Research conducted by the National Kidney Foundation has noted over 90,000 Americans die each year from kidney-related diseases. A shocking revelation that surpasses the percentage of both prostate and breast cancer. Many of us may not be aware that our kidneys play an integral role in sustaining our lives, and keeping them healthy should be a top priority. How can this be achieved, we hear you ask? There is no one simple answer, and our genes play a part, but mainly, taking care of our daily habits – what we eat, our sleep patterns, exercise routines – is key to preventing kidney damage and keeping our bodies healthy. Of course, we can’t ignore heart health, critically important to our overall well-being, so keep reading to learn some vital tips that will help you maintain your kidneys and a healthy heart and keep you in overall tip-top health!
Use More Herbs Than Salt
Many people are not aware that one of the number one killers of good health is attributed to the use of salt. Of course, we will admit salt does give our food flavor, but at the same time, it puts your kidneys under more pressure in having to drain water from the body. The excess salt affects the blood flow, which may end up putting your entire body in a compromising situation. Therefore, authorities, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), recommend reducing our daily intake to no more than one teaspoon.
Use Fewer Painkillers
We all have the bad habit of taking a painkiller as soon as we feel the slightest of pain, but are we aware of the underlying dangers? Taking a painkiller occasionally is okay, but when it gets too much, you put a strain on the kidneys as the elements found in these medications limit the proper flow of blood to the organ. The New England Journal of Medicine carried out a study that indicated that a yearly average of 5,000 or more cases of kidney failure in the U.S. occurs as a result of overdosing on pain relief medications such as Tylenol and Advil. Painkillers in themselves are not dangerous, they just should be used infrequently and in moderation, and if on other medication, it is important to check their compatibility even with the mildest painkillers.
Treat A “Regular” Cold As A Threat
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) notes two or three times per year most people suffer from a cold, and only push it aside like an annoying nasal problem. However, you may be doing more harm to your body’s long-term health than you can imagine. A cold left untreated will result in the body producing an excessive number of antibodies, which are a high-risk health factor for your kidneys. It may not happen right away, but the more these antibodies are fed and protected, the faster your kidneys are deteriorating.
Relieve Yourself The Moment You Have The Need To
Many of us have the bad habit of holding in our urine, especially if we don’t want to stop what we are doing at a given moment. But are you aware that this is one of the cruelest things you could ever do to your body? Bear in mind, the urine is a base of waste and harmful bacteria that accumulates the longer it stays in; the bacteria will eventually make its way to your kidneys, which is where the problems really begin. The next time you have an urge to go… make sure you do!
Quit Smoking
Whether you do it once a week, month, or year, a lot of us know by now that smoking is not healthy for your body. We have been well educated on the fact that smoking is dangerous for the lungs and heart, but not so much interest has been placed on the kidneys’ danger. When you smoke, this allows creatinine (a harmful substance that is usually excreted in the urine) to be produced in the body, which slowly makes its way to the kidneys and affects them negatively. Reports have shown both former and present smokers do develop kidney problems because of this harmful practice but quitting does help minimize the risk!
Quit Smoking
Leave Dried Apricots Off Your Menu
Apricots may be rich in vitamin A & C as well as fiber, but what many are not aware of is the high level of potassium they have. This is pretty unhealthy for your kidneys’ health. Take note, a cup of dried apricots contains roughly 1,500 mg of potassium, which is already 75% of your daily intake of potassium. Leave it off your menu or maybe just have one or two once in a while.
Leave Dried Apricots Off Your Menu
How To Eat Prunes, Raisins & Dates
As for these fruits, if you have kidney issues already then we say, “if you can avoid them, do so”. Prunes, raisins, and dates are quite high in potassium as a cup of prunes has up to and/or over 1,274 mg of potassium. This is a high quantity, so an alternative like plums could work out much better for you. If you don’t have any kidney problems these are a better snack than something processed and sugary.
Go For Healthy & Unprocessed Foods
A lot of the labeling on most processed food can make it seem like a healthy choice for you, while it actually hides the truth of the matter. Processed foods contain a lot of salt, potassium, and phosphorus in much higher amounts than the body should consume. Seeing as your kidneys generally filter through the small quantity of these ingredients that your body needs, they will be put under immense pressure with the excess amounts. Go for fresher and more naturally produced foods; your body will thank you later.
Go For Health Screening
Say No To The Bubbles
Sodas have no source of benefit for our bodies and only add a massive amount of sugar we definitely could do without. Consuming one 12-ounce drink shockingly has as much sugar as two or more donuts, which will put an enormous amount of strain on your kidneys’ effective functioning. Countless research has shown that drinking two or more soda daily can as much as double the risk of damaging your kidneys permanently, not only because of the sugar but also because of the phosphoric acid that they contain.
Sleep For Longer
Getting adequate rest will leave your kidneys in good shape because the longer you stay up, the longer your kidneys do as well. Research done at the University of Chicago demonstrated that those who slept for under seven hours every night had a 19 percent increased chance of kidney failure than those who slept for longer. Lack of sleep or rest puts too much strain on the functions of the kidneys and can eventually lead to failure.
Take The Full Dose of Prescribed Medications
Many of us have the terrible practice of stopping our medication before we have finished the full course of the prescription because we already feel a whole lot better. Don’t be tempted! Your prescribed medication helps to regulate your body (blood pressure medication, for example) and as routine is generally good for the body, changing the method of your prescription and taking them as a casual thing will throw your kidneys’ off-balance, confusing your body’s routine flow, which can be bad for those organs.