According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in three adults have a high risk for kidney disease in the U.S. Your kidneys are regulators of the systems in your body, important in detoxifying, heart function, hormonal balance, and other functions. Preventive care for your kidneys can help keep these essential organs functioning properly and identify early signs of disease. Here are some of the top preventive care tips for kidney health.
Preventive Care with Healthy Diet and Exercise
Like most systems in the body, the kidneys perform best when the body is at a healthy weight, with a good diet and enough exercise. A healthy diet with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and good fats can help maintain a proper weight and are important in preventive care for your kidneys. Another important aspect is reducing sodium. Most Americans eat 50% or more of the amount of sodium recommended that can lead to high blood pressure and stress on the kidneys.
Quit Smoking
Smoking is not just a danger to your lungs and heart, it can also impact your kidneys. Smoking is a key impactor of high blood pressure, which impacts the health of the kidneys. Smoking also can reduce blood flow in the body which is vital to kidney health. Quitting smoking is a critical part of preventive care for healthy kidneys.
Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption
A key component of preventive care for the kidneys is avoiding excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol impacts the liver, blood pressure, hydration, and other factors that are crucial to kidney health. While a glass of wine with dinner or alcohol in moderation is considered safe for those in good health, excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided to prevent damage to your kidney and overall health.
Are You at Risk for Kidney Disease?
Preventive care for kidneys is important for those with higher risk of kidney disease.High risk factors for kidney disease include:
- Drug Use
- Diabetes
- Congenital defects
- High blood pressure
- Alcoholic addiction
- Family history of kidney disease
Those with a higher risk for kidney disease should be on a preventive care plan and monitor their kidney health. Early detection of kidney functional issues can help improve treatment options and prevent kidney failure. Testing for protein in the urine and creatinine levels in the blood can help your doctor detect indicators of poor kidney function.
At Family Diagnostic Clinic, we offer a team of preventive care and diagnostic specialists to help you maintain your health. If you are concerned about your kidney health or are at high risk for kidney disease, schedule a preventive care visit at one of our clinics in Houston or Tomball.