneys can’t filter the blood correctly, it’s called kidney disease. Kidney disease is a progressive condition that worsens with time.
- Kidney Failure- The end-stage of kidney disease when the kidneys no longer work is called kidney failure.
Anyone can develop kidney disease, although it’s more prone to develop after 60. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, or a family history of heart disease or kidney disease are at an even higher risk. It’s also more prevalent in those of African-American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian descent. Signs of kidney damage include frequent urination, fatigue, appetite changes, swelling in the feet and ankle, shortness of breath, bloody urine, high blood pressure, darkening of the skin, muscle cramps, and nausea.
Tips for Healthy Kidneys
Taking care of your kidneys is the best way to prevent kidney disease. Consider the following to ensure healthy kidneys.
- Exercise- Physical activity helps manage blood pressure and improve heart health, which are risk factors for kidney disease. You can go for a walk, jog, ride a bike, hike, or swim. Try to spend 20 to 30 minutes a day moving your body.
- Healthy diet- Eating a nutritious diet helps maintain your blood pressure and weight, reducing your chances of kidney disease. Consider incorporating more fresh produce and lean meats into your diet and refrain from overeating processed foods.
- Drink water- Keeping your body hydrated is vital for healthy kidney function. Water helps clear toxins from the kidneys and reduces the chances of kidney stones. You can aim to drink two liters of water a day or more if you’re exercising or it’s warm outside.
- Don’t smoke- Smoking can damage blood vessels and slow blood flow to the kidneys. Smoking also increases the risk of various other health concerns and cancer. If you’re having trouble quitting, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
- Don’t overuse pain medications- Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen can damage the kidneys if used daily. If you’re experiencing pain that requires daily medication use, talk to your doctor about your kidney health and alternative pain management options.
- Test your kidney function- People at high risk for kidney disease should get their kidney function regularly tested by their doctor. High-risk individuals include those older than 60 and people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or obesity.
Working with Visiting Angels
If you live with kidney disease or kidney failure, you may experience challenges caring for yourself at home. Professional caregivers from Visiting Angels can assist with non-medical tasks such as light housekeeping, meal preparations, medication reminders, transportation, and personal grooming. We also offer transition care services to help seniors return home after hospitalization, such as a kidney transplant, to reduce hospital readmission.
The Rockwall office serves those in Rockwall and the surrounding communities. Give us a call at 214.703.8123 or complete our online form if you’d like to learn more about our services.