Your kidneys are asking for help! These 5 tips can help you avoid chronic kidney disease

Kidneys, as important excretory and endocrine organs of the human body, undertake key tasks such as filtering blood, excreting metabolic waste, and maintaining water and electrolyte balance. Once chronic kidney disease occurs, it will not only affect the body's normal metabolism, but may also cause a series of serious complications. But don't worry, mastering the following 5 tips can effectively reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease and keep the kidneys healthy and vibrant.

1. Eat a healthy diet to reduce the burden on your kidneys

Diet is closely related to kidney health. First of all, we must control protein intake and avoid excessive intake of high-protein foods, such as meat, beans, and dairy products. Too much protein will increase the metabolic burden on the kidneys and easily damage the kidneys in the long run. For those with normal renal function, they can take in an appropriate amount of high-quality protein according to their body weight, generally 0.8-1.0 grams per kilogram of body weight; while people with impaired renal function need to further reduce their intake. At the same time, strictly control salt intake. A high-salt diet will increase the burden of water and sodium metabolism on the kidneys, increase blood pressure, and indirectly damage the kidneys. The daily salt intake should be controlled below 6 grams. For patients with hypertension and kidney disease, it is recommended to control it within 3 grams. In addition, reducing the intake of high-purine foods, such as animal offal, seafood, beer, etc., can lower blood uric acid levels and prevent kidney damage caused by urate deposition in the kidneys.

2. Exercise moderately to enhance kidney function

Moderate exercise helps promote blood circulation, enhance the body's immunity, and is of great benefit to kidney health. Performing at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc., can effectively improve kidney blood perfusion and enhance the kidney's ability to metabolize waste. Exercise can also help control weight, avoid metabolic syndrome caused by obesity, and reduce the risk of kidney disease. However, you should pay attention to the intensity and method of exercise, avoid excessive fatigue and strenuous exercise, so as not to put extra burden on the kidneys. During exercise, replenish water in time to maintain the normal physiological function of the kidneys.

3. Use medication with caution to avoid kidney damage

Many drugs have potential nephrotoxicity, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some antibiotics, and anti-tumor drugs. When using drugs, be sure to strictly follow the doctor's instructions and never increase or decrease the dosage or abuse the drugs on your own. For example, some people take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for a long time due to headaches and joint pain, but they don't know that these drugs may cause tubular interstitial damage and lead to chronic kidney disease. If you are taking drugs that may affect the kidneys, you should monitor your kidney function regularly, and adjust your medication regimen in time if you find any abnormalities. In addition, Chinese medicine is not absolutely safe. Chinese medicine containing aristolochic acid has been proven to cause serious damage to the kidneys, so you should also be cautious when using Chinese medicine.

4. Control underlying diseases and protect kidney health

Diabetes and hypertension are the two major risk factors for chronic kidney disease. For diabetic patients, strict blood sugar control is crucial. By keeping blood sugar within the ideal range through a reasonable diet, regular exercise and standardized medication, the occurrence and development of diabetic nephropathy can be effectively delayed. Patients with hypertension need to actively control blood pressure, keep blood pressure stable, and reduce damage to renal blood vessels. Measure blood pressure and blood sugar regularly, adjust treatment plans in a timely manner, pay attention to indicators such as blood lipids and blood uric acid, comprehensively manage metabolic disorders, and protect kidney health in all aspects.

5. Regular physical examinations, early detection and early treatment

Regular physical examinations are the key to early detection of kidney problems. Urinalysis and renal function tests in routine physical examinations can promptly detect early signs of kidney disease such as proteinuria, hematuria, and elevated blood creatinine. For high-risk groups such as those with a family history of chronic kidney disease, hypertension, and diabetes, physical examinations should be conducted more frequently, and renal ultrasound and other examinations should be performed when necessary. Early detection and intervention of kidney disease often results in better treatment outcomes and can effectively prevent the disease from progressing to chronic kidney disease.

Kidney health cannot be ignored. Through these five steps, such as a reasonable diet, moderate exercise, cautious use of medication, control of underlying diseases and regular physical examinations, we can build a solid line of defense for the kidneys, avoid chronic kidney disease and enjoy a healthy life.