How Does Weight Affect My Kidney Health? | Tennessee Valley Urology Center
You might not realize it, but weight and kidney health are actually quite closely linked. If you’re carrying around a few extra pounds, not only is shedding a little bit of weight good for your heart health, but it’s good for your kidneys, too.
Extra weight forces the kidneys to work harder and filter wastes above the normal level. Over time, this extra work that your weight puts on your kidneys will actually increase the risk of kidney disease.
Our Tennessee Valley Urology Center team highlights some ways you can reduce your weight to benefit your kidneys below, so keep reading!
Ways to Lose Weight to Benefit Kidney Health
Make lifestyle changes. It can be tempting to go on an intense diet to shed some pounds, but dieting actually isn’t the healthiest way to lose weight. In fact, 95% of all dieters regain their lost weight and more within one to five years. The best way you can lose weight to benefit your kidney health is by eating a healthy diet consisting of fruits, veggies, healthy fats and proteins, staying adequately hydrated and exercising for at least 150 minutes every week. Beginning and maintaining these healthy habits will not only help you lose weight, but it will improve your overall quality of life, as well.
Control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes. It’s important to keep your blood sugar levels in your target range as much as possible to help prevent or delay long-term, serious health problems, such as heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease. The best ways to do this are by keeping track of your blood sugar levels to see what makes them go up or down, drinking water instead of sugary drinks and controlling your food portions.
Control blood pressure if you have high blood pressure. In addition to eating healthy foods and exercising, reducing your sodium intake, limiting the amount of alcohol you drink, and quitting or refraining from smoking are all things that help to naturally lower your blood pressure. When high blood pressure isn’t controlled, it can cause arteries around the kidneys to narrow, weaken or harden, which can lead to kidney damage.
Do you have any other questions regarding your kidney health? Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Tennessee Valley Urology