How To Maintain Healthy Kidneys
Your kidneys play a vital role in removing excess water and waste from your blood, maintaining appropriate levels of electrolytes and minerals, and activate certain forms of vitamin D, and keeping hormones that help control blood pressure in check. Healthy kidneys not only help prevent serious medical issues, but they can also help you feel better overall.
It is important to know genetics and family history play a significant role in the chances of developing kidney disease; there are several steps you can take to keep your kidneys functioning as well as possible.
One of the best and most effective ways to help keep your kidneys functioning properly is to watch what you eat and drink. Since the kidneys’ primary function is to remove waste and excess water from the blood, they are easily affected by diets high in sodium, fat, or anything else that needs to be filtered out from the food.
Sodium, in particular, has a significant impact on kidney function. Although sodium and other electrolytes are essential for proper muscle function and protect against fatigue, cramping, or injury, too much sodium can be counter-productive and, if severe enough, can elevate blood pressure as your kidney is unable to remove the sodium fast enough.
Adequate water intake can counteract some of the effects of sodium, fats, or other substances, on the kidneys and help them filter the blood. In general, it is recommended to aim for at least 2 liters of water a day. However, your activity level may require more water to be consumed to keep electrolyte levels where they need to be.
Regular exercise can also keep things moving through your kidneys. Especially when a long-term routine is maintained, this can keep the function of your kidney at a good and healthy level instead of requiring a lot of work after being sedentary for long durations.
Although you might not be able to avoid issues caused by genetics or family history, it’s essential to do what you can to keep your kidneys working as well as possible. Board-certified urologist Dr. Shridharani in Chattanooga, TN, can use your family history and lifestyle to develop a custom plan for healthy kidneys. Call the office at 423-778-4636 or visit www.drshrid.com to schedule an appointment today.
