Kidney disease is a serious medical issue with an
unfortunate prevalence in our society. Without use of these organs, waste will
pile up and pollute our bodies. Research has shown that over 20 million
individuals in the United States exhibit some level of dysfunction with their
kidneys. Certain factors such as blood pressure and insulin sensitivity can
make you even more likely to be part of the 20% of people affected by this
disease.
The Importance of Kidneys
Kidneys are kind of like the custodial staff of the body –
except without their custodial effort you can’t live. They are made to function
in several ways to ensure the healthy function of your internal processes. The
small organs filter out any harmful waste and excess toxins while balancing
blood pressure and essential nutrients.
Without kidneys our bodies wouldn’t be able to:
- Keep water and essential minerals balanced in the bloodstream.
- Maintain a healthy blood pressure.
- Extract chemicals and waste that come from the digestion process, taking medication, and physical exertion.
- Activate vitamin D for healthy bones.
- Increase the production of red blood cells to deliver oxygen through the body.
Even bodily processes that seem healthy like metabolic
function produce waste products that are harmful for the body. Risk factors
surround us and happen regularly within our own body, but with our kidneys at
work we don’t have to worry about them.
What Causes Kidney Disease
As mentioned earlier, some diseases can serve as a
predisposition for kidney disease. Diabetes and blood pressure issues are the
top contributors to this health issue. If you have a high blood pressure stay
mindful of the possibility of kidney problems in the future. When you visit the
doctor keep a close watch over your blood sugar and blood pressure levels and
ask the physician if they are normal.
Kidney disease can also be passed on through genetic issues.
If your family has a history of autoimmune disease or polycystic kidney disease
you are more vulnerable to kidney problems in the future. Birth defects and
improper use of medication can cause to kidney damage. Harmful habits like
drinking, smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise can also contribute.
Early Signs of Kidney Disease
The trouble with kidney disease is that many people fail to
act upon the issue until the condition has become severe. The symptoms can be a
tad general in the early phase, allowing someone to simply brush them off or
associate them with some other illness. Your kidneys also have a great ability
to adapt to the disease as they lose function. The following symptoms will
appear in the early stage of kidney disease and slowly worsen over time.
- Feeling easily tired and experiencing a lack of strength
- Changes in urination, such as blood in the urine or changes in the amount and number of times urine is passed
- Troubles with sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irregularities in the digestive routine
- Disinterest in eating food and bad metallic taste in the mouth
- Lack of focus and mental clarity
- Hiccups
- Swollen ankles or feet
- Pain above the waist in the back of the body (where the kidneys are)
- Muscle spasms and cramping
- Unstable blood pressure
- Loss of breath
- Skin rash or chronic itching
Detecting these signs early on is essential. If kidney
problems aren’t addressed early on, then the damage can quickly become
irreversible. Nobody wants to have to struggle through the misfortune of
dialysis and treatment for the disease.
If you exhibit some of these symptoms or worry that you
might have a vulnerability to kidney issues consult a physician immediately.
The symptoms are fairly general so there is a chance they could be from some
other illness. It’s never too safe to be sure, and the sooner you tackle kidney
disease the better.
How to Strengthen Your Kidneys
A few small changes in your everyday life can lead to a
life-saving difference down the road. These five changes to your lifestyle and
nutrition will reduce your risk of disease by protecting your kidneys.
Lifestyle Changes
1. Blood pressure plays a big part in kidney function.
Keeping yours at a healthy level (around 130/80) will help reduce damage to the
kidneys. Find here more information how to reduce high blood pressure
naturally.
2. Smoking and drinking should be avoided because they wreak
havoc on your kidneys.
3. Get active with more exercise. It will strengthen your
entire body and give you more energy to love life. It will help you to keep
optimal body weight and reduce your risk of obesity, diabetes and hypertension,
that can reduce kidney functioning over time.
4. Consider supplements that provide calcium and vitamin D
if you feel you don’t get enough on a daily basis. Always consult with your
doctor before taking them.
5. Limit using painkillers and steroids and only when you
feel they are absolutely necessary. Overuse of them can lead to kidney damage.
Try instead to use these top 22 natural painkillers.
Nutritional Changes
1. Stay mindful of your sodium intake. Keep the salt and
potassium you ingest at a moderate level.
2. Maintain a healthy nutrition. Eat meals with small
amounts of cholesterol and saturated fat.
3. Maintain low protein diet. Too much protein is bad for
the kidneys. Ask your physician how much you should eat daily according to your
body type.
4. A sufficient amount of calories is necessary for the
kidneys, so starving yourself for weight loss isn’t a great idea.
5. Watermelons, apples and berries are among the foods that
should be at the top of your grocery list – find more information in my article
about the best foods and herbs to cleanse your kidneys.
6. Stay hydrated. Drink about 8 glasses of fluid, preferable
water, every day.
Kidney disease is a sobering reality that plagues thousands
of families every single year. Damage to the kidneys can’t be repaired but it
can be lived with if detected early enough – though prevention is the best
choice. Taking responsibility for your own health isn’t just for yourself. It’s
for the friends and family you treasure and the impact your life can have on
the world when it is lived to the fullest.
Credits : healthyandnaturalworld
