March is National Kidney Month. That makes this a great time to learn more about kidney health and the actions you can take to protect the function of these vital organs. We say ‘these’ because most people have two, although you can live with just one. Now, here are six kidney health essentials you should know and how to improve kidney health naturally.
#1: Kidney Disease Is More Deadly Than Some Cancers
When we think of deadly diseases, cancer is one of the first that often comes to mind. However, more people die each year from kidney disease than certain cancers; namely, breast and prostate cancer. (1) This makes finding ways to protect your kidney health as important as the actions you take to help prevent cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
#2: Your Everyday Habits Are Essential for Kidney Health
It’s common knowledge that living a healthy lifestyle is good for the heart. But did you know that your everyday habits can also impact the health of your kidneys?
The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases shares that eating nutritious foods, getting regular exercise, developing good sleep habits, managing stress, and quitting smoking can all help improve kidney health. (2)
#3: What You Drink Matters Too
Another way to protect your kidneys is to limit alcohol intake.
Consuming too much alcohol can make it harder for the kidneys to remove this harmful substance from the blood and keep the body hydrated. This can also increase your risk of high blood pressure — all of which can contribute to liver disease. (3)
Sugary drinks and excessive caffeine intake can also be harmful to the kidneys, making them important to limit or avoid, especially if you have kidney problems. (4)
#4: Good Food Choices May Change Based on Your Kidney Function
One of the kidney’s jobs is to help your body balance the nutrients you get from the foods you eat. If your kidney function is compromised, it may not be able to do this efficiently. So, foods that may otherwise be considered healthy may not be good choices for someone with kidney disease. Bananas are a good example.
Eating bananas may be okay for someone with healthy kidney function. At the same time, because they’re high in potassium, it may be best to limit your intake if your kidney function is compromised in any way. (5) There may be an exception for people on maintenance hemodialysis as research has found that consuming bananas before treatment may keep potassium levels from rapidly declining, also potentially reducing the risk of irregular heartbeat. (6)
#5: Kidney Disease Is Often Silent — But There Are Signs
Kidney disease is sometimes referred to as a “silent killer” because symptoms typically don’t appear until the condition has progressed to more advanced stages. However, some signs may be present with this disease, and it’s easier to identify them if you know what to look for.
Some of the warning signs of kidney disease include: (7)
• Changes in urination habits or color
• Swelling in the face or extremities
• Feeling fatigued
• Skin rashes or itching
• Nausea or vomiting
• Feeling cold
• Shortness of breath
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider. They may want to run tests to determine your kidney function or to identify or rule out other potential causes.
#6: Kidney Health Essential: Cleansing Your Kidneys May Improve Their Function (And More!)
When the kidneys don’t work as they should, toxins and waste products can build up in the body. This is not only harmful to the kidneys, such as by leading to kidney stones, but it can negatively affect other organs as well. Cleansing the kidneys of toxins and excess waste can help them function more efficiently while also reducing bloating, preventing fatigue, correcting hormonal imbalances, and even reducing skin breakouts. (8)
Natural Wellness offers a variety of herbal remedies for the kidneys, some of which work through their cleansing actions and others that contain ingredients that help support kidney health. Your health is our priority!
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