Living with CKD
Take Charge of Your Kidney Health
Author : Sherrie Goldstein, MS
Your kidneys are multi-tasking machines and can filter our entire blood supply several times a day. They work hard on filtering waste and excess water to produce 1-2 quarts of urine, which is enough to fill a medium-size cooler. Kidneys also help regulate blood pressure and produce hormones. Because kidneys are so vital to your body, they’re also vulnerable to various medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure), which can lead to chronic kidney disease and other severe health problems.
The following tips can help you keep your kidneys healthy and strong:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps your kidneys flush out toxins and keep their function.
- Watch your diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk of kidney disease.
- Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves overall health and can also help your kidneys.
- Quit smoking: Smoking is a significant risk factor for kidney disease.
- Get tested: If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, talk to your doctor about getting tested.
Remember, healthy kidneys mean a healthy you! If you want to learn more about your kidneys check out Strive’s Patient Resources Page!
