Making smart choices today can help keep your kidneys functioning well for years to come. At Family Urology Associates, we emphasize great kidney health year-round, but it’s especially important to do so in March, as it’s National Kidney Month.
Our board-certified urologist Mohammed Haseebuddin, MD, (Dr. Haseeb) and his dedicated team in Frederick, Maryland, provide comprehensive urological care to support your urinary health. Understanding what helps — and harms — your kidneys is an important step toward better health.
Looking to keep your kidneys in top shape? Consider adding these healthy habits into your daily routine.
Drinking enough fluids helps your kidneys function at their peak to efficiently remove toxins. You’re probably familiar with the “eight glasses of water a day” guideline, but water intake really isn’t one-size-fits-all. Your health, environment, and exercise level all affect your hydration needs.
A good general guideline is about 15.5 cups of fluids — including water and other beverages — for men and 11.5 cups for women daily. Dr. Haseeb can recommend personalized adjustments.
Fresh veggies and fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins help reduce stress on the kidneys. That’s why patients with kidney disease often follow a diet rich in these foods. Even if your kidneys are perfectly healthy and functional, eating a kidney-friendly diet is a smart proactive step.
Regular exercise helps promote healthy circulation, blood sugar management, blood pressure, and weight control, all of which can help reduce your risk of kidney problems. Aim for at least 150 minutes of medium-intensity exercise every week.
High blood pressure and diabetes are both closely connected to chronic kidney disease. Keeping a close watch on your blood pressure and blood sugar through regular checkups and home monitoring can help you keep your kidneys functioning well.
Of course, you need not stop there: Other great habits, such as seeing Dr. Haseeb at the first sign of kidney issues, can make a big difference, too.
Some daily habits can put extra strain on your kidneys. Here are some of the main ones to avoid.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can harm kidney function when you use them excessively.
High sodium intake can increase your blood pressure, which damages kidney function over time.
Chronic dehydration forces your kidneys to work harder than they should, increasing your risk of kidney stones and other issues.
Too much alcohol can cause dehydration and reduced kidney function, potentially spiking your risk of kidney disease.
Your daily choices play a huge role in protecting your kidneys. We hope this blog helps you start making small, sustainable changes to your routine.
If you’re concerned about your kidney health or if you have risk factors for kidney disease, call Family Urology Associates today at 301-606-0551 to schedule an appointment.
