Article at a glance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends these five ways to keep your kidneys healthy as part of the Prevention and Risk Assessment arm of their Chronic Kidney Disease Initiative.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure
Your normal blood pressure range can vary slightly depending on your age and gender. Ask your doctor what the best blood pressure target is for you.
Watch Your Cholesterol
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), also known as “bad cholesterol”, is responsible for fatty buildup that can clog up or narrow your arteries. Maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking are some lifestyle changes that you can make to lower your cholesterol and reduce your risk of heart disease.
Eat Healthy Foods
Focus on eating nutrient-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, low or full-fat milk, whole grains, seafood and lean meats, which all contain high levels of nutrients that are essential to overall health and well-being. Some examples of nutrients older adults should pay attention to include Omega 3, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium and Iron.
Stay Active
Getting into an exercise routine and improving physical fitness can do more than just help you lose weight. In fact, physical activity is so important, it can help regulate your mental health, sex life, sleep schedule, and more. Staying active is known to improve your quality of life and reduce your risk of developing a variety of health problems.
Take Medications as Directed
Knowing how to read your prescription label can save you from future trips to the doctor or the emergency room. It can also help ensure better management of your condition and a smoother recovery from your illness.
How to prioritize your kidney health
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