Located just below the rib cage on both sides of your body, your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs whose job is to filter your blood. Every day, the kidneys remove waste, regulate your body’s electrolytes and control fluid levels. Because kidney disease can damage one or both of these vital organs, it’s important to take steps to reduce your risk of developing a kidney condition. Here are several ways to keep your kidneys healthy, day in and day out.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure
While high blood pressure can lead to a stroke or heart attack, it’s also the most common cause of kidney damage. Therefore, keeping an eye on your blood pressure on a regular basis and making changes to your diet and lifestyle as necessary can help reduce your risk of kidney disease.
Stay Active
Besides lowering your risk for diabetes – which can pose problems for your kidneys – exercising and keeping fit help lower your blood pressure. Try going for a walk outside, joining a fitness class or practicing yoga at home.
Watch Your Blood Sugar Levels
Keeping your blood sugar levels in check can also help mitigate the risk of developing kidney disease. Those with diabetes are more susceptible to kidney damage, making it particularly important to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Eat Well
One of the best ways to look after your blood pressure and blood sugar levels is with diet. Limit your intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates to balance your blood sugar, and cut down on your daily sodium consumption – the FDA recommends restricting sodium intake to less than 1500 mg per day for adults with hypertension and pre-hypertension.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with one of our Primary Care Physicians, please call Carthage Family Health Center at 315-493-4187.