29-11-2022
How To Remain Active While Living With Kidney Disease

The kidneys are two fist-sized organs that are situated on either side of the spine at the base of the rib cage. They perform a variety of duties.

Most importantly, they purge your blood of pollutants, excess water, and waste products. These wastes are kept in your bladder and then expelled by urine. The pH, salt, and potassium levels in your body are also regulated by your kidneys. They also produce hormones that regulate blood pressure and the production of red blood cells.

Additionally, a form of vitamin D that aids in calcium absorption for bone growth and maintaining muscular function is activated by your kidneys.

Maintaining kidney function is essential for your overall health and wellbeing. Your body will correctly filter and eliminate waste and produce hormones to support optimal body functioning if you keep your kidneys healthy.

Causes of Kidney Diseases

Diabetes, high blood pressure, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, excessive painkiller usage, and glomerulonephritis are some of the primary causes of kidney disease. A few other risk factors include family history, smoking, inactivity, inadequate hydration, and obesity.

How can you prevent kidney disease?

  • Drink enough water; too little or water consumption might be hazardous to your health.
  • Refrain from using frequently painkillers and over-the-counter medications.
  • Refrain from overusing protein supplements.
  • If you have kidney stones or an infection in your urine, seek treatment as soon as possible.
  • Maintain control of diabetes by making necessary dietary, lifestyle modifications and proper medicines if required.
  • Smoking harms the body in many ways, and the kidneys are no exception.
  • Since blood pressure is a precursor to renal disease, it should be regularly examined.

Tips for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD)

If you already have kidney illness, following these recommendations will help you greatly control your difficulties.

  • Restrict sodium intake: People with CKD should consume less salt overall. Sodium aids in the maintenance of the body's water balance, but too much of it can result in water retention, which can cause swollen ankles, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and other symptoms if the kidneys are not functioning properly.
  • Limit phosphorus intake: Phosphorus is a mineral that is present in meat, poultry, nuts, and beans. A damaged kidney's inability to excrete excess phosphorus increases your chance of developing heart disease.
  • Steer clear of foods high in potassium:Found in a variety of fruits, including oranges, melons, potatoes, and tomatoes, potassium should be avoided since the kidneys cannot remove it, which can result in an excess of it in the blood. Throughout the day, consume less sodium overall.
Doctor
Dr. Vijay Kumar Sinha
Director
Department of Nephrology and Kidney Transplant
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