Among the non-communicable diseases that have shown an increase in associated deaths over the past two decades, chronic kidney disease has emerged as one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide. Chronic kidney disease affects about 10% of the population, which is over 800 million people.
People with chronic kidney disease are older, women, people of color, and those with diabetes mellitus, aging, obesity, and hypertension.
Long-term kidney health depends on lifestyle changes, which will help to protect and maintain your kidneys. By making some adjustments to your day-to-day routine, ensure your kidneys are functioning at their best and help prevent serious kidney diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and kidney stones from developing.
Here are seven (7) habits to maintain the kidney:
- Avoid Tobacco
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid sodas and sugary drinks
- Keep a balanced, healthy diet
- Maintain proper hydration levels
- Get enough sleep
- Manage stress
- Keep your health in check by getting regular screenings
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Avoid Tobacco
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your kidneys. It increases your risk of kidney cancer, chronic kidney disease, and other health problems. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do for your kidneys and overall health. Talk to your doctor about ways to quit smoking.
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Exercise regularly
Exercising is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, including your kidneys. When you exercise, your heart rate increases, and so does your blood flow. It helps flush out toxins and waste products from your body, including your kidneys. Exercise also helps you maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for kidney health.
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Avoid sodas and sugary drinks.
Consuming sugary drinks is one of the worst things you can do for your kidneys. Besides being high in sugar, they are also high in calories. If you are looking to keep your kidneys healthy, avoid sugary drinks at all costs.
Keep a balanced, healthy diet.
Consuming fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are a healthy way to care for your overall health. You should also limit your intake of salt, sugar, saturated and trans fats, and cholesterol. Eating a balanced diet will help you maintain a healthy weight and protect your kidneys from disease.
Maintain proper hydration levels
One of the best things you can do for your kidneys is to maintain proper hydration levels. When your body stays hydrated, your kidneys do not have to work so hard to filter toxins and waste. Aim for eight glasses of water per day.
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Get enough sleep
A good night’s sleep is vital for your overall health. When you do not get enough sleep, your body does not have time to rest and heal. It can lead to problems with kidney function down the road. So ensure you’re getting at least seven hours of sleep a night.
Manage stress
Stress can take a toll on your body, and it’s hard on your kidneys. Because of stress, your body produces hormones that raise blood pressure and make your kidneys work harder. Managing stress with relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can help keep your blood pressure down and protect your kidneys.
Keep your health in check by getting regular screenings.
Get regular screenings with Medbury Medicals to check your Kidney function and also for high blood pressure and diabetes, besides having your urine checked for protein at least once a year. If you have any family history of kidney disease, get screened more often. Keeping your health in check will help prevent kidney disease or catch it early on. Also, ensure to follow these tips and habits to maintain the kidney.
Nigeria has over 25 million kidney failures every year, so you must do everything in your power to maintain the health of this vital organ. Making the above health routine a part of your lifestyle will be the first step toward improving your health.
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