Tucked beneath the rib cage in the back of your abdomen are two vital organs—your kidneys. These bean-shaped body parts may be small (about the size of your fist), but they play a major role in your health. The primary function of your kidneys is to remove toxins and waste from your body. Every minute, your kidneys filter around half a cup of blood. They also help balance your body’s fluids, make glucose if you don’t have enough, release hormones that regulate blood pressure, produce an active form of vitamin D, and control the production of red blood cells.
Take a Proactive Approach to Kidney Health
Because your kidneys work so hard and do so much, it’s important to support their efforts. Although there are several tests to measure kidney health, around 37 million U.S. adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), and most are unaware, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many people with the early stages of kidney disease do not even feel ill or notice any symptoms. CKD can be treated but it tends to worsen over time. Routine medical visits can be key to catching it early and potentially improving the outcome. In addition, you can take a proactive approach by doing the following:
Six Ways to Be Kind to Your Kidneys:
- Cut out excess salt in your diet
- Drink lots of water
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get your blood pressure checked
- Monitor your blood sugar levels if you’re diabetic
- Quit smoking
Surprisingly, the saltshaker is likely not the primary source of excess sodium in your diet. Rather, the American Heart Association says more than 70% of the sodium we eat comes from processed and restaurant foods. Selecting more natural foods and preparing most meals at home can help you drastically reduce your salt intake.
Blood glucose, or blood sugar, control is also important for kidney health. About 1 out of 3 adults who have diabetes also have kidney disease. Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) typically occurs slowly over the years, which is why it often goes unnoticed if routine testing is not done. High blood glucose can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, causing their overall function to decline. Managing your food portions, optimizing the quality of carbohydrates you eat, and limiting added sugars can go a long way to control your blood sugars.
For obese individuals, reducing your weight is another step towards better kidney and overall health. That may be easier said than done, but the right tools and support can empower you. TVH is here if you need us! Check out our free Learning Center classes or reach out for individualized medical nutrition therapy and talk to your primary care provider about routine tests for kidney health.