Your kidneys are linked to every other part of your body; all your other organs and other bodily functions. All your bodily fluids filter through your kidneys. Excess fluids and toxins are released as waste and goes to the bladder. If you don’t look after your kidneys, you are basically slowly poisoning yourself.
According to Medical News Today, about 1.8% of all fatalities are due to kidney disease. It does not look like much, but, if we can reduce those odds, its one less thing to worry about.
Fear not! There are some steps you could take to help your kidneys keep up their good work.
Drink more water!
Drinking enough water is essential to keep your built-in filter clean. Think about a filter; If you cover it with coffee, soda, alcohol and so forth, the filter will be pretty discoloured and not be able to perform well. But flush it with enough water, and it will eventually get clean again. Your body needs to have clean water, to flush all the bad stuff out of your kidneys.
Read more: How drinking more water benefits you
Healthy diet
As established with the aforementioned water section, your kidneys can become saturated with waste. Minimising the trash food will minimise the waste. Eating enough healthy nutritious food will help your kidney cells stay healthy for longer.
Maintaining a healthy weight is advised, as body-fat does not just present where your pants need to button up, unfortunately. It also sits around your organs, and makes them have to work harder.
Diabetics should also take special care as uncontrolled sugar levels can wreak havoc on the kidneys. The damage is often caused to the blood vessels within the kidneys and can elevate blood pressure.
Best we kick the bad habits
Cigarettes and alcohol are very destructive to your kidneys. It will be beneficial to kick the habit if possible.
If you would like to try to quit smoking, read more about that here: Trying to quit smoking?
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of South Africa, it is advised that men avoid drinking more than 2 units of alcohol, and for women, no more than 1 alcoholic drink per day.
Blood pressure
Closeup of heart and a stethoscope cardiovascular checkup concept
Your kidneys are filled with blood vessels, as it continuously filters your blood as well. If you have high blood pressure, it can put strain on your kidneys.
Read more: Hypertension – Doughnut eat too much!
Medication overuse
The National Department of Health stated in 2018 that, “While considered safe when taken as directed, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause stomach bleeding, may reduce kidney function, and may occasionally lead to a heart attack or stroke. These risks are higher with higher doses and/or longer than recommended period of use of NSAIDs and in patients who have pre-existing stomach problems, or have heart or kidney diseases”.
It is of utmost importance not to overuse over the counter medications, and to stick to the directed use. Do not use them for extended periods of time, on a daily basis, without direction of your doctor.
This particular risk, coupled with dehydration is prevalent among athletes who push themselves too hard, without taking in enough water and numbing soreness and aches with pain tablets and anti-inflammatory medications.
Read more: Drug Addiction: We need to talk
Don’t know if you’ve noticed but…
Your kidneys are affected by everything else in your body. Taking care of your kidneys, will benefit you in the end in so many ways!
Imagine…
- If you have quit smoking, your heart and lungs will thank you
- Drinking more water, can improve your skin, your blood, and overall hydration
- Getting a healthy diet will help maintaining a healthy weight and lower cholesterol, beneficial to all of your organs!
- Maintaining your blood pressure will reduce your chances of heart disease, which happens to be way more fatal than the 1.8% of kidney disease!
There are many supplements that can aid in your wellness journey, but be sure to consult your doctor or speak to our knowledgeable pharmacists and Sisters at our Wellness clinic for tips and recommendations!
We can deliver your health supplements and other Mopani online shopping, nationwide! Contact us for info: meds@mopani.co.za | crossing@mopani.co.za | Tel: 013 755 5500 | WhatsApp: 066-192-1703
