{"id":786,"date":"2021-03-11T08:52:35","date_gmt":"2021-03-11T08:52:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/aarikethpharma.com\/?p=786"},"modified":"2021-03-11T08:52:37","modified_gmt":"2021-03-11T08:52:37","slug":"world-kidney-day-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aarikethpharma.com\/?p=786","title":{"rendered":"WORLD KIDNEY DAY 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Your kidneys are fist-sized organs located at the bottom of your rib cage, on both sides of your spine. They perform several functions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most importantly, they filter waste products, excess water, and other impurities from your blood. These waste products are stored in your bladder and later expelled through urine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, your kidneys regulate pH, salt, and potassium levels in your body. They also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and control the production of red blood cells.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your kidneys are also responsible for activating a form of vitamin D that helps your body absorb calcium for building bones and regulating muscle function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maintaining kidney health is important to your overall health and general well-being. By keeping your kidneys healthy, your body will filter and expel waste properly and produce hormones to help your body function properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some tips to help keep your kidneys healthy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Keep active and fit<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Regular exercise<\/a> is good for more than just your waistline. It can lower the risk of chronic kidney disease<\/a>. It can also reduce your blood pressure<\/a> and boost your heart health, which are both important to preventing kidney damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You don\u2019t have to run marathons to reap the reward of exercise. Walking,\u00a0running<\/a>, cycling, and even dancing are great for your health. Find an activity that keeps you busy and have fun. It\u2019ll be easier to stick to it and have great results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Control your blood sugar<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People with diabetes<\/a>, or a condition that causes high blood sugar, may develop kidney damage. When your body\u2019s cells can\u2019t use the glucose<\/a> (sugar) in your blood, your kidneys are forced to work extra hard to filter your blood. Over years of exertion, this can lead to life-threatening damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, if you can control your blood sugar<\/a>, you reduce the risk of damage. Also, if the damage is caught early, your doctor can take steps to reduce or prevent additional damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. Monitor blood pressure<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

High blood pressure<\/a> can cause kidney damage. If high blood pressure occurs with other health issues like diabetes, heart disease<\/a>, or high cholesterol<\/a>, the impact on your body can be significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A healthy blood pressure<\/a> reading is 120\/80. Prehypertension is between that point and 139\/89. Lifestyle and dietary changes may help lower your blood pressure at this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your blood pressure readings are consistently above 140\/90, you may have high blood pressure. You should talk with your doctor about monitoring your blood pressure regularly, making changes to your lifestyle, and possibly taking medication<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Monitor weight and eat a healthy diet<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

People who are overweight or obese<\/a> are at risk for a number of health conditions that can damage the kidneys. These include diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A healthy diet that\u2019s low in sodium, processed meats, and other kidney-damaging foods<\/a> may help reduce the risk of kidney damage. Focus on eating fresh ingredients that are naturally low-sodium, such as cauliflower, blueberries, fish, whole grains, and more.HEALTHLINE EVENTWill you get vaccinated?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We ask Lesley Stahl, Alyssa Milano, Brian Stokes Mitchell, and more in our Live Town Hall: COVID-19 One Year Retrospective on Thursday, March 11.GO NOW<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Drink plenty of fluids<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s no magic behind the clich\u00e9 advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but it\u2019s a good goal precisely because it encourages you to stay hydrated. Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. It also lowers your risk of chronic kidney disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters in a day. Exactly how much water you need<\/a> depends largely on your health and lifestyle. Factors like climate, exercise, gender, overall health, and whether or not you\u2019re pregnant or breastfeeding are important to consider when planning your daily water intake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who have previously had kidney stones<\/a> should drink a bit more water to help prevent stone deposits in the future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Don\u2019t smoke<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Smoking damages your body\u2019s blood vessels. This leads to slower blood flow throughout your body and to your kidneys.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Smoking also puts your kidneys at an increased risk for cancer. If you stop smoking, your risk will drop. However, it\u2019ll take many years<\/a> to return to the risk level of a person who\u2019s never smoked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Be aware of the amount of OTC pills you take<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you regularly take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, you may be causing kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs),<\/a> including ibuprofen<\/a> and naproxen<\/a>, can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People with no kidney issues who take the medicine occasionally are likely in the clear. However, if you use these medicines daily, you could be risking your kidneys\u2019 health. Talk with your doctor about kidney-safe treatments if you\u2019re coping with pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. Have your kidney function tested if you\u2019re at high risk<\/a><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re at high risk of kidney damage or kidney disease, it\u2019s a good idea to have regular kidney function tests<\/a>. The following people may benefit from regular screening:<\/p>\n\n\n\n