Our kidneys play a vital and essential role in our wellbeing. Here are some tips to keep our kidney health optimal:
Stay hydrated, but don’t overdo it
Drink enough water (around 8 glasses a day) to help flush out toxins. Avoid excessive water intake, as too much water can stress our kidneys and do more harm than good.
Manage your blood sugar levels
Diabetes is a leading cause of kidney disease. We can control our blood sugar with a low-glycemic diet, regular exercise, and proper medication if needed.
Keep your blood pressure in check
High blood pressure damages kidney blood vessels. Aim for less than 120/80 mmHg through diet, exercise, and stress management.
Avoid the overuse of painkillers and anti-inflammatories
NSAIDs (like ibuprofen and naproxen) can harm kidneys if used frequently. Use them sparingly and opt for alternatives when possible.
Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity increases the risk of kidney disease. Maintain a balanced diet and exercise regularly to stay in a healthy weight range.
Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking
Excessive alcohol intake can dehydrate you and increase blood pressure, while smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and accelerates kidney disease.
Exercise regularly
Moderate exercise (30 minutes/day) improves circulation, controls blood pressure, and supports overall kidney function.
Be mindful of the overuse of supplements and herbal remedies
Some herbal supplements can be toxic to our kidneys (e.g., excessive doses of vitamin C, creatine, and certain weight loss supplements).
Get regular kidney function tests
If you have risk factors like diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of kidney disease, or, if you have been on any medication, either short or long-term, get blood and urine tests regularly to check kidney function.
Listen to my interview with Brad Kirsten from Radio Cape Pulpit on 20 March 2025 to learn more. Listen to my next interview on Thursday at 7.45am.