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What To Do To Improve Kidney Function

Watch Your Alcohol Intake

Kidneys: How to improve your kidney function

Alcohol harms your kidneys in several ways, explains Maruschak. Its a waste product that your kidneys have to filter out of your blood and it makes your kidneys less efficient. Its dehydrating, which can affect the kidneys ability to regulate your bodys water levels. It can affect your liver function, which in turn can impact blood flow to the kidneys and lead to CKD over time. And a high alcohol intake has been liked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, which can lead to kidney disease.

Maruschak says both men and women should drink no more than one alcoholic beverage per day. Thats 12 ounces of regular beer, 5 ounces of wine, or 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits, according to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Its always best to speak with your physician about your alcohol intake, as some people should not be consuming any alcohol at all, she says.

Symptoms Of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is called a silent disease as there are often few or no symptoms. In fact, you can lose up to 90 per cent of your kidneys functionality before experiencing any symptoms. Some signs and symptoms include:

  • a change in the frequency and quantity of urine you pass, especially at night
  • blood in your urine
  • changes in the appearance of your urine
  • puffiness around your legs and ankles
  • pain in your back
  • pain or burning when you pass urine
  • high blood pressure.

If your kidneys begin to fail, waste products and extra fluid build up in your blood. This, and other problems, gradually leads to:

  • tiredness and inability to concentrate
  • generally feeling unwell
  • bad breath and a metallic taste in the mouth.

Choose Complex Carbs Over Simple Carbs

Carbohydrates are your bodys main source of energy, and those that occur naturally in fresh foods are filled with fiber to support heart and gut health and keep your blood sugar levels steady. However, simple carbs such as added sugars in desserts, sweetened beverages, and many packaged foods can spike blood sugar and increase the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease.

As part of an overall healthy diet, you should limit sweets and foods with added sugars , says Maruschak. Healthier carbohydrate choices include whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, and lentils.

If you have diabetes and are on insulin, you may need to be even more careful about your carbohydrate intake. It is likely that people will need to count carbohydrates at meal times so they can dose their insulin correctly, says Maruschak.

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Risks Of Kidney Damage

While all of the symptoms mentioned above are a potential risk that comes with kidney damage, the long-term damage can be life-threatening. When your kidneys continue to go on a downward spiral with no intervention, you run the risk of having your kidneys fail, which is when your kidneys eventually stop working. This is life-threatening.

Be Aware Of The Amount Of Otc Pills You Take

These are the things that can HURT your kidneys in 2020

If you regularly take over-the-counter pain medication, you may be causing kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis.

People with no kidney issues who take the medicine occasionally are likely in the clear. However, if you use these medicines daily, you could be risking your kidneys health. Talk with your doctor about kidney-safe treatments if youre coping with pain.

If youre at high risk of kidney damage or kidney disease, its a good idea to have regular kidney function tests. The following people may benefit from regular screening:

  • people who are over 60 years old
  • people who were born at a low birth weight
  • people who have cardiovascular disease or have family with it
  • people who have or have a family history of high blood pressure
  • people who are obese
  • people who believe they may have kidney damage

A regular kidney function test is a great way to know your kidneys health and to check for possible changes. Getting ahead of any damage can help slow or prevent future damage.

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Limit Shellfish And Meat

Research has found that a toxin called domoic acid in shellfish and some fish that eat algae can harm kidneys in mice. People are not mice. But, the really troubling finding was that very tiny levels of the toxin could harm kidneys. Shellfish also have high levels of purines, which can be a problem if you have gout. So, it may be wise to cut back on shellfish if you eat it a lot.

Keep Your Blood Sugar In Control

If you have diabetes, you are at greater risk of having kidney diseases. The food which you eat gets converted into glucose in your body. The insulin hormone secreted by your pancreas helps the cells absorb the glucose so that the glucose can be used as an energy source.

But if you have diabetes, then your body stops producing insulin. Consequently, the glucose starts accumulating in the blood, and your kidneys have to work extra hard to filter the blood. The years of exertion of your kidneys can lead to partial or total damage.

So, its better to keep your blood sugar level in control to prevent kidney problems. I will recommend you to get your kidneys screened at least once a year if you have diabetes so that if there are any kidney problems, you can take steps to prevent additional problems or damage.

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The Best Foods To Increase Kidney Function

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Your kidneys are natural filters, removing harmful waste material from your bloodstream and balancing your bodys fluids. In most people, a healthful, balanced diet will keep the kidneys working smoothly. Medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, however, may compromise your kidneys health and require you to make dietary changes. Identifying foods and beverages that contribute to optimal kidney health may boost their function, but be sure to ask your doctor or dietitian about the best regimen for your specific needs.

Protect Yourself From Electromagnetic Radiation

Kidney & Bladder Health : How to Improve Kidney Function

The term electromagnetic radiation refers to the waves of electromagnetic fields. It reproduces through space and carries electromagnetic radiant energy. Some of these include radio waves, microwaves, infrared, X-rays, and gamma rays.

Recently, scientists started paying attention to electromagnetic radiation and its effect on our kidneys. A study in 2020 indicates that electromagnetic radiation and ionizing radiation-induced changes in the kidneys, which led to adverse health outcomes such as chronic kidney disease. Most importantly, exposure to 900/1800MHz, 2400MHz EMF can alter kidney functions and affect them negatively.

However, getting rid of electromagnetic radiation entirely is impossible. Though it could not be seen, it is everywhere in our daily life. It comes from our computers, microwaves, cell phones, power lines, radios, and even fitness tracking devices. Still, there are relatively simple ways to reduce EMFs in your surrounding:

  • Keep EMF sources at a distance.

Nowadays, everyone has at least one wifi router in their house. It is best to locate it at a place far away from where people spend the most time. If possible, do not store your phone in your pocket all the time as it gives off EMF even when you are not using it. When your microwave is operating, do not stand in front of it. The further you are to the EMF source, the lower your exposure level is.

  • Prioritize Your Bedroom.
  • Use Your Smartphone Safely.

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Before You Begin: Finding Your Gfr

  • 1Take the test. Your doctor can test your GFR by administering a creatinine blood test. Creatinine is a waste product present in your blood. If the amount of creatinine contained within a sample is too high, your kidneys filtering ability is likely too low.XResearch source
  • Alternatively, your doctor might administer a creatinine clearance test, which measures the amount of creatinine in both your blood and urine.
  • 2Understand your numbers. Your test results are only one factor involved in calculating your GFR. Doctors also take into consideration your age, race, body size, and gender when determining the actual GFR rate.
  • If your GFR is 90 mls/min/1.73m2 or greater, your kidneys are considered to be in good health.XResearch sourceXTrustworthy SourceMedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of MedicineGo to source
  • GFR between 60 and 89 mls/min/1.73m2 puts you into stage two chronic kidney disease . A rate between 30 and 59 mls/min/1.73m2 puts you into stage three CKD, and rate between 15 and 29 mls/min/1.73m2 are considered stage four CKD.
  • Once your GFR dips below 15 mls/min/1.73m2, you are in stage five CKD, which means your kidneys have failed.
  • 3Talk with your doctor. Your doctor can provide you with additional detail regarding your GFR score and how it impacts your life. If your numbers are lower than they should be, your physician will probably recommend some type of treatment, but the specifics may vary from patient to patient.
  • What Foods Help Repair Kidneys

  • What Foods Help Repair Kidneys? Center
  • If you have chronic kidney disease, it is crucial to track food and fluid intake because diseased kidneys cant remove waste products from the body like healthy kidneys can. Here are kidney-friendly foods that can help repair your kidneys and help you stay healthier longer

    Other food items that you can have include

    • Cranberries
    • Tortillas

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    Types Of Treatment For Kidney Failure

    There are two types of treatments for kidney failure â dialysis and kidney transplantChoosing a Treatment for Kidney Failure | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. . Retrieved 7 December 2021, from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/kidney-disease/kidney-failure/choosing-treatment. Both are pretty extreme treatments â you can go through exhausting dialysis that removes waste and extra fluid from your body or you can undergo invasive surgery to replace your kidney. Both options are intense and often extremely difficult on the body. There is also typically a long waitlist to receive these treatments, which is why it is so important to stay on top of your kidney health now.

    Know The Signs And Symptoms

    What Is The Treatment To Improve Kidney Function Naturally?

    Unfortunately, the symptoms of kidney disease arent always noticeable, and 40% of people with severely reduced kidney function are not aware they have CKD. Therefore, its crucial to know whether you might be at risk.

    Risk factors of CKD can include the following:

    • Age
    • Family history of CKD

    Peev recommends keeping up with your annual physical exams with your primary care provider, who may order bloodwork or urinalysis tests that can detect kidney disease in its early stages and help slow down its progression.

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    Do You Want To Know What The Craziest Part Is All Of These Miracles Happen After Just 14 Days Of Trying The Method

    Jody was speechless when the doctor told her that Jack was no longer at risk of kidney failure and they should keep up whatever they were doing. Until now, the couple still doesnt believe what happened to them. As she wrote in her email, all of these are so sudden and so pleasant, this really is the bible for all kidney disease patients.

    So, why is the method we gave Jody the ultimate solution? Because it looks at each persons kidney condition from the root causes and takes care of all the lifestyle factors. It lays out a complete healing plan covering diet, exercise, a sleeping basis, and even stress management. Most importantly, it is 100% natural and doesnt pose any risk to the body.

