Kidney is an essential part of the body. It acts as filtration and removes toxins and excess water from the blood. Kidney also controls blood pressure, potassium, sodium, salt etc. in the body. It also helps in the formation of Vitamin D and produces red blood cells. Thus, it is important to maintain kidney health. Dr. Atul Ingale, Consultant-Nephrologist, Transplant Physician & Director-Dept. Department of Nephrology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi suggests some steps to maintain healthy kidney function.
Following a healthy diet and exercising regularly:
A healthy diet consisting of fibre, leafy vegetables, fruits, proteins, low fat, sugar, red meat etc. should be consumed. Eating a healthy diet can help lower blood pressure, reduce blood fat, and avoid kidney damage. Along with a nutritious diet, it is essential to exercise or at least incorporate activities into daily life. One can opt for heavy exercises or light workouts like walking, running, dance yoga etc. Exercising can benefit the whole body by maintaining blood pressure and cholesterol, building stamina and strength, and even preventing heart disease from occurring. Avoiding kidney, obesity, high blood pressure etc.
Manage blood sugar and control blood pressure:
People who have high blood sugar, that is, those who are suffering from diabetes, are more likely to have kidney failure. This is because the organ has to work for years to constantly manage blood sugar levels, which fluctuate as diabetic patients’ cells cannot use the glucose in the blood. This can be prevented by managing blood sugar levels. Other factors that can affect one’s blood sugar are stress, hormonal changes and other diseases.
High blood pressure can cause kidney damage. If high blood pressure is accompanied by other diseases such as diabetes, heart problems, etc., the effects on the body can be significant. Medicines should be taken to control blood pressure in consultation with the doctor.
Also Read: World Kidney Day: 5 Diet Myths For Kidney Diseases Busted – Check Expert’s Tips
Avoid self-medication:
It is not advisable to take any kind of medicine without the doctor’s advice, because the overdose of any medicine has a bad effect on the body. This is especially seen with the consumption of pain medications. Long-term use of the drugs, and intake in high doses, has an effect on blood flow to the kidney, which is reduced, leading to tissue damage to the organ.
Along with the above steps, one should also go for regular check-ups of kidney function. Preventive care and precautions are the best way to keep kidney healthy.