Tips for Kidney Health during National Kidney Month
The National Kidney Foundation designates March as National Kidney Month. You probably know your kidneys are important but do you know exactly what they do for your body and how to keep them in tip top shape? We’re refreshing your memory and offering tips for kidney health.
Your kidneys are two flat organs located in your lower back. Along with your liver and digestive system, they are responsible for filtering out toxins and waste from your body. Approximately every 30 minutes your kidneys eliminate impurities from your entire bloodstream. Your kidneys are also responsible for regulating fluid, salt, potassium and acid levels in the body, as well as producing red blood cells and Vitamin D.
It is estimated that one and three people in the U.S. are at risk of kidney disease due to family history or chronic diseases or conditions like diabetes or hypertension that lead to kidney disease. More than 26 million have kidney disease but many are unaware they have it because it is symptomless until they kidney are in grave jeopardy. Kidney disease is the 9th leading cause of death in the U.S.
Lifestyle choices can help prevent kidney disease. Implement these tips for kidney health to keep your kidneys working hard for your body:
Tip #1: Drink plenty of water – Water helps your organs flush out toxins. You don’t have to over-do it but stay hydrated with water and water-based fruits and vegetables.
Tip #2: Eat kidney-friendly foods – The best foods for your kidneys include olive oil, peppers, apples, blueberries, watermelon, cranberries, cilantro, lemons, cabbage and cauliflower, among others.
Tip #3: Keep risk factors in check – You can’t change your genetics but you can help control risk factors of kidney disease such as high blood pressure, blood glucose levels and obesity.
Tip #4: Exercise to your fitness level – Exercising is good for every aspect of your health, including your kidneys. But overexerting yourself during exercise can be detrimental to your kidneys. If you breakdown your muscles too much because it puts extra strain on your kidneys.
Tip #5: Keep your system clean – Eat fresh, whole foods as much as possible. Processed foods have many unnatural compounds and are often laden with phosphorus, which can burden your kidneys. Also avoid toxins like tobacco, alcohol and over-the-counter pain medications.
Tip #6: Take probiotics – Healthy flora in the gut supports your immune system and your body’s entire purification channels. Probiotics help filter out waste more efficiently.
Tip #7: Bathe in Epsom salt – Epsom salt is a natural way to draw out impurities and help detoxify your body. Think of it as a relaxing way to assist your kidneys.
Sources: National Kidney Foundation, Cleveland Clinic, Newport Natural Health
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