They may be small in size, but your kidneys play a big role in keeping you healthy. Here are nine tips to keep them going strong.

9 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy - Essential Tips for Kidney Health

9 Tips for Maintaining Healthy Kidneys

Kidney disease is the fastest growing noncommunicable disease in the United States, according to the American Kidney Fund. Kidney disease affects 37 million Americans, or 15 percent of all adults. It’s often called the “silent epidemic,” because signs and symptoms are usually nonexistent until the kidneys are already damaged. Once kidneys fail, people need lifelong dialysis or a kidney transplant. With good management and new treatments, kidney disease can be prevented and managed. Here are nine ways to keep your kidneys healthy and slow down progression of the disease.

They may be small in size, but the two fist-sized organs located near the bottom of your rib cage certainly pack a punch when it comes to keeping you healthy and on the go.

Your kidneys keep your body healthy and in a state of balance by filtering waste products, excess water, and other impurities from your blood. They also help your body absorb calcium for bone and muscle health and regulate blood pressure and salt and potassium levels.

Maintaining healthy kidneys is crucial for overall well-being and the prevention of various kidney-related disorders. These essential organs play a vital role in filtering waste products and toxins from the blood, regulating blood pressure, balancing electrolytes, and producing hormones. By adopting certain lifestyle changes and habits, you can ensure the long-term health of your kidneys. In this blog post, we will discuss nine effective ways to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning optimally.

With all of these important tasks, it’s important to keep them healthy. Here’s what you can do:

Also see: Causes of Kidney Stones and Symptoms

1. Stay Hydrated

Adequate hydration is essential for maintaining healthy kidneys. Water helps flush out toxins and waste products from the body, preventing the formation of kidney stones and Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water per day, and increase your fluid intake during hot weather or physical activity.

2. Follow a Balanced Diet

A well-balanced diet is key to kidney health. Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins in your meals. Limit your intake of processed foods, saturated fats, salt, and added sugars. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, can help protect your kidneys from oxidative damage.

Also see: The Ultimate Guide To Eating Well For Much, Much Less

3. Manage Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can have a detrimental effect on kidney health. Monitor your blood pressure regularly and take steps to keep it within a healthy range. Limit your sodium intake, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.

Also see: Stress Relieving Foods

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity and overweight are risk factors for kidney disease. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can reduce the strain on your kidneys and lower the risk of developing kidney-related conditions. Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or swimming, and follow a balanced diet to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Also see: 15 Foods You Can Eat Without Gaining Weight

5. Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise not only helps maintain a healthy weight but also improves overall cardiovascular health, which is closely linked to kidney function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise routine.

6. Limit Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to kidney damage and other health issues. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For men, limit intake to a maximum of two drinks per day, and for women, limit to one drink per day. Remember that excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to high blood pressure and obesity, which are detrimental to kidney health.

7. Quit Smoking

Smoking negatively affects every organ in the body, including the kidneys. It narrows blood vessels, reduces blood flow to the kidneys, and impairs their ability to function properly. Quitting smoking is one of the most beneficial steps you can take to protect your kidney health and overall well-being.

Also see: 10 Ways to Get Rid of Smoking Habit

8. Practice Proper Medication Usage

Some medications, including certain painkillers and over-the-counter drugs, can cause kidney damage if used excessively or improperly. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you have any concerns or questions about your medications.

Also see: When to go to the ER for Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms?

9. Get Regular Check-ups

Regular check-ups and kidney function tests are essential for identifying any potential issues early on. Routine screenings can help detect kidney problems, such as chronic kidney disease, kidney stones, or urinary tract infections, allowing for timely intervention and management. Talk to your healthcare provider about appropriate screening tests based on your age, medical history, and risk factors.

Taking proactive steps to maintain kidney health is crucial for your overall well-being. By following these nine tips, including staying hydrated, adopting a balanced diet, managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, limiting alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, practicing proper medication usage, and getting regular check-ups, you can promote the longevity and optimal.

If you are unsure about your kidney health or want to see if you do, we can help. Visit or call the emergency room near you for the medical advice. We have ER locations across the DFW metroplex that are open and here to help you 24/7 If you or your family have a medical emergency.

We have 9 facilities spread across the DFW area with average wait times of less than 10 mins that are OPEN 24/7 located in Hurst, Colleyville, Frisco, Highland Village, Hillcrest, Uptown, Little Elm, Mansfield, and Texoma.

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