Kidney disease is a common health issue that affects one in every three American adults. Anyone can suffer from kidney disease, especially those with diabetes, high blood pressure, and a family history of kidney problems. Fortunately, board-certified Ghayyath Sultan, M.D. provides advanced treatments for kidney problems affecting your life quality.
Although kidney disease is common for senior adults, it can develop at any age. However, if detected early, kidney disease is treatable and manageable. Besides seeking routine screening and treatments, here are five ways to prevent kidney disease.
1. Be mindful of your salt intake
Many people don’t realize the effects of consuming much sodium on their kidney health. Besides raising your blood pressure, sodium-rich diets can also intensify your risk of developing kidney stones. These kidney stones cause irritation which increases your risk of kidney failure.
That’s why it’s important to minimize salt intake. Consult with your physician to understand the recommended quantity of sodium. Low-sodium foods will help improve your kidney functionality.
2. Monitor your diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels
We can’t deny the impact diabetes and hypertension causes on your kidney well-being. Both diabetes and high blood pressure are vastly driven by obesity. If you’ve any of these conditions or you’re overweight, you should seek specialist help to keep them under control.
In addition, individuals with high cholesterol levels are twice as likely to develop chronic kidney disease. However, working to achieve a healthy weight will significantly reduce your risk for kidney disease. Managing these conditions will not only remove stains from your kidneys but will also improve your general health.
3. Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking
The primary role of your kidneys is to filter substances from your blood. The alcoholic drinks you consume pass through your kidneys, leaving severe effects behind. However, although heavy drinking is prohibited, you can enjoy a glass of wine occasionally.
On the other hand, smoking slows blood flow to your kidneys, affecting its functionality. Tobacco increases your risk of developing kidney disease and other health-related issues. Deciding to quit smoking and limit alcohol intake will positively affect kidney health.
4. Keep moving and eat a healthy diet
Exercising has many tremendous results, including reduced risk of diabetes and kidney disease. Regular exercise for at least 30 minutes daily can help alleviate kidney health. Even simple aerobic exercises like jogging, swimming, biking, and hiking can safeguard you against kidney disease.
Additionally, healthy eating is a key component of maintaining a healthy weight. This comes in handy with reduced high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Consuming appropriate and healthy nutrients will prevent kidney disease occurrence.
5. Don’t skip your annual physical exam
Never wait to see a nephrologist when you’re unwell. Regarding kidney health, it’s wise to take a proactive approach whenever possible. Moreover, routine physical exams guarantee your safety against kidney disease.
Frequent evaluation from a nephrologist establishes a baseline for identifying changes that could indicate a problem. You can undergo a comprehensive urine or blood test for kidney disease. Furthermore, you will prevent kidney disease with early detection and timely treatment.
It can take significant time before realizing you have kidney disease. In most cases, it goes undetected until the disease is advanced. That’s why you should fully concentrate on leading a healthy lifestyle and having routine kidney evaluations.
If you’re silently fighting kidney disease, speak out and get quality medical care. With a professional nephrologist in your closet, you’ll overcome kidney disease. For prevention and management of kidney disease, visit a nephrology clinic today.
