Eight Healthy Habits To Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Health

- Dr Atul Ingale

Your Kidneys are a fist-sized bean-shaped paired organ located at the bottom of your rib cage, on both sides of your spine. They perform several vital functions. Most importantly, they filter waste products, excess water, and other impurities from your blood. These waste products are stored in your Bladder and later expelled through urine.

In addition, your Kidneys regulate your body's pH, salt, and Potassium levels. They also produce hormones 'Renin', which regulate blood pressure and 'Erythropoietin' to produce red blood cells. Your Kidneys are also responsible for activating a form of vitamin D that helps your body absorb Calcium for building bones and regulating muscle function. Finally, your body is a chemical factory that requires a particular pH for the chemical reaction, which is maintained by the Kidneys. For a paid or organs that play such a pivotal role, it is important to safeguard their health, here's how:

Keep Yourself Active and Fit

Regular exercise is good for more than your waistline, it helps in lowering the risk of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). It can also reduce your blood pressure and boost your heart health, which is essential to preventing Kidney damage. You don't have to run marathons to reap the rewards of exercise. Walking, running, cycling, and even dancing is excellent for your health. Find an activity that keeps you busy and helps you have fun. It'll be easier to stick to it and reap great results.

Control your Blood Sugar

People with Diabetes, or a condition that causes high blood sugar, may develop Kidney damage. When your body's cells can't use the Glucose (sugar) in your blood, your Kidneys are forced to work extra hard to filter your blood. Over years of exertion, this can lead to life-threatening damage.

Monitor your Blood Pressure