There has been a drastic increase in cases of diabetes and heart-related diseases in recent times. People are increasingly concerned about their sugar levels and heart health. But there is another health concern that needs our attention.
Chronic kidney disease! Our kidneys are one of the vital organs we have. They are equally important, as are our heart and brain. Kidney-related diseases can take a toll on our overall health.
Your kidneys are your lifeline, as they play a major role in keeping you healthy. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine and have a pivotal role in removing and filtering waste and extra fluid from our body.
The proper functioning of the kidney is essential for our body as it aids in controlling blood pressure.
According to recent studies conducted by healthcare institutions in India, one person in eight Indians is suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD).
CKD is a medical condition in which the normal functioning of our kidneys is affected, and they cannot perform the basic function of removing waste. Diabetes has been reported to be one of the main factors causing chronic kidney disease.
Kidney disease can be fatal to your health. Here are five ways you can reduce the risk of damaging your kidneys.
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Having a Healthy Diet: A balanced diet that consists of a good amount of vegetables and fruits, fresh sources of protein like beans, pulses, eggs, meat, and fish, low level of saturated fats, controlled intake of salt and sugar along with fiber can ensure good health and reduce your risk of kidney disease and keep other diseases at bay.
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Healthy Lifestyle: Habits like drinking alcohol, smoking, and not exercising can have an adverse impact on your health. Alcohol can increase your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Practicing a simple lifestyle that includes regular exercising and avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking can reduce your chances of damaging your kidneys.
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Being careful about Painkillers: Prolonged consumption of painkillers can damage kidneys. Make sure you are not consuming too many painkillers without a doctor’s advice.
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Manage Underlying medical conditions: If you have an underlying condition like high blood pressure or diabetes, you must follow your treatment and undergo regular check-ups and screenings.
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Regular Screening: In case of any abnormality, you should consult a doctor and undertake regular screening of your kidneys. There are two important markers that help in detecting kidney disease at an early stage. These are the urine Albumin-Creatinine Ratio (uACR) and estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR).
Kidney diseases often surface at advanced stages and are irreversible. However, taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of getting these diseases. You must ensure that you practice a healthy lifestyle and undertake regular screenings.