    High Blood Pressure And Kidney Disease

    High blood pressure is increased pressure inside the arteries that carry blood from your heart to all parts of your body. Untreated, high blood pressure can damage your kidneys.

    Also, high blood pressure can develop as a result of kidney disease or renal artery stenosis . Your kidneys control the amount of fluid in your blood vessels and produce a hormone called renin that helps to control blood pressure.

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    Be Careful With Alcohol

    If youâre healthy, a drink or two isnât likely to hurt your kidneys. But binge drinking can cause sudden, serious damage and possibly lead to long-term problems. And alcohol often can dehydrate you, which can keep your kidneys from working well and lead to weight gain, liver disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions that put more stress on them.

    E Alcohol And Smoking

    How To Improve Kidney Function: Kidney Health

    Excessive drinking of alcohol and smoking may worsen your kidney disease. Your kidney is tasked to filter substances that are harmful from your blood. Alcohol prevents this function of the kidney. Smoking prevents proper flow of blood to your kidneys. It also affects medicine that is used for kidney disease.

    To avoid dialysis is a daunting task. To improve kidney function to avoid dialysis one should follow the above guidelines. This would help your kidneys become stronger and healthier. At the end, you will prevent incurred dialysis costs. Observing these guidelines will also give overall benefits to your body.

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    How Do Doctors Treat Ckd

    Doctors can treat some of the symptoms and health problems CKD causes. For example, your treatment plan may include:

    • Certain medicines to lower your blood pressure or cholesterol
    • Diuretics to help your kidneys get rid of salt and water and lower swelling
    • Dialysis: A treatment that uses a machine to clean your blood when your kidneys are no longer able to.
    • Kidney transplant: A surgery to give you a healthy kidney from someone else’s body. A kidney transplant may be an option for you when your kidneys have failed.

    Healthy Eating For Kidney Patients

    Changes to your diet can often help to lower blood pressure, slow down your loss of kidney function and reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.

    Most people with chronic kidney disease can get all the vitamins and nutrients they need by following a healthy, well balanced diet. But if you are approaching end-stage kidney disease you may need a special diet, where some types of foods and drinks are restricted, especially if you are on dialysis.

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    How To Improve Kidney Health By Exercises

    The sad truth is that most kidney disease patients dont believe that they can exercise. However, they still can, and exercises can help you improve kidney functions regardless of your age. The National Kidney Foundation states that exercise benefits those with kidney disease by promoting muscle functions, stabilizing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol levels, maintaining healthy body weight, and helping them sleep well.

    A recent study by the Clinical Journal Of The American Society Of Nephrology proved the positive impacts of exercises on kidney disease patients despite co-existing medical conditions common in this population. Scientists selected a group of patients and included a weekly regimen of moderate-intensity exercise in their regular care program. After one year, all participants experience an 11% increase in maximal aerobic capacity. Some reached their ideal weight, and their heart functions also improved.

    Only one caveat, though: Remember to consult your doctor or physician before undertaking any exercise program. We will go deeper into exercises for kidney disease patients in our next post, so please stay tuned!

    Control Your Salt Intake

    Boosting Kidney Function Naturally

    A small amount of salt each day is good for you, as long as its not refined The problem is if you consume too much, either in pre-made meals or as a condiment. Frozen meals tend to contain table salt, which is just sodium chloride and doesnt contain the balance of minerals and trace elements that your body needs.

    • If you consume too much salt, your kidneys will need to retain more water to be able to process it, which causes an imbalance of fluids in your body.
    • At the same time, it causes increased blood pressure, which damages nephrons over time.

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    Drink Plenty Of Fluids

    Theres no magic behind the cliché advice to drink eight glasses of water a day, but its a good goal precisely because it encourages you to stay hydrated. Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys.

    Water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. It also lowers your risk of chronic kidney disease.

    Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters in a day. Exactly how much water you need depends largely on your health and lifestyle. Factors like climate, exercise, gender, overall health, and whether or not youre pregnant or breastfeeding are important to consider when planning your daily water intake.

    People who have previously had kidney stones should drink a bit more water to help prevent stone deposits in the future.

    Diagnosis Of Kidney Failure

    A number of tests can be used to measure kidney function. If CKD is found, tests may be used to determine:

    • the cause of the kidney damage
    • the amount of kidney damage
    • treatment options.
    • blood tests to establish the estimated glomerular filtration rate , which measures how well the kidneys filter wastes from the blood
    • urine tests for albumin, blood, glucose and red or white blood cells
    • a blood pressure check
    • ultrasound, computed tomography , x-ray and other imaging techniques to take pictures of your kidneys
    • a kidney biopsy, where a needle is used to remove a small piece of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope.

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