It is widely accepted that kidney ailments are silent killers. The impact of kidney ailments is profound on the quality of one's life. Long-term planning and adherence to preventive measures is needed to avoid complications. A simple ‘eight golden rules' have to be followed to keep kidney ailments at bay, doctors recommend.
The first major recommendation to keep kidneys healthy is to keep fit and active. Physicians suggest that everybody should inculcate a habit to walk, run or cycle for at least 30 minutes daily. A fit body keeps blood pressure under check, which in turn reduces the risk of kidney diseases.
Another major rule for a healthy kidney is to control blood sugar levels. “Prevalence of kidney ailments among diabetics is huge. It's important to control blood sugar levels to reduce damage to kidneys,” says senior nephrologist, Pradeep Deshpande.
Physicians recommend constant monitoring of blood pressure for a healthy kidney.
Normal blood pressure range is 120 by 80. Persons with a reading of 129 by 89 are known to be pre-hypertensive and should adopt lifestyle and dietary changes. At 140 by 90 level, patients have to contact a doctor to discuss risks involved. “High blood pressure with diabetes and high cholesterol are an ideal cocktail for kidney damage,” says Dr. Deshpande.
Eating healthy and controlling one's weight is another factor that keeps kidney ailments in check. Salt intake should be reduced to only 5 to 6 gram per day. To be able to reduce salt intake, physicians recommend avoiding restaurant food.
Doctors also recommend consuming plenty of fluids for a healthy kidney. Physicians assert that taking fluids helps kidneys to clear sodium, urea and other toxins from the body and thus reducing the risk of kidney ailments. “At least 1.5 litres of water should be taken per day by an average person. Kidney stones patients should take 2 to 3 litres of fluids per day,” doctors advice.
Smoking and abuse of over-the-counter pills on a regular basis should be avoided at any cost, doctors recommend. “Anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen are known to cause kidney damage if taken regularly without prescription. Kidney function should be tested regularly by persons with diabetes, hypertension, obesity and persons with family history,” Dr. Deshpande said.
