Ways To Avoid Kidney Disease
Get a Primary Care Physician: Everyone needs a primary
care physician,” says Dr. Coleman. “They are the captain of the
ship of your body.” She recommends patients see them at minimum
once per year, or as often as the physician recommends.
Make sure the PCP performs a physical exam, runs a metabolic
blood profile and a urinalysis showing creatinine levels once
per year. Creatinine is the number doctors use to see how well
the kidneys are working. When your kidneys aren’t functioning
properly, creatinine can accumulate in your body. A urinalysis
will also help see if damage is being done to your kidneys.
Exercise: Keep active and exercise. Movement stimulates the
body and helps all organs do what they were made to do. Dr.
Coleman recommends 30 minutes of exercise a minimum of
three times per week under the supervision of a PCP. Exercise will also help improve muscle function and sleep,
which will in turn benefit kidney function. Even moderate exercise such as walking will improve one’s overall
quality of health.
Water, Water, Water: “Drink lots of water,” says Dr. Coleman. Water flushes the toxins from the kidneys and
keeps your entire body hydrated. “You want to keep flushing toxins out of your body. The best way to do that
is with lots of water,” she says. Those living in the Lowcountry should be extra careful to drink enough water, as
they can lose hydration easily through daily activity.
Control Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the leading cause of kidney disease. Monitor
your blood pressure. Try to keep your top number (systolic) below 130; your diastolic number (bottom) below
80. Salt is an enemy. It raises blood pressure and puts unneeded stress on your kidneys.
Avoid Preserved Meats: Preserved meats such as lunch meat, bacon, pepperoni and red meat are high in
uric acid and salt, which are hard on kidney function and also causes painful gout.
Control Bad Cholesterol: Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg. Good cholesterol should be above
50. Limit dining out, especially fast foods. It is suggested one eat more high antioxidant foods such as colorful
fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and low or non-fat dairy products.
Avoid Cigarettes: Smoking affects your entire body, including your kidneys. Smoking can also interfere with
medications used to treat high blood pressure.
Control Your Blood Sugar: Try to keep blood sugar levels (A1C) less than 7 percent. Uncontrolled diabetes
accelerates loss of kidney function. It is suggested people try to consume high-fiber/low-sugar foods.
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