There can be many reasons of a kidney failure
such as heart disease, scarring of the liver or liver
failure, dehydration, infections, uncontrolled
diabetes, kidney stones, use of drugs and alcohol,
blood clot in kidney, etc.
what precautions should
be taken to avoid kidney
failure?
Kidneys not only maintain the fluid balance
in the body but also protect the bones and
maintain blood pressure. When a kidney disease
is detected, one should consider these preventive
measures to ensure better kidney health:
Reduce the use of sugar in the diet to avoid any
chances of diabetes. People already suffering
from diabetes have higher chances of kidney
failure and therefore, during chronic conditions,
doctors recommend dialysis. Treatments through
dialysis increase the chances of a person to
survive but dialysis side effects can lead to other
severe problems.
Blood pressure level should be controlled as high
blood pressure leads to damage of blood vessels
resulting in kidney diseases.
Maintaining body weight is important as an
excessive weight can lead to a damage to the
kidneys. Obesity also escalates the risk of
occurrence of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Limit or quit the use of alcohol and tobacco.
Smoking damages blood vessels that causes
reduced flow of blood in kidneys. Inadequate
blood flow in kidneys disturbs the function of
the kidneys.
Excess use of over-the-counter medicines should
be avoided as medicines such as ibuprofen and
naproxen (NSAID’s) can cause kidney damage.
Sometimes, high amounts of certain vitamin
supplements and herbal extracts can be risky
for the kidneys.
Doctors suggest eating healthy foods i.e. diet high
in fruits and vegetables such as cauliflower, garlic,
onions, apples, cranberries. Beans and foods that
are low in salt (sodium content), sugar and fats
are supposed to be best.
The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop
Hypertension) diet is recommended as it is a
balanced and kidney-friendly diet.
Avoid sauces, salted snacks, cured foods and
lunch meats, processed or canned foods.
One should drink plenty of water and avoid
sugary carbonated drinks like soft drinks.
Reduce saturated fats such as cheese, ghee, cream
etc and eat unsaturated fats such as avocado,
salmon, nuts and seeds, etc.
Incorporating physical workout or any activity
such as regularly exercising or getting involved in
any sports activity is helpful for kidneys.
Routine checkups are important during any
kidney issue or if a person has diabetes and high
blood pressure. Kidney problems should not be
taken lightly by those who are at risk.
Article by Mohd Salman
WomanToWomanMagazine.com 9
/WomanToWomanMagazine.com
