Nearly 40 million Americans have kidney disease, a progressive condition that happens when your kidneys no longer function efficiently and effectively. Chronic kidney disease can be life-threatening, but it causes few or no symptoms in its early stages, making it difficult to spot — experts estimate that 90% of people with kidney disease don’t even know their kidneys are struggling.
Fortunately, kidney function evaluations are quick and simple, involving a urine sample and blood test to measure proteins, glucose, and other markers for kidney troubles. It’s also easy to take steps to prevent kidney disease simply by making a few basic lifestyle changes.
As a leading nephrology practice in Houston and Cypress, Texas, Houston Kidney Specialists Center offers state-of-the-art care to help patients maintain their kidney health and prevent kidney disease and its complications. In this post, our team lists seven steps you can take to help protect your kidney health now and in the future.
Anyone can develop kidney disease, but it’s more common among people with certain risk factors, including:
Taking certain medications — including over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and even some herbal supplements — can increase your risk of kidney problems, especially if you take high doses or take them for an extended period.
Eating a kidney-friendly diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins provides these organs with the nutrients they need for optimal function. It’s also important to limit your salt intake — too much sodium makes your kidneys work harder, causing excess strain that leads to kidney damage over time.
Physical activity helps you maintain lower blood pressure, reduces blood sugar, and improves overall circulation, all of which benefit kidney health and function. Best of all, you don’t need to join a gym or run a marathon to reap these benefits: All it takes is about 30 minutes of brisk exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling at least five days per week to help your kidneys thrive.
If you’re overweight, your risks of heart disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes increase, too — all factors that make kidney problems more likely. Managing your weight reduces these risks and reduces the strain on your kidneys — in addition to benefitting your physical and emotional health in many other ways.
You know smoking is bad for your heart and lungs — but it’s also bad for your kidneys. Smoking narrows blood vessels and impairs circulation, making it harder for your kidneys to do their job. Over time, smoking both increases the risk of developing chronic kidney disease and makes existing kidney problems worse. It also increases your risk of kidney cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption can damage the liver and your kidneys, too. Alcohol dehydrates you, and it can lead to high blood pressure, a risk factor for kidney disease. Heavy drinking can damage your kidneys and make it more difficult for them to filter your blood, as well. Stay hydrated with water; if you want to indulge in alcohol, do so in moderation.
Sleep is when your organs and tissue recover from the stresses and strains of the day. It’s also a time when your blood pressure decreases and hormone and glucose levels have time to stabilize themselves — all positive factors for kidney health.
It’s not always easy to get a good night’s sleep, especially when your thoughts and anxieties keep intruding. These tips from the National Sleep Foundation can help.
It’s easy to ignore your kidneys when they’re not causing any troubles, but considering that millions of people have kidney disease without even knowing it, it’s more important than ever to give them the support they need for optimal function.
To schedule a kidney evaluation with our experienced, compassionate team, request an appointment online or over the phone at our practice locations in Cypress and Houston, Texas, today.
