You can protect your kidneys by preventing or managing health conditions that cause kidney damage, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. The steps described below may help keep your whole body healthy, including your kidneys. Early kidney disease may not have any symptoms, so getting tested may be the only way to know your kidneys are healthy. Your doctor will help decide how often you should be tested.
See a doctor right away if you develop a urinary tract infection (UTI), which can cause kidney damage if left untreated.
Eat healthy food:
Choose foods that are healthy for your heart and your entire body: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Eat healthy meals, and cut back on salt and added sugars.
Tips for making healthy food choices
- Cook with a mix of spices instead of salt.
- Choose vegetarian food.
- Serve foods without gravy or added fats.
- Try to choose foods with little or no added sugar.
Make physical activity part of your routine:
Be active for 30 minutes or more on most days. If you are not active now, ask your doctor about the types and amounts of physical activity that are right for you.
Maintain Body weight:
If you are overweight or have obesity, work with your doctor or dietitian to create a realistic weight-loss plan. View more weight control and physical activity resources to help you get and stay motivated.
Get enough sleep:
Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night. If you have trouble in sleeping take help of your doctor.
Stop smoking:
If you smoke or use other tobacco products, stop. Ask for help so you don’t have to do it alone.
Limit alcohol intake:
Drinking too much alcohol can increase your blood pressure and add extra calories, which can lead to weight gain. If you drink alcohol limit yourself to one drink per day if you are a woman and two drinks per day if you are a man.
Reduce Stress:
Learning how to manage stress and cope with problems can improve emotional and physical health. Physical activity can help reduce stress, as can mind and body practices such as meditation and Yoga.