Whether you are healthy or at-risk for kidney disease, studies show that supporting your kidneys function is important to your well-being.Your kidneys remove waste products and drugs from the body, balance your body's fluids, release hormones to regulate blood pressure, promote development of strong and healthy bones, and control the production of red blood cells.If you manage lifestyle factors and get medical treatment, you can support your overall health.
Step 1: Hydrate properly.
Some people think that over hydrating can benefit their kidneys, because they help flush out waste products and drugs.Drinking four to six glasses a day is not supported by any studies.The amount should be enough to support the function of your kidneys.Water is the best option to keep you hydrated without the added sugar, caffeine, or other substances.Drink more in the summer if you are active.For every hour you are active, add 8 ounces of water.
Step 2: A healthy diet is maintained.
The kidneys can tolerate a lot of different foods, but most problems are related to other medical conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure that can be controlled by food.A diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help support your kidneys and may also help manage other conditions.Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, lean meats, and beans are healthy foods.It's a good idea to avoid too much salt.When cooking or buying high-sodium processed foods, don't add salt.Limit salty snacks except for very rare occasions.Some foods with lower levels of potassium are apples, carrots, cabbage, green beans, grapes, and blueberries.Bananas, oranges, potatoes, and other high-potassium foods should not be eaten.Limit the types of sources.Lean meats such as chicken or fish can be trimmed of fat.Instead of frying your meats, bake, grill, or broil them.Vegetables, fruits, whole-grain breads, and non-sugary cereals are some of the sources of nutrition that you can get.
Step 3: Alcohol and smoking should be limited or stopped.
Don't drink alcoholic beverages or smoke if you want to.If you already have high blood pressure or a worsening of the disease, both of them can increase your risk.Men and women should have no more than two drinks a day.If you are having difficulties quitting smoking, you should talk to your doctor about starting a program.
Step 4: It's important to exercise regularly.
It is possible to promote your overall health by getting exercise, but also to counteract the dangers ofKidney disease.Moderate activity most days of the week can support your kidneys function and ward off weight that can cause them problems.Before starting an exercise regimen, talk to your doctor.Get at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise a week.There are many activities that you can do such as walking, running, jogging, swimming, biking, or even dancing.A healthy diet and regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight.
Step 5: There are instructions on over-the-counter pain medication.
If you want to use over-the-counter pain relief, you need to follow the packaging instructions.Taking too much pain medication can cause diseases.If you already have problems with the kidneys, consider avoiding NSAIDs.Ibuprofen and naproxen are included.If these medications are safe for you to take, ask your doctor.
Step 6: Control the underlying conditions.
High blood pressure and diabetes are some of the conditions that can increase your risk for kidney disease.You may be able to support your kidneys by managing underlying causes.You can check your blood pressure at home or at the doctor's office.The target blood pressure should be less than 140/90mm Hg.If you have diabetes, you need to control your blood sugar.Make sure your cholesterol levels are within a healthy range.Blood tests can be ordered by your doctor.If your doctor prescribes any medication, remember to take it.
Step 7: See your doctor.
If managing lifestyle and underlying conditions doesn't improve how you feel, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.She can create a treatment plan for you.Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms or signs.Let her know what you are taking.Take a list of questions.Ask your doctor questions about your condition.
Step 8: Discuss your treatment options with your doctor.
Discuss your treatment options with your doctor after he diagnoses what is causing your problems with the kidneys.Depending on the severity of your case or underlying causes, he may suggest continuing to support your kidney function with lifestyle and medication.
Step 9: If you have a problem, treat it with medication.
There are certain medications that may help with the treatment of kidney disease.You should take these to see if they support your kidneys.It is possible for your doctor to prescribe a medication that lowers high blood pressure.Decrease water retention and swelling lowers cholesterol and protects bones.Reducing waste products in your blood is one of the things your doctor may suggest.
Step 10: Consider end-stage treatments.
Your kidneys may not be able to keep up with ridding your body of waste and fluid at a certain point.If this is the case, you may have end-stage kidney disease, which will require more extensive care.Discuss with your doctor what you need to do to avoid failure of the kidneys.She may suggest that you use edysis to remove waste from your blood or body fluids.A transplant is when a donor organ is put into your body.You will have to take medication for the rest of your life to keep your body from rejecting the donor organ.