In observation of the previous World Kidney Day on March 9th, 2017 we are highlighting some of the underlying causes of kidney disease and steps that can be taken to avoid or limit these causes. Obesity is a well-known risk factor of diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. A less known and recognized, but equally important ramification of obesity is chronic kidney disease (CKD). For that reason, this year kidney health awareness focused on taken steps to reduce global obesity.
Obesity may cause chronic kidney disease in a variety of ways. It may contribute to it indirectly, by inducing or worsening diabetes and hypertension. And it may cause kidney damage directly, by placing an unduly high burden on the kidneys over many years. The best means to fight chronic kidney disease is prevention. Preventing chronic kidney disease is possible through simple healthy lifestyle practices.
Hydration
Drinking plenty of water throughout you daily activities provides your health obesity,y kidney with the needed support in doing their job better. The kidney works as a filtration for the blood by reducing waste materials. It is recommended to drink at least six to eight glasses of water a day, unless your doctor has prescribed four you a fluid restriction, necessary sometimes for cardiac problems.
Healthy foods
A proper diet filled with fresh foods in best for a healthy weight and over-all body function. Bad dietary habits contribute to under lying diseases that can lead to chronic kidney disease. A diet high in fat, sugar and salt contributes to medical conditions like hypertension and diabetes; both which are causes of cardiovascular, and also kidney diseases in our population. Following a healthy diet, moderating eating habits and controlling your weight is recommended for optimum health.
Exercise
Exercise regularly. If you’re healthy, getting your exercise is a good idea because, like healthy eating habits, regular physical activity can stave off weight gain and high blood pressure. Strenuous forms of exercise are not necessary, it is always recommended to start slow. Remember getting active can be fun! Try involving a friend or family member in your workouts. Create groups that can work out together and make the experience much more enjoyable. Exercise can be simple such as a long walk through your neighborhood, cycling, playing a sport or gentle stretches at home.
Reduce unhealthy habits
Smoking can damage blood vessels, which decreases the flow of blood in the kidneys. When the kidneys don’t have adequate blood flow, they can’t function at optimal levels. Smoking also increases the risk of high blood pressure as well as the risk of cancer, also in the kidney.
Taking over-the-counter, and other medications can cause kidney damage if taken too regularly over a prolonged periods. This includes common treatments such as Ibuprofen and aspirin
If you’re at risk, it is advised to get regular kidney function screening. If you have either diabetes or high blood pressure, kidney stones, some autoimmune diseases as lupus, or family history if kidney disease, your physician should screen for kidney dysfunction as part of routine care for those conditions, it is just a simple blood and urine test.
Together we can bring awareness to the importance of our health and its long term benefits for overall function including our kidneys. By choosing a healthy lifestyle in combination with increasing ones overall activity will help prevent obesity and kidney diseases. Remember to choose a healthy lifestyle for healthy kidneys.