Kidneys are responsible for many functions in the body. The kidneys filter and remove excess waste products, minerals and fluid. According to the National Kidney Foundation, kidneys filter approximately 200 quarts of fluid per day and excrete about two quarts of waste and fluid also known as urine. Kidneys regulate sodium, potassium and acids in the body to maintain electrolyte and fluid balance. Hormones necessary for red blood cell production, calcium absorption in the bones and for blood pressure regulation are produced by the kidneys. With so many essential roles the kidneys play in the body, it is important to keep them healthy.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a disease in which the body is unable to regulate blood sugar levels and is the primary cause of chronic kidney disease in the United States, says The National Kidney Foundation. High blood sugar levels cause increased blood flow to the kidneys, which causes the kidneys to work harder than usual and damage the kidneys' blood vessels. Over extended periods, this can lead to kidney disease or kidney failure. If the blood sugars return to normal and remains well-controlled, then the kidneys can resume regular functioning. Blood sugars that remain elevated consistently for three to five years or more lead to irreversible damage to the kidneys, says the National Kidney Foundation. If you have diabetes, take your medication as prescribed by your doctor, follow a carbohydrate controlled diabetic diet and check you blood sugars regularly.
High Blood Pressure
Hypertension, otherwise known as high blood pressure, measures the amount of force on the artery wall as blood flows through. High blood pressure damages blood vessels. Damaged blood vessels in the kidneys leads to kidney disease, which eventually leads to kidney failure, causing you to need dialysis in order to clean your blood. High blood pressure causes 25,000 new cases of kidney failure each year in the United States, says the National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearinghouse. Prevent high blood pressure by limiting your sodium and salt intake. Avoid adding salt to foods and in cooking, and monitor your food portion sizes. Maintain a healthy weight by exercising and limiting your fat intake. Routine check-ups with your doctor will catch any issues with your blood pressure so it can be treated appropriately with diet and medications.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Overweight and obesity are defined as having excess weight over what is considered healthy for your height and can lead to serious health issues and diseases. Body mass index, or BMI, determines your weight classification. According to the Center for Disease Control, a BMI of 24.9 to 29.9 is considered to be overweight, and a BMI greater than 30 is considered to be obese. Obesity is linked to type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, which both can lead to kidney disease. Eat foods in moderation and decrease your portion size to limit your calorie, fat and sugar intake, which cause weight gain. Exercise as much as possible to prevent weight gain and help you lose weight if you are overweight or obese. If you struggle with your weight, talk to a dietitian to help you get on a weight loss plan.
Drugs and Alcohol
The kidney filters and removes wastes, so any drugs or alcohol in your system pass through the kidneys to be excreted. According to the National Kidney Foundation, certain over-the-counter medications can harm the kidneys when taken in high doses. These medications include aspirin, acetaminophen and ibuprofen. If you need to take any of these on a daily basis, consult with a doctor to determine a more appropriate treatment for your issue. Alcohol and street drugs such as heroin, cocaine and amphetamines have been found to cause kidney damage in addition to high blood pressure, heart failure and liver damage, says the National Kidney Foundation. Only take medications prescribed by your doctor and take them according to the instructions on the label.
References
- National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearinghouse: High Blood Pressure and Kidney Disease
- Centers of Disease Control: Overweight and Obesity
- National Kidney Foundation: Drug Abuse and Your Kidneys
- National Kidney and Urological Disease Information Clearinghouse: Diabetes and Kidney Disease
- National Kidney Foundation: Diabetes and Kidney Disease
