Many people do not realize the important role your
kidneys play in the functionality of your entire body. Because of this, health issues with your kidneys can lead to other health complications. Below we will discuss some of the health problems that can arise from poor kidney health, as well as some of the ways you can prevent kidney disease.
Kidney disease may have no obvious causes, but there are several things that may put someone at higher risk of developing kidney disease. These include:
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Family history of kidney disease
If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, it is important to pay attention to any symptoms that develop, as this could be a sign of kidney disease-related health issues. Some common health complications that arise from kidney disease are
1. Gout
Gout is a type of arthritis that is often found in the toes. It is often a result of the kidneys not properly filtering your blood, which results in too much uric acid in the blood.
2. Anemia
When your kidneys are failing, they aren’t able to help your body produce red blood cells, which causes anemia.
3. Bone disease
Bone disease results from high phosphorus levels in your body. This happens because kidney disease prevents your body from being able to properly manage your body’s phosphorus levels.
4. Cardiovascular disease
Heart disease can be a result of kidney disease, but the reverse is also true – kidney disease can be caused by heart disease. Having kidney disease requires your heart to work harder in order to pump blood to your kidneys. For people who are on dialysis for kidney disease, heart disease is the most common cause of death.
Preventing Kidney Disease
Kidney disease can be prevented by prioritizing healthy eating and activity in your daily life. These can also be helpful if you have already been diagnosed with kidney disease and want to control your kidney health from getting worse.
Specifically, eating foods that are low in sodium, fat, and sugar is a great way to prevent kidney disease. Staying away from processed foods, eating fresh vegetables, and using lemon juice and spices to season your food instead of salt are all great ways to maintain a kidney-friendly diet.
Daily exercise can play a substantial role in keeping your kidneys. This is because exercise will help you maintain healthy body
weight and lower your blood pressure and cholesterol. Adults should aim for 30 minutes of exercise each day. This could be in the form of:
- Taking a walk
- Opting for the stairs instead of the elevator
- Participating in sports or workout classes
Taking care of your kidney health can prevent other serious health problems from developing. Make eating healthy and getting regular exercise a priority, and make sure you know the warning signs of kidney disease-related complications. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about your kidney health so that you can work together to come up with a prevention or treatment plan as soon as possible.