Your kidneys are important organs that perform many functions to keep your blood clean and your body chemistry balanced.
People with chronic kidney disease (CKD), with a transplanted kidney, or even with a low risk of CKD can live a healthier, longer life by making choices that prolong kidney function.
Start here:
Living a kidney-friendly lifestyle is good for everyone. Follow these tips to help keep your kidneys working as long as possible.
Drink the right amount of fluids for you.
Reduce salt and excessive protein in your diet. Eat more home-cooked meals made with fresh fruits and veggies.
Eating healthy helps prevent high blood pressure, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, which in turn helps kidneys stay healthier longer.
Exercise regularly and keep a healthy weight.
Staying active helps with weight control, better sleep, and blood flow.
Do not smoke or use tobacco/recreational drugs.
These things can cause damage to kidneys, reduce blood flow to kidneys and expose them to damaging chemicals.
If you have diabetes, control blood sugar.
High blood sugar damages small blood vessels throughout the body, affecting the kidneys as well as other organs and tissues. This makes it harder for kidneys to do filter out waste and extra fluid.
If you have high blood pressure, follow instructions on keeping it under control.
Over time, high blood pressure can damage blood vessels throughout your body. This may reduce the amount blood to your kidneys and other organs.
Take medications as prescribed by your doctors. Check with your kidney doctor before taking supplements or other over-the-counter medications.
Avoid over-the-counter NSAIDS and overuse of proton-pump inhibitors, unless prescribed by your doctor.
Ask your doctor for safer alternatives for chronic pain or arthritis.
Know your CKD risk.
If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of kidney failure, get regular kidney health screenings, make kidney-friendly lifestyle choices, and keep a close watch for CKD symptoms.
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