4 Steps Toward Better Kidney Health | Tennessee Valley Urology Center
March is National Kidney Month. We think that’s the perfect opportunity to provide you with insight about how to keep your kidneys running as efficiently as possible!
Read on as our Tennessee Valley Urology Center team shares some tips for optimal kidney health.
Take Care of Your Kidneys
Did you know? One in three people living in America are at high risk for developing kidney disease today. Are you one of them?
Let’s take a look at some ways you can help to protect the health of your kidneys—now and in years to come.
First, you want to make sure you are receiving an ACR urine test on an annual basis if you have one or more of these risk factors:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Over age 60
- Family history of kidney failure
This test, which measures your body’s albumin-to-creatinine ratio, isn’t necessary for most people. But since it measures for high levels of protein in the urine—a marker of kidney damage—it is important for those at a higher risk.
Second, you want to make sure you are watching the number and type of OTC medications you are taking, especially when it comes to NSAIDs. Common NSAIDs include aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen, which are available by themselves and in combination medications, like those for cold or flu.
While NSAIDs are used to help alleviate aches and pains, they can harm your kidneys if taken excessively. It’s important to take these medications only as directed—never exceeding the maximum daily dose.
You also want to make sure you are exercising regularly. When you exercise, you giving your heart muscle a workout, which can help to lower your blood pressure and blood sugar level. This, in turn, helps keep your kidneys healthy.
Finally, watch your eating habits! You want to make sure you are limiting your intake of processed foods, which have been linked to kidney disease, as well as other conditions like heart disease and obesity.
How healthy are your kidneys? Make an appointment today with one of our professionals at Tennessee Valley Urology Center who can help you to keep your kidneys healthy and happy!