The kidneys are probably one of the most overworked organs of the body because of their many functions. Their main task though is to filter waste, excess water, and other impurities in the blood which are then stored in the bladder and then later excreted.
Our pair of kidneys, which are fist-like structures at the back of the abdomen just under the ribcage on both sides of the spine, regulate salt, potassium, and pH levels of the body. Another important function of our kidneys is that they produce hormones that control red blood cell production and blood pressure regulation. It is also in the kidneys where some forms of vitamin D are activated that absorb calcium for bone development and muscle function.
All these roles of our kidneys make it crucial to keep them healthy. If the kidneys cannot do one of their functions, undoubtedly, there will be grave complications. Here are 8 ways that can help improve the function of your kidneys naturally:
Be Physically Active and Fit
Doing routine exercises has a lot of benefits to the body. It aids in weight loss, lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar, and enhances heart health. All of these are crucial for your overall kidney health, thereby, lowering your risk of chronic kidney disease.
Walking, cycling, running, dancing, and anything that keeps you physically active are all good for your kidneys. Do it on a regular basis and you will reap tons of benefits health-wise.
Control Your Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar is one of the common causes of kidney damage. When your blood sugar is above normal, the kidneys are compelled to overwork. The degree of damage on the kidneys can depend on the length of time that your kidneys were forced to overwork. It can be life-threatening so seeing a doctor immediately is necessary. It would be best to also monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and watch the foods you eat.
Regulate Your Blood Pressure
Uncontrolled blood pressure can cause blood vessels supplying blood to the kidneys to weaken, narrow, and harden over time. This means that the kidney will not get sufficient blood. Proper functioning will then be disrupted. Exercise, a healthy diet, and making lifestyle changes can help regulate blood pressure, but you should talk with your doctor first.
Monitor Your Weight
Being overweight can adversely affect your kidney health. This is because your kidneys will surely work harder to eliminate excess wastes. Over time, your kidneys can be damaged due to the excess workload.
Cutting on your food intake that makes you fat is a good start. A diet with more on plant-based foods is better than animal by-products. Avoid food with too much salt and sugar.
Increase Your Fluid Intake
Lots of water will not only keep you hydrated but will also help your kidneys flush out wastes. This is why we have always been told to drink 8 glasses of water a day. However, the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends adults take 15.5 cups of fluid for men and 11.5 cups for women every day.
Quit Smoking
Smoking tobacco can cause diverse health problems. One of the reasons is that it can weaken, narrow, and harden blood vessels. This increases your risk of hypertension, heart disease, and kidney failure. If you stop smoking, you are decreasing the risk of kidney damage.
Be Wary of OTC Medications
Over-the-counter medicines for headache, chronic pain, and arthritis can increase your risk of kidney damage, especially if you take them daily. Talking with your doctor to prescribe you kidney-friendly medications can be the best option.
Let Your Kidneys Be Checked
It is important that you undergo regular kidney tests if you are at high risk of kidney damage. You are likely to have a high risk of kidney problems if; you are above 60 y/o, born with low birth weight, have cardiovascular disease or high blood pressure, and obese. Family history of cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, and kidney problems also increases your risk of kidney damage.
Early detection of changes in your kidney can help prevent its progression to full-blown kidney damage. This should make regular kidney test a must-do for people who are of great risk.
Kidney problems when not managed properly will undoubtedly cost you your quality of life. You can never live your normal life again if you have an advanced case of kidney damage. As early as now, do a lifestyle check, and follow the above tips to be ensured that your kidneys will not get into trouble.