Kidneys are a pair of organs that are located in the back of the abdomen on both sides of the spine. The size of each kidney can be up to 4 or 5 inches. The main function of the kidneys is to purify the blood and eliminate wasteful products.
Following are 5 useful tips you should follow to keep your kidneys healthy:
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1. Maintain a healthy diet
Conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, or diabetes caused by an unhealthy diet primarily affect the kidneys in a harmful way. Kidneys break down our food, so it’s necessary to include vegetables, fruits, nuts, fish, and more healthy food for them to function properly.
Foods containing low amounts of sodium, such as bananas, apples, and cauliflower, are great for your kidneys.
Diets that contain excessive amounts of salt and dairy or meals that contain fat should be avoided to maintain the blood pressure and prevent diseases like obesity, to keep the kidneys in good condition.
2. Stay Hydrated
Water intake overall is beneficial for your body. Drinking at least 2 liters of water daily is recommended as it helps the kidney maintain efficiency and removes the toxic substances and waste to the bladder as urine.
Drinking a good amount of water can also lower the risk of chronic kidney disease, and it is also helpful in removing sodium from your body.
The amount of water a person should drink depends on the individual’s climatic condition and body health. For example, if a woman is pregnant or breastfeeds a child, she should consult a doctor to decide how much water she can drink in a day.
3. Quit Smoking And Drinking
Smoking damages and weakens the blood vessels, further decelerating the blood flow in your body. Due to the insufficient amount of blood, the kidney’s capability to function decreases.
The chances of cancer rise to 50% if a person is a smoker. By quitting smoking, you can lower the risk.
Drinking rarely is not a big deal; however, if you are an alcoholic, you should turn to your doctor and make sure if it’s okay for you to drink because drinking too much can increase the risk of developing cancer.
4. Exercise Regularly
Exercising regularly holds great significance as it lowers your blood pressure and increases heart health which is beneficial for the kidneys.
Maintaining your body is a part of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercising also lessens the chances of chronic kidney disease.
However, overdoing anything can be harmful, especially when you are not physically fit. You don’t have to do hardcore workouts; simple activities like walking, running, or dancing can give excellent results.
5. Avoid Taking OCT Medications Frequently
You should refrain from taking over-the-counter medicines frequently as they can cause severe damage to the kidneys.
You should avoid taking medicines like ibuprofen, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and naproxen daily. You should only take these medicines occasionally as your doctor advises.
Individuals who take these medicines daily might run into a host of problems concerning the kidneys. They should plan with their doctor on how to reduce the pain without taking these medicines to protect their kidney health. For an expert opinion, it is recommended to seek help from a nephrologist regarding kidney concerns.
Taking care of our kidneys is essential for healthy living. The kidneys are a vital organ and should not be taken for granted.
