Research conducted by the National Kidney Foundation has noted over 90,000 Americans die each year from kidney-related diseases. We may not be aware that kidneys play an integral role in sustaining our lives, and keeping them healthy should be a top priority. To do this we need to know that our genes play a part, but most importantly taking care of our daily habits like what we eat, our sleep patterns, exercise routines – all very key to preventing kidney damage and keeping our bodies healthy.
Here are some tips that will help us maintain our kidneys and a healthy heart:
Use More Herbs Than Salt
Do you know 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, recommend reducing our daily intake to no more than one teaspoon.
Use Fewer Painkillers
If you are in the bad habit of taking a painkiller as soon as you feel the slightest of pain, you need to shake it off because 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. Pain killers such as Tylenol and Advil in themselves are not dangerous, they just should be used infrequently and in moderation.
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
The cruelest thing you can do to yourself is holding in your urine when you feel the need. 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, it is clear to all of us that smoking is not healthy for your body. Smoking affects the lungs and the heart. 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!
Go For Healthy & Unprocessed Foods
Resist the temptation of eating processed foods which contain a lot of salt and potassium and phosphorus in much higher amounts than the body needs. 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.
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 .Experts believe that having less than 7 to 8 hours sleep 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.
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