9 Secrets To Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Kidneys work hard day in and day out to maintain general health and well-being. So, the steps taken to keep the kidneys healthy can help the overall health. Detoxification and acid/alkaline balance carried out by..!!

Kidneys are vital for achieving and maintaining good health. When these processes are not carried out properly, they could lead to serious illness.

Every half-an-hour, kidneys filter all the blood in the body, removing toxins from the blood, excreting them in urine, and preventing organ damage. They also regulate the acid-alkaline balance in the body and prevent it from becoming acidic.

Acid-alkaline balance refers to the balance between the number of acids and alkalis (non-acids) that are found in body fluids such as blood, saliva, and urine. The measurement of pH levels determines this ratio of acids to alkalis. 

Balance in the acid-alkaline ratio results in good health, while an imbalanced ratio - either too acidic or too alkaline leads to illness. Hence, kidneys need to work efficiently to carry detoxification and acid-alkaline regulation.

Several things must be done to keep the kidneys functioning properly and as healthy as possible throughout life. Here are some secrets that can help your kidneys work efficiently at every stage of life.

Stay Hydrated:

In typical cases, a 2D Echo test may be done within 15-20 mins. If the patient has any heart problems, it may take some more time.

Control Your Blood Sugar Level:

Diabetes leads to kidney damage. So, it is really important to control blood sugar levels, and diabetic patients should get regular screening tests to check kidney functions. These tests help detect early kidney damage.

Monitor Blood Pressure:

It is well-known that high blood pressure leads to a stroke or heart attack. But very few know it is also the most common cause of kidney damage. High blood pressure can cause kidney damage, mainly when associated with other factors like Cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Limit over-the Counter Medications:

It is widespread to use nonprescription pills without getting a doctor's consultation. However, this habit can cause kidney damage if taken regularly over a prolonged period. While occasionally used to relieve pain, it doesn't pose a risk. 

People who take pain relievers regularly should get kidney function tests and find alternative ways to control pain.

Say yes to Exercise:

Being physically active can stave off high blood pressure and weight gain, which can increase the risk of developing chronic kidney disease. However, it is essential to watch how many exercises one should do, primarily based on one's condition. 

Overexerting, when one is not capable, can put a strain on the kidneys, while too much Exercise can cause an excessive breakdown of muscle tissue.

Limit Salt Intake:

The recommended sodium intake is 5-6 gms of salt per day. However, eating a lot of processed and outside food can exceed this level. High sodium intake strains the kidneys, which work efficiently to remove excess sodium from the body. 

Eating homemade food and making a habit of avoiding salty foods can control the amount of salt intake.

Quit Smoking:

Smoking slows down the blood flow to the kidneys. When the amount of blood that reaches the kidneys is reduced than usual, its functioning is affected. Also, smoking increases the risk of kidney cancer.

Include Probiotics & and Supportive Foods:

It is popular that one should maintain a healthy diet for overall health. Taking probiotics helps kidneys process waste materials and improves digestive health.

Also, to keep kidneys healthy at every stage of life, one should include foods that help kidneys function effectively in their diet. Watermelon, cranberries, olive oil, onions, apples, cabbage, cauliflower, strawberries, blueberries, peppers, and garlic are the foods that improve kidney functions.

Lower the Phosphorus Intake:

Phosphorus is found in most foods, especially carbonated soft drinks and processed foods. One needs 800 mg to 1,200 mg of phosphorus each day. But if consumed in excess amounts, healthy kidneys can flush it out. 

When kidneys don't work well, the excess phosphorus accumulates in the body, leading to potentially serious conditions such as bone and heart diseases.

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