5 Ways to Support Your Long-Term Kidney Health

Kidney disease is a serious, life-threatening condition, yet a stunning 90% of people who have it don’t know that they do. Your kidneys remove waste from your body, help keep your blood pressure stable, contribute to bone health, and much more. 

At Pinnacle Healthcare System, we offer cardiology, internal medicine, and nephrology (kidney) services. Our providers see patients who don’t know that their kidney health is jeopardized, as well as patients who are dealing with active kidney disease. 

As with most health-related topics, prevention is much better than treatment. 

In this post, we discuss five ways you can support the long-term health of your kidneys. If your kidneys are functioning perfectly now, doing these things can help ensure they continue to do so for years to come. 

Hydrate

Misinformation about how much water you should drink and whether you need electrolytes, among other things, is so abundant you might be confused about hydration. 

It’s pretty simple: Aim for four to six glasses of water per day (8-ounce glasses), for a total of 32-48 ounces minimum per day. There’s no need to consume a gallon of water a day unless you’re sweating excessively. 

As for electrolytes, unless you’ve had a stomach virus or your doctor does blood work and advises you to drink beverages with electrolytes, you probably don’t need to worry about it. 

Many beverages advertised to replenish your electrolytes are loaded with sodium and sugars, so if you need to limit those, you should at least read labels.  

Be cautious with over-the-counter pain medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen are useful, but if you take them frequently for headaches or a condition like arthritis, be cautious and discuss your kidney health with your provider. 

If you have healthy kidneys, taking these kinds of medicines occasionally is safe. But if you take them often, they can damage your kidneys. If you have chronic pain, talk to your provider about alternative ways to alleviate your pain. 

Don’t smoke (or vape)

Not smoking provides immediate and long-term health benefits. When you quit, your cardiovascular health improves within a few days, your lung function gets better, and your risk of a host of serious and chronic health issues declines. 

Smoking and vaping damages your blood vessels. When your kidneys don’t get enough blood, they don’t work as well as they need to. 

Exercise and be mindful of your diet

Regular exercise helps keep your blood pressure and weight in check. Be mindful of your overall health as you begin to incorporate exercise, but physical activity is important. 

Current guidelines suggest that you should get at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week — a brisk, after-dinner walk for 30 minutes is a simple and effective way to get in the minimum exercise you need. 

Choosing to eat less-processed foods like vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins improves your health overall. It helps to keep your blood sugar stable and in a healthy range, and it can help you maintain a healthy weight. Those things improve your kidney health. 

Get regular screenings

Getting regular kidney screenings is crucial if you’re at a higher risk of developing kidney disease. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or cardiovascular disease, you probably need more frequent screenings. 

Our experts at Pinnacle Healthcare System are happy to discuss your health and personal risk for developing kidney problems. Certain conditions, your family history, your lifestyle, and other factors contribute to your specific situation. 

Schedule an appointment at our Hollywood or Pembroke Pines, Florida, location to learn more about protecting your kidneys.