There are many things you can do to help keep your kidneys healthy. Here are our top 10 tips:
1. Take medication as directed. It’s important to use medications exactly as your doctor prescribed. This will help them work as intended. Some medications can slow the development of kidney disease. Here are some tips to help you manage multiple medications.
2. Stay active. Exercise can help you manage your blood pressure and blood sugar. Keeping both in check will protect your kidneys. Here are some reasons to get and stay active.
3. Stop smoking. Smoking can raise your blood pressure. High blood pressure can make kidney disease worse. Substances in tobacco smoke can also cause damage to the kidneys. Here are some tips to help kick the habit.
4. Limit alcohol. Drinking too much alcohol can also raise your blood pressure. If you do drink alcohol, limit your intake to one drink per day for women. Men can have up to two drinks per day.
5. Eat a healthy diet. Nutrition plays a big role in keeping your kidneys healthy. Use this balanced plate as a guide.
6. Monitor your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your blood sugar regularly. High blood sugar can make kidney disease worse. Here are some tips to help you stay healthy with diabetes.
7. Follow up with your doctor regularly. Close follow-up with your healthcare team will help you and your doctors stay on top of your health.
8. Manage your stress. Stress is a major cause of high blood pressure. Here are some healthy ways to help you de-stress.
9. Avoid over-the-counter pain medications. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (or NSAIDS) like ibuprofen and naproxen can hurt your kidneys. If you need pain meds, ask your doctor what kind to take, and how much is safe for you.
10. Drink the right amount of water. Dehydration can hurt your kidneys. Ask your doctor how much water is right for you.