Mar 16, 2022

Take Five for Your Kidneys

Crisp Living.

This month is National Kidney Month. Your kidneys play vitally important roles in helping your body function properly, filtering waste, and managing the production of red blood cells.

As we age, our kidneys may become damaged. In fact, one in three Americans is at risk for developing kidney disease. However, there are several things we can do to help keep our kidneys healthy and functioning well.

Get tested regularly. Your doctor can perform annual tests to determine the health of your kidneys. They may do an ACR urine test or a GFR blood test. If you keep up with these tests annually, you’ll be able to catch an unhealthy kidney early on.
These tests are recommended for those who have diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of kidney disease or are over the age of 60.
Limit your use of NSAIDS. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are common over-the-counter pain relievers. We often take them without much thought to relieve headaches and other mild pains. But taking too many NSAIDS can damage your kidneys. Always stick to the recommended dosage and try not to use NSAIDS regularly.
Practice healthy eating habits. Avoid process foods and foods high in sodium, nitrates, and phosphates. These can lead to kidney disease. Instead prioritize fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.
Make exercising a habit. Just 30 minutes of exercise a day has great benefits for your kidneys, bones, muscles, and heart.
Keep diabetes and blood pressure in check. Diabetes and high blood pressure are the number one causes of kidney disease and failure. Talk to your doctor about how you can healthily manage your blood pressure and diabetes.

Doing these five simple things can make a big difference in your kidneys’ health. Use this month to make your kidney healthy a priority and spread the word to your friends and family about how they can keep their kidneys healthy as well.

Take Five for Your Kidneys

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