Authored by Dr. Vidyashankar P, lead consultant – Nephrology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru

The kidneys help the body to filter your blood. They remove waste products from the body, maintain balanced electrolyte levels, and regulate blood pressure. Your kidneys activate a form of vitamin D that helps your body absorb calcium for building bones and regulating muscle function. Therefore, it is important to know the different measures that you have to take to maintain healthy kidneys.

A healthy lifestyle means healthy kidney

It is necessary to follow a healthy lifestyle as part of which, people have to consume plenty of water. Avoid excessive consumption of alcohol, smoking, packaged and processed food. Regular exercise is good, reduces your blood pressure and boosts the health of your heart, which are important to maintain healthy kidneys. Walking, running, cycling, and dancing are good for your health. Basically, you need to find an activity that keeps you fit, busy, and have fun. This will be easier to follow and will even be fun. Alongside, ensure that you undergo kidney screenings every year. Timely diagnosis and treatment are the most important ways to prevent and treat kidney diseases.

A proper diet plan is a must to maintain healthy kidneys

One can consume foods that can help in boosting the performance of the kidneys such as;

• Apples contain pectin fiber which helps reduce the risk for kidney diseases, such as high blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Dark leafy greens such as spinach and chard contain a wide variety of fibers, vitamins minerals and are rich in antioxidants, which are good for the kidney.
• Salmon, tuna, and other cold-water, fatty fish that are high in omega-3 fatty acids can make a beneficial addition to any diet.
• Sweet potatoes are also beneficial to the kidneys. They contain vitamins and minerals, such as potassium that may help balance the levels of sodium in the body and reduce its effect on the kidneys.
• Dark berries, which include blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries, are nutritious and have antioxidant compounds that help in maintaining a healthy kidney.
• Lemon, orange, and melon juice all contain citric acid, or citrate, which prevents kidney stone formation by binding with calcium in urine. This curtails growth of calcium crystals, which cause kidney stones. In addition, drinking a cup of fresh juice per day can contribute to your daily fluid intake.

Alongside this, one must consume enough water to keep their kidneys healthy. The cells use water to transport toxins into the bloodstream, while the kidneys use water to filter these toxins out. Water helps the kidney to properly flush out any excess waste materials from the body.

Kidney failure

Also termed an end-stage renal disease (ESRD), is the last stage of chronic kidney disease. When your kidneys fail, it means they have stopped working well enough for you to survive without dialysis or a kidney transplant.

Dialysis

Dialysis will filter and purify the blood with the use of a machine, which performs the function of the kidneys. Based on the type of dialysis you may require, a larger machine or a portable catheter bag would be used for treatment. Dialysis helps if you take up regular, scheduled treatments. Kidney patients are also advised to take up a low-potassium, low-salt diet along with dialysis.

Transplant

An effective treatment that may be considered is a kidney transplant. A transplanted kidney works normally and eliminates the need for dialysis. However, the wait for a donor kidney that could be compatible with your body could be long as there are patients waiting for a transplant. Before going in for the transplant, it is necessary to talk to your doctor about whether you are fit for a kidney transplant.

It is important to maintain and live a healthy lifestyle and take care of kidneys. People should also consistently raise awareness about kidney health in the family and the larger social community like friends and relatives. In case you have doubts about the functioning of your kidneys, it is best to approach your doctor and take his/her advice on what measures to take to stay healthy.