How to keep your kidneys healthy to prevent chronic kidney disease

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease or CKD is a longstanding condition wherein the kidneys do not function normally. Loss of functionality is gradual and ultimately leads to kidney failure.

Symptoms of CKD vary from one person to the other. They develop slowly and lab results can identify the problem in most cases but sometimes, symptoms don’t show at all until it is in an advanced stage.

CKD is quite common in India with around 1 million cases per year and the sad part is that it cannot be cured. However, treatment can help slow CKD down to a large extent.

Causes of chronic kidney disease

The usual causes of CKD are lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. You may also be at a higher risk if you have a family history of the condition. Other causes include:

Preventing chronic kidney disease

Since it is a long-term disease with multiple repercussions and no cure, it is best to take measures to prevent CKD altogether. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is one of the most important things you need to do to keep CKD at bay. Here are some tips to help you in this regard:

Watch your blood sugar and blood pressure

Hypertension and diabetes are the leading causes of CKD. It is essential that you keep these 2 conditions under control. Check the values regularly and take measures (in case you have either condition) to manage them.

Eat well and manage your BMI

Obesity is linked to most chronic diseases including diabetes and CKD. So, eating well and staying away from processed food will go a long way in maintaining your BMI. Include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet and learn about potential kidney damaging foods (canned foods, sodas, etc.). Eliminate them completely!

Drink a lot of water!

Water is the essence of life and yet, not many of us drink even 2 liters per day. Water is crucial in maintaining kidney health because it flushes out toxins effectively and ensures the smooth functioning of the organs.

While 2-2.5 liters per day is good enough for a regular lifestyle, you should increase the quantity if you have/had kidney stones, exercise every day, and engage in exhausting activities.

Don’t smoke or drink

Tobacco causes too many problems and CKD is one of them. If you smoke, we urge you to stop immediately.

While moderate drinking is not harmful, alcohol addiction can increase blood pressure, damage the liver, and lead to CKD. Limit alcohol intake as much as possible.

Do not take too many OTC medicines

Regular consumption of OTC pain medication can cause CKD. If you have absolutely no kidney issues and are taking the medicines once in a while, you are safe. But taking them daily is risky. We advise you to seek assistance from a kidney specialist in India in case you have to take them regularly for arthritis, headaches, etc.

Get your kidney function tested

Staying on top of things is of paramount importance, especially if you are at high risk due to heredity, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, or high blood pressure. Those above 60 years of age are also counseled to do so.

Visit one of the best kidney hospitals in India and opt for kidney screening tests. The doctor will tell you how frequently you should get tested as well.

Conclusion

Kidneys are very important and multi-functional in nature. They not only filter waste but also make hormones. Without properly functioning kidneys, leading a normal life will be impossible. This is why we recommend that you lead a healthy life and take all necessary steps to avoid CKD.

At AINU, we have the best kidney specialists in visakhapatnam, who can help you take care of your kidneys in the best possible way. To book an appointment, please visit our website.