!! Are your kidneys functioning properly? Read on to learn more!!

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Don’t smoke
Smoking is always a bad idea, but it’s also bad for your kidneys. Smoking damages blood vessels, which in turn decreases blood flow to your kidneys. Without adequate blood flow, your kidneys can’t function properly. Smoking can also lead to high blood pressure (a cause of CKD) and kidney cancer

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Go easy on OTC drugs

You might think that over-the-counter medications are harmless because they don’t require a prescription, but “common non-prescription pills like ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAIDs) can cause kidney damage if taken too regularly over a prolonged period,” according to Dr. James Simon. If you suffer from chronic pain or arthritis, talk to your doctor about monitoring your kidneys and to see if there are other ways to manage the pain.

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Drink in moderation

It’s always a good idea to consume alcohol in moderation, but it’s especially important if you have kidney disease. Your kidneys act as filters, removing harmful substances from your blood, including alcohol. Alcohol also reduces kidney function, decreasing their ability to filter your blood and maintain the right amount of fluids in your body. Alcohol can also raise your blood pressure, a common cause of kidney disease. What’s more, chronic drinking can damage your liver, adding to your kidneys’ workload

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Limit salt intake

Sodium affects blood pressure and body fluids—two important aspects of kidney health. You should watch your salt intake, especially if you have kidney disease. Avoid processed foods like deli meats, canned food, fast food, and salty snacks. Cook at home and use other seasonings, such as herbs and spices, instead.

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Maintain a healthy weight

Since high blood pressure is a risk factor of CKD, it is important to maintain a healthy weight. Being too heavy leads to higher blood pressure, so be sure to take steps to achieve a healthy body mass to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning properly.

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Monitor your blood pressure

Many people know that high blood pressure is bad for their heart, but few realize that it’s also the leading cause of kidney damage. Monitor your blood pressure to make sure you stay within healthy levels. If your blood pressure level exceeds 120/80, you will need to make some lifestyle and dietary changes to keep your kidneys—and heart—healthy.

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Sources

Campaign Infographics Downloads, World Kidney Day: http://www.worldkidneyday.org/resource/campaign-infographics-downloads-2/
About Chronic Kidney Disease, National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/about-chronic-kidney-disease
Six-Step Guide to Protecting Kidney Health, National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/sixstepshealthprimer
2018 Campaign, World Kidney Day: http://www.worldkidneyday.org/2018-campaign/
2018 WKD Theme, World Kidney Day: http://www.worldkidneyday.org/2018-campaign/2018-wkd-theme/
7 Secrets to Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy, Heath Essentials, Cleveland Clinic: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/7-secrets-to-keeping-your-kidneys-healthy/
Kidney Patients Are at Higher Risk – Don’ Forget Your Flu Jab!, Kidney Research UK: https://www.kidneyresearchuk.org/news/kidney-patients-at-higher-risk--dont-forget-your-flu-jab
Nutrition, The Kidney Foundation of Canada: https://www.kidney.ca/atlantic-canada/nutrition
Understanding Your Lab Values, National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/understanding-your-lab-values
Alcohol and Your Kidneys, National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/alcohol
Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy, NHD Choices: https://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Kidneyhealth/Pages/Loveyourkidneys.aspx
8 Golden Rules, World Kidney Day: http://www.worldkidneyday.org/faqs/take-care-of-your-kidneys/8-golden-rules/