How to Improve Your Kidney Health
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When patients come to us with kidney issues, we know that being proactive can reduce the chances of further kidney damage and, ultimately, end-stage kidney disease and the need for a transplant. In fact, in its earliest stages, kidney disease may show few if any symptoms.
We have helped many patients manage kidney issues before it was too late to prevent severe complications.
We know firsthand how a comprehensive approach to medicine through our internists in Raleigh has elevated our patients’ quality of life—and one aspect centers around how to improve your kidney health.
Recognizing that a health issue in one area can impact the overall well-being, we approach each case with a deep understanding of the interconnected nature of the human body. As dedicated internal medicine practitioners in Raleigh, our focus extends beyond treating symptoms.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at important aspects of your renal (kidney) health including how to improve your kidney health, what foods are good for your kidneys, and the symptoms that indicate you may be having kidney problems.
Can You Improve Kidney Function?
Improving your kidney function often aligns with adopting a healthier lifestyle. By following the steps outlined below, you can effectively contribute to better kidney health:
Embrace Regular Exercise
We’re sure you’re familiar with the numerous benefits of regular physical activity. Engaging in consistent exercise not only alleviates stress (and helps you sleep better!) but it also plays a crucial role in lowering blood pressure and maintaining a healthier weight. These benefits are instrumental in improving your kidney function.
As a bonus, a solid exercise program releases “feel good” endorphins that elevate your mood and contribute to your overall wellness.
The Critical Need to Stop Smoking
It can’t be overstressed: Smoking is extremely detrimental to your health. Beyond the well-known risk of lung cancer, smoking adversely impacts your circulation and kidney function. Remember: vaping is not a safer alternative; it carries its own significant health risks.
If you’re struggling to quit smoking, our internal medicine doctors in Raleigh are here to support you. We are committed to assisting you in transitioning to a healthier lifestyle.
Nutrition: Your Pathway to Kidney Health
A diet rich in whole foods and low in processed and animal-based products is essential for maintaining healthy kidneys. We recommend incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet and reducing sodium intake.
However, be cautious of misleading internet claims and fad diets promising miraculous kidney health improvements. These can be ineffective at best and harmful at worst.
To navigate these challenges, we introduce you to Nicole Matala, our registered dietitian in Raleigh. Nicole specializes in creating nutritious, delicious, and easy-to-prepare meal plans tailored to your busy lifestyle. With her guidance, you’ll discover how to make healthy eating both achievable and enjoyable.
Take Care of Your Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
To keep your kidneys healthy, don’t overwork them. Your kidneys are filters, cleaning out waste from your body. If they get damaged, they can’t do their job well. Keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar normal helps prevent this damage.
You might not know if your blood pressure and sugar levels are okay without regular check-ups. That’s where we come in. We do yearly check-ups for men and women to keep an eye on your overall health. This way, we can catch any problems early before they develop into more serious medical issues that could affect your kidneys.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being at a healthy weight is good for your whole body, including your kidneys. If you’re not sure about your weight, you can use a body mass index (BMI) calculator to find out.
Be Careful with Over-the-Counter Medicines
Always carefully read labels on over-the-counter medication. Be particularly careful when taking non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications, which includes Advil and Aleve. When these are used in high doses consistently over the long term, it can cause additional stress on your kidneys.
If you’re worried about how your medicines might affect your kidneys, talk to us. We can help you figure out what’s safe.
What Is the Best Thing to Drink for Your Kidneys?
Plain water remains one of the best things to drink for your kidneys. Avoid sports drinks or sodas that may be loaded with sugar. Know the warning signs of dehydration, and be sure to take extra precautions if you’re exercising in hot weather.
What Foods Are Good for Your Kidneys?
A renal (kidney) diet focuses on foods that are lower in protein, phosphorus, sodium, and potassium. These foods include:
If you are concerned about your kidney health and how your menu can improve it, we have a wonderful resource. Once again, we’d like to stress that our dietitian, Nicole Matala, can provide a comprehensive list of foods (and flavorful recipes!) that will make staying on track both simple and delicious.
Want to know more about foods that are good for your kidneys? Check out this information from the National Kidney Foundation.
Symptoms of Kidney Disease
As internal medicine specialists in Raleigh, we understand the significance of a holistic approach to healthcare. This encompasses regular check-ups, comprehensive blood work, and thorough physical examinations.
Through these evaluations, we’ve identified various chronic conditions in patients, such as high blood sugar and high cholesterol, just to name a few of the most common issues picked up during a wellness visit.
By working together, we can manage these conditions before they develop into something more serious.
It’s important to note that kidney disease often doesn’t show clear symptoms. Regular blood tests are crucial in monitoring your kidney function, allowing us to take proactive steps in your healthcare, providing clear direction on how to improve your kidney health.
When symptoms of kidney disease do occur, they include:
As you see, these symptoms can be caused by other illnesses, which is why only your internal medicine doctor can work with you to determine the exact cause.
Raleigh Medical Group Works With You on How to Improve Your Kidney Health
Your kidneys are vital to keeping your body clear of harmful waste products, and when they’re under stress, it can lead to health issues that can become serious if not treated in a timely manner.
Your Journey to Wellness Is Our Top Priority
We believe each patient has unique medical needs, and we tailor plans accordingly. Our board-certified physicians are experts at treating a wide range of chronic health issues and conducting regular wellness checkups to help ensure you’re on the right track.
Whether you’re looking for a medical home or you’re past due for a physical, contact us today to schedule an appointment.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. If you have questions or concerns, please contact your healthcare provider.
