10 habits that are beneficial for the kidneys

The kidneys are organs that perform many important functions of the body such as filtering blood, eliminating toxins, balancing electrolytes, participating in the process of hematopoiesis… Any damage to the kidneys will affect health. Strong.

To keep the kidneys healthy, Doctor Ngo Dong Dung, Department of Nephrology – Dialysis, Center of Urology – Nephrology – Andrology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, points out some good habits for the kidneys such as after:

Drink enough water: Water not only plays an important role in the body but is also necessary for the kidneys to work effectively and stay healthy, so drinking enough water is essential. Drinking too much water causes the kidneys to work overtime, drinking too little water causes toxins to easily accumulate. Depending on physical condition, gender, and intensity of exercise, each person can drink different amounts of water, in which adults need about 1.5-2 liters of water. Can be supplemented in many forms such as drinking water, fruit juice, and water-rich dishes.

Cut down on salt: Salty eating habits are one of the main causes of high blood pressure – the main cause of chronic kidney failure. Eating a lot of salt is also the leading cause of kidney stone formation. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the amount of salt an adult consumes should be less than 5 g a day. However, people with kidney disease should cut back to less than 2 grams of salt a day.

Maintain a healthy weight: Overweight and obese people are one of the groups at highest risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and atherosclerosis. These health problems all negatively affect kidney function, leading to chronic kidney failure. Therefore, it is necessary to regularly monitor body mass index (BMI) to maintain it at 18.5-24.9. People whose BMI exceeds this threshold mean they are overweight or obese and need to apply a scientifically moderate diet, combined with regular exercise.

Good blood sugar control: Diabetes is the leading cause of chronic kidney disease. High blood sugar levels overload the kidneys, damaging the blood vessels in the glomeruli, increasing the risk of kidney infections, kidney failure, and other health problems.

Regularly monitor blood pressure: Long-term high blood pressure causes thickening of blood vessel walls, leading to narrowing of the blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the kidneys. High blood pressure also damages blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to impaired kidney function. Blood pressure levels need to be maintained around 120/80 mmHg.

Take medication as prescribed: In addition to their therapeutic effects, drugs have certain potential side effects. Some medications such as antibiotics, pain relievers, and anti-inflammatory drugs can affect kidney function if used regularly, without prescription. Do not arbitrarily buy and use functional foods of unknown ingredients and origin, or leaf juices of unknown uses without consulting a doctor.

Exercise regularly: Regular exercise brings many benefits to overall health and kidney health such as helping to maintain a reasonable weight, reduce blood fat, improve blood circulation, increase resistance… The intensity, form and duration of exercise need to be suitable for each person’s physical condition, do not overdo it.

Periodically check kidney function: Kidney function damage often develops silently, is difficult to recognize through external manifestations, and requires evaluation tests to detect. Healthy people can have their kidney function checked periodically every 6-12 months. People with kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity… need to check kidney function more often because kidney-related complications in this group occur more quickly.

Healthy eating: Nutrition greatly affects kidney function. Eating healthy and scientifically is a simple way to keep this organ healthy. Ensure adequate and balanced supply of starch, protein, fat, vitamins and minerals, and fiber; Need to limit salt, fast food, processed foods, high sugar and fat.

Don’t smoke, limit alcohol: Smoking and alcohol abuse harm the kidneys in many different ways. These habits cause the kidneys to work too hard, increase the risk of kidney cancer, damage the renal vascular system, reduce blood flow to the kidneys, cause electrolyte imbalances in the body… These are all factors that harm the kidneys.