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Updated by Umbrella Health Care Systems on Oct 22, 2023
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11 Healthy Ways To Improve Kidney Function

Considering a balanced lifestyle and healthy diet may help to improve kidney function. Your kidney health is vital to your overall health. If you have healthy kidneys, your body will utilize them to remove and eliminate waste or toxic besides developing hormones to work your body function correctly. In this article, you will learn step by step how you can improve kidney function in healthy ways.

Source: https://www.umbrellamd.com/blog/what-causes-high-crp-c-reactive-protein/

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What is the function of the kidneys?

What is the function of the kidneys?

A person’s kidney is an organ similar to fist-sized presents under the rib cage, on both sides of the spine. The kidneys help in many body functions, such as:

  • Filtering waste substances, high amounts of water, and other toxic or impurities from the blood.
  • Controlling pH, potassium, and salt amount in the blood.
  • Producing hormones that control blood pressure and the formation of red blood cells.
  • Creating a significant role in encouraging a type of vitamin D, which allows your body to absorb calcium that is essential for maintaining bones and the normal function of the muscle.
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Steps to improve kidney function

Steps to improve kidney function

Following are some ways that help keep your kidney healthy.

Keep Yourself Hydrated

It is recommended to get enough glasses of water a day to improve your kidney function. You can set a daily target of at least 1.5 to 2 liters. The amount of water you require may vary, depending on your daily activities and lifestyle. These factors, such as exercise, general health, weather, pregnancy, and others, are essential while focusing on your daily water amount.

A healthcare provider suggests a daily and consistent intake of water as it is healthier for your kidneys.

Water can remove sodium and waste substances from your kidneys. Lowering your chance of developing long-term kidney disease.

If you do not get enough water, the small filters within your kidneys can stop working, resulting in kidney stones and other infections.

If you have or have had kidney stones in the past, you should consider taking additional water to prevent the accumulation of stones in the kidney.

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Physical Activity

Physical Activity

Regular physical activity such as walking, exercise, or running helps eliminate certain conditions, such as heart disease. It can decrease your risk of chronic kidney disease. In addition, lowering your blood pressure and improving your heart health are essential factors for protecting the kidney from damage.

You can see any activity you like that keeps you busy and proactive and also provides some fun. It is a simple step to join with and achieve the best results.

4

Control Blood Sugar

Control Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes or a medical problem that develops high sugar in your blood, it may lead to kidney failure or damage. Your kidney urges work additional to clean your blood if your body’s cells cannot utilize the glucose (sugar) in your blood. Gradually with time, it can result in life-threatening conditions.

A provider will recommend managing your blood sugar to lower the risk of kidney damage. If the damage is identified in the beginning, a doctor can provide specific steps to decrease further kidney damage.

5

Manage Blood Pressure

Manage Blood Pressure

Elevated blood pressure may develop kidney damage. If you have high blood pressure with other medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, or high cholesterol, the influence can be depicted throughout your body.

A normal blood pressure value is 120/80. If your reading lies between normal and 139/89, it is known as prehypertension. Following lifestyle and food changes may reduce your blood pressure.

If the value of blood pressure is continuously higher than 140/90, it may show elevated blood pressure. Speak to a healthcare provider to monitor your blood pressure, apply lifestyle changes, and consider recommended medication.

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Take Healthy Diet

Take Healthy Diet

Your kidneys can process things you eat or drink. Eating a bad diet that includes high fat, sugar, and salt, may result in high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and other problems. It influences your kidneys.

Eating a healthy diet, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-processed foods, and others, help improve kidney function.

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Monitor Your Daily Salt Consumption

Monitor Your Daily Salt Consumption

Salt is a significant ingredient in our daily food intake. It influences individuals in several ways. In a few, it may become the reason to increase the protein levels in their urine. It can worsen your kidneys or create more trouble if you are experiencing kidney disease.

High salt amounts in the foods can lead to high blood pressure, a usual cause of kidney disease and kidney stones. It can cause pain and develop possible damage if not received treatment. Therefore, balance the salt in your food to improve kidney function.

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Avoid Excess Use of Certain Medications

Avoid Excess Use of Certain Medications

Certain medications include NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as naproxen and ibuprofen, which may lead to kidney failure if you use these in excess or high doses at a time.

Taking proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for treating medical conditions, such as ulcers or GERD, for a long can increase your risk of developing a chronic kidney condition. Talk to a doctor before considering these medications.

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Avoid Supplements and Herbal Remedies

Avoid Supplements and Herbal Remedies

Avoid Supplements and Herbal Remedies

Supplements and herbal remedies do not always work without showing some damage to your kidneys. It can specifically be more harmful if you already have a kidney problem, as they can develop the condition worse.

If you want to take supplements or herbs, speak to a healthcare provider first.

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Consider Regular Screening

Consider Regular Screening

It’s necessary to understand your chance of kidney disease. You may need regular screening if you:

  • Are over 60 years
  • Have low weight at the time of birth
  • Or A family has certain conditions such as heart disease or diabetes.
  • Are obese
  • Have or carry a family history of high blood pressure
  • Think you have kidney failure or damage

A provider may recommend particular kidney tests, including blood tests, urine tests, or imaging tests to diagnose your condition. As early as the cause your provider understands, you will receive the treatment according to that and leading to improve kidney function.

11

Quit Smoking

Quit Smoking

Regular smoking is a way to damage your blood vessels. It can lower your blood flow inside your body and to your kidneys.

Smoking leads your kidneys to a high risk of developing cancer. You may reduce your chance if you avoid smoking. Nevertheless, it may take several years to form the risk of those who do not smoke.

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Limit the Use of Alcohol

Limit the Use of Alcohol

If you are healthy, taking one or two glasses is not a big deal. However, drinking more than four glasses within 2 hours can lead to sudden, intense kidney damage and long-term consequences.

Mostly alcohol tends to dehydrate you, allowing your kidneys to slow their function and result in weight gain, liver disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions that add extra pressure on them.

Conclusion

Your kidneys are essential to your general health and responsible for several body functions, such as eliminating waste substances to develop hormones. It is the reason you should prioritize the health of your kidney. A balanced and nutritious lifestyle is an excellent way to improve kidney function.

If you are dealing with a chronic kidney condition, which leads to a high risk of kidney damage or disease, consult a healthcare provider online who will listen to your symptoms and others to provide appropriate treatment