Dr. Bhavin Desai

The incidences of kidney ailments, be it an acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease or end-stage renal disease (a severe kidney disorder that can trigger fatal consequences) are on a rise like never before. It is a wrong notion that only medicines can safeguard your kidneys from a diseased condition. Some simple tips and lifestyle modifications which, if practiced diligently, can go a long way to maintain the kidney health, keeping various kidney problems at bay.

1. Regular health check-ups: It is a well-known fact that medical conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or hypercholesterolemia often plays a catalytic role interfering with the proper functioning of the kidneys. Thus, individuals with any of the mentioned ailments should be extra careful about their health and carry out the necessary precautionary measures to keep the diseased condition under control. In fact, every person (healthy or not) should go for regular health checkups and screenings. When it comes to your health, it is better to be safe than to regret lifelong.
2. Keep the body hydrated: In addition to a myriad of health benefits, drinking water throughout the day (preferably 8-10 glasses of water daily) contributes notably to shield the kidneys from damages. A well-hydrated body also enhances the filtering capacity of the kidneys to a notable extent.
3. Quit smoking immediately: The deleterious consequences of smoking are known to all and sundry. Prolonged and uncontrolled smoking often leads to the hardening of the arteries which, in turn, plays a contributing role resulting in Nephrosclerosis. Quit smoking before it affects your health and kidneys beyond repair and treatment.
4. Choose your diet wisely: When it comes to kidney health, some foods, especially those rich in phosphorus, sodium, dairy products and meat (source of animal protein), coffee and other caffeinated drinks, synthetic and artificial sweeteners (particularly Aspartame, Saccharine), to name a few, can affect the kidneys with inimical consequences. Instead, opt for the foods such as spices (onion, garlic), fruits (apples, peaches, watermelon, grapefruit, cranberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, cherries), cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage), olive oil, probiotics which are all known to boost the kidney health.
5. Maintain your body weight: Various research suggests that obesity, especially morbid or severely obese people stand a higher risk of suffering from kidney disorders. Thus, one should make efforts to stay fit and keep their body weight within a healthy range. Avoid being a couch potato. Regular exercise and physical activities can work wonders to control the body weight.
6. Stress and anxiety, a nemesis: Severe stress, left unattended for long, can give rise to many physical and mental complications including hypertension and kidney problems. Thus, effective measures should be implemented to reduce or manage stress. While meditation and yoga are known to have a soothing and refreshing effect on the mind and the body, following a healthy sleep cycle (sleep early and wake up early in the morning with at least 6-8 hours of daily sleep) can also help to lower the stress to a great extent.