Kidney failure, or the loss of more than 90% function of your kidneys, is a serious problem. There are lots of issues that can affect your kidneys. Some of these include kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and even kidney cancer. SymptomFind noted in an article about kidney infections that one of the simple ways to prevent a UTI is to drink plenty of water. So here, we’re going to look at some of the ways you can avoid kidney problems and keep your kidneys healthy.
1. Manage Your Blood Sugar
Diabetes increases your risk for kidney failure and heart disease, so keeping your blood sugar low is extremely important. According to The New Indian Express, diabetes has been diagnosed in 13.2% of residents living in urban areas, and 7.7% among those in rural areas.
In order to keep your blood sugar down, use sugar alternatives, such as natural honey or sweeteners, and use less refined brown sugar instead of white sugar.
2. Reduce Your Salt Intake
Too much salt puts you at a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, which in turn puts your kidneys at risk. Reduce the amount of salt you eat. A good way to do this is to use more spices, herbs, and other aromatics when cooking – lean towards using more turmeric, garlic, onion, cumin, cardamom, coriander, and ginger. Garam masala is an excellent combination of spices!
Remember that seasonings labeled as “all in one,” bouillon cubes, and soy sauce tend to have added salt and monosodium glutamate, another type of salt. Stick to pure types of spices and herbs, rather than pre-packaged types of seasoning.
3. Drink Enough Water
The general consensus is that you should aim towards 2 liters of water per day. The best option is to ask your doctor. Regardless, Health.com reminds us that water is extremely important for your body, but especially for your kidneys. It helps your kidneys remove waste and toxins from your blood, and improves blood circulation to your kidneys. It also reduces the chance of kidney stones and urinary tract infections. On the same note, avoid sugary drinks, such as canned or bottled fruit juices or soda. Our ‘Complete Guide to Improve Kidney Function Naturally” pointed out that cranberry juice and citrus based drinks are a good alternative to water.
4. Reduce Stress
It’s common to hear that stress and anxiety cause a multitude of health problems, and your kidney function can also be affected by stress. Take steps to reduce stress. Yoga or other gentle physical exercise, prayer and spiritual health, and staying productive are great ways to manage stress. Also consider where your stress is coming from, and try to avoid those causes. Remember that mental health and physical health are linked, so do your best to keep them both in tip top shape.
5. Limit Pain Medication
Common pain medications include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin which can reduce blood circulation to your kidneys and cause long-term damage. Use these medications sparingly. If you suffer from chronic pain and you find yourself taking medications frequently, talk to your doctor about other forms of pain management.
6. Don’t Smoke
Cigarettes and other nicotine products reduce blood circulation to your kidneys. Smoking manages kidney function, regardless of whether you have kidney disease or not. If you are a smoker, there are a number of ways to reduce or quit completely. Ask your doctor and look for the option that is best for you.
Long-term damage and kidney failure could lead to requiring a kidney transplant or life-long dialysis treatment. In order to avoid these, make sure to keep your kidneys (and the rest of your body) as healthy as possible.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
