The kidneys intensely contribute to one’s health as they cleanse the body of waste, maintain the balance of fluids and blood pressure, and support the composition of the entire body. Caring for them properly is critical in order to avoid serious conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) and kidney stones forming; in this post we’ll go over important kidney health tips, how you can keep strong kidneys at any age, when seeking medical assistance at Absolute Urgent Care if needed, etc.
Understanding Kidney Health
Situated on both sides of the spine just below the rib cage, kidneys are bean shaped organs. These organs have a complete equation of blood filtration which works over 120 to 150 quarts in a single day. Cow sewage in these organs is separated to produce urine. Thus, in controlling blood pressure, production of red blood cells and electrolyte levels, these organs are a huge help.
There are lots of complications that can arise from these organs being sick and we are talking about things like high blood pressure or kidney stones, but worst of all, chronic renal disease and renal failure as well. Chronic renal disease affects about 37 million American citizens, what’s shocking about it is that these people most probably will not even know they have this issue until it is too late.
Absolute Urgent Care emphasizes early intervention. Modifying lifestyle choices may dramatically lower your risk for kidney issues.
Don’t Over Hydrate: Stay Hydrated
Another of the simplest and most efficient methods of caring for your kidneys is by making sure you take enough water – 8-10 glasses will do just the trick. The intake of water has the kidneys performing great by doing away with waste from the bloodstream and at the same time, lowers the chance of kidney stones. kidney stone risk. For maximum effectiveness aim for 8-10 cups each day as your goal.
As appropriate for physical activity levels, weather conditions, and individual needs. While adequate hydration is key, drinking too much can actually place strain on the kidneys and create kidney stone formation.
When to see a doctor: If you notice changes in urination patterns such as dark-colored urine or unusual thirst or dehydration symptoms, or feel thirstier or dehydrated than normal it’s time to consult a healthcare provider like those found at Absolute Urgent Care.
Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet
Your diet plays an essential part in keeping kidney health optimal; by eating the appropriate foods while limiting exposure to harmful substances, eating appropriately and making smart food choices you can decrease the likelihood of kidney problems and maintain kidney wellness. Here’s some foods that support kidney wellness: a. Foods That Benefit Kidney Health
Fruits and Vegetables: Eating apples, berries, and leafy greens is an easy way to decrease potassium consumption while receiving plenty of antioxidants from nature. Whole Grains: Oatmeal, brown rice and whole wheat provide ample amounts of fiber which help regulate blood sugar levels while alleviating kidney strain.
Lean Proteins: Fish, chicken and plant-based proteins tend to be easier on your kidneys than high-fat red meats.
Limit Salt and Processed Foods: Sodium increases blood pressure which in turn puts strain on kidneys so limiting salt and processed food helps protect them! reducing its consumption is key in keeping both organs healthy!
Use herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor food, while limiting processed meats and canned food, both which tend to contain large quantities of sodium. When seeking advice about your diet from Absolute Urgent Care’s healthcare team, our physicians offer customized advice geared specifically toward your individual needs.
Balance Your Blood Pressure and Sugar Levels
High blood pressure and diabetes are leading causes of kidney damage. Both conditions strain kidneys over time and lead to Chronic Kidney Disease.
- Control High Blood Pressure: Managing Hypertension for Better Renin Function.
- Treat High Blood Pressure With Medical Therapies
Consistent blood pressure management, both through the use of appropriate drugs and through lifestyle changes, acts as an effective way of reducing the risk of development of kidney disease. Appropriate physical activity should also be undertaken: attain moderate levels of physical activity for at least thirty minutes every day to help reduce the risks related to kidney disease.
Limit salt intake: As noted before, cutting back on sodium consumption can help lower blood pressure. When living with diabetes it’s crucial that blood sugar levels stay under control as an excess can damage kidney blood vessels leading to decreased kidney functionality.
When to see a doctor: If you find it challenging to manage high blood pressure or sugar levels, seek help from Absolute Urgent Care’s specialists as early intervention is key in protecting kidneys against long-term damage.
Avoid Overusing Pain Meds
Self-medication by taking over-the-counter medication like Ibuprofen or Naproxen in large and frequent doses over prolonged periods can lead to nephrotoxicity. These medicines decrease the supply of blood to your kidneys, hence disturbing their proper and optimal functioning.
Tip: Use pain medicines only as instructed and strictly as intended by healthcare providers.
If you find yourself taking multiple pain relievers on a regular basis, speak to a healthcare provider to explore safer alternatives. Overdoing it with medications is one of the primary causes of kidney issues and should never be done without consulting first with one at Absolute Urgent Care.
Schedule Regular Kidney Function Screenings
Regular kidney function tests can detect issues early, even before symptoms appear. They are especially effective if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Has a Family History of Kidney Disease
A blood test will determine how well your kidneys are doing their job of filtering waste substances in your blood while urinalysis tests can check if there is blood or protein in the urine, indicative of possible kidney damage.
When you should be tested: Such tests are required if you belong to any of the one or more high-risk groups or if your family has a history of kidney disease, or if you plan to have testing done at Absolute Urgent Care to keep track of its health condition.
Stop Smoking
Smoking not only harms your lungs but it increases the risk of kidney disease as it interferes with their ability to function optimally and raises your blood pressure, further raising its risks of damage to them. Benefits associated with quitting include improved circulation to kidneys, decreased blood pressure and less risk for cancerous kidney damage.
Be Wary of Alcohol Consumption
While occasional or moderate alcohol use will likely not lead to irreparable kidney damage, excessive drinking can damage organs over time by dehydrating the body and raising blood pressure – so drink wisely.
Tip:Absolute Urgent Care offers counseling and support services that can assist women in cutting down to one drink daily and two for men to lower alcohol consumption and preserve kidney health.
Keep a Healthy Weight
Excess weight increases a person’s chances of developing diabetes and high blood pressure which further predispose one to kidney diseases. An effective measure to safeguard the kidneys through nutrition and physical activity is the cutting down of weight using the correct diet and adequate physical exercises.
Tip: Combine cardio exercises with strength training for overall wellness, making small but sustainable dietary adjustments to achieve long-term weight loss goals.
Absolute Urgent Care can provide assistance with weight management by creating an individual plan tailored specifically to you that supports both kidney health and overall wellbeing.
Recognizing Kidney Disease
Kidney disease usually has no manifestations in the early stages; however, as it advances, there may be some potentially visible symptoms that start to manifest, such as; your ankles or feet swelling, fatigue or being weak, frequent urination at night and also urine that is foamy or blood-stained, may be some classic signs of having kidney disorders.
Loss of Appetite
If any of these symptoms present themselves, seek medical assistance immediately. At Absolute Urgent Care we have healthcare providers trained in testing kidney diseases as well as providing treatment plans.
It is a must to keep the kidneys in optimal shape as it contributes much to one’s quality health. Drinking sufficient water, a balanced diet, controlling blood pressure and glucose level, and booking enough screenings can significantly reduce the chances of developing kidney disease.
For further help protecting your kidneys visit Absolute Urgent Care where our experienced medical team provides expert guidance with personalized attention for early intervention to protect long-term function of kidneys.
By taking proactive steps now, you can ensure your kidneys stay strong and functional for many years to come.
