How healthy are your kidneys?

Today, is World Kidney Day, a global campaign aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys and overall health and to help reduce the frequency of kidney disease.

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease (NIH) suggest that you can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that may cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

The NIH also suggests early testing if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart disease, or have a family history of kidney failure.

“Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms, so getting tested may be the only way to know your kidneys are healthy.”

Health food choices are also very beneficial in the prevention of kidney disease.  The NIH lists fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products as suggested options.  Also, you should cut back on salt and added sugar intake.

Making physical activity part of your daily routine is also a way to prevent kidney disease.  Other prevention tips include getting enough sleep, limit alcohol intake, and stop smoking.

The diagnosis of kidney disease can be scary and challenging, for both the patient and their loved ones.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists that kidney disease is the ninth leading cause of death in the United States.

Preventing type 2 diabetes is also a key player in stopping the development of kidney disease.

The CDC lists that “overweight people at higher risk for type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the disease by losing five to seven percent of their body weight, or 10 to 14 pounds for a 200-pound person. You can do that by eating healthier and getting 150 minutes of physical activity each week.”

If you have concerns about kidney disease, reach out to your health care provider.

Written by: Marie Bakken