Diagnoses of kidney diseases are usually established in late stages, as kidney deterioration is gradual and silent. Therefore, prevention is very important, and a healthy lifestyle following these rules is essential for it:
-
Stay fit and active: It is necessary to maintain a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity per day. Go for a walk!
-
Aim for a healthy weight: Maintain a healthy diet and control your weight. If you are overweight, visit a nutritionist to help you create a suitable diet.
-
Get enough sleep: To stay healthy, it is recommended to sleep 7 to 8 hours a day. If you have sleep problems, consult a specialist for help.
-
Limit alcohol intake: Excessive alcohol consumption increases your blood pressure and adds extra calories to your diet.
-
Reduce your stress intensity: We know this task is tough, but there are physical activities that can help, such as practicing yoga or tai chi.
-
Monitor your blood sugar: Approximately 50% of people with diabetes suffer from kidney disease, so it is important to monitor your sugar levels with your doctor or pharmacist.
-
Control your high blood pressure: High blood pressure, related to other diseases like diabetes, is a risk factor for causing kidney disease.
-
Stay hydrated: It is necessary to drink 2 to 3 liters daily, mostly water, to maintain proper kidney function.
-
Do not smoke: Smoking reduces blood flow to your kidneys and prevents them from functioning properly. Additionally, it increases the risk of kidney cancer by 50%.
-
Keep your urinary pH in range: It is necessary to maintain a correct urinary pH level through supplements to prevent the formation of kidney stones.
References:
*National Institute of diabetes and digestive and kidney stones
*GRASES F, et al: A new device for simple and accurate urinary pH testing by the Stone-former patient. SpringerPlus 2014 3:209
*World Kidney Day: The International Society of Nephrology (ISN) & The International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF)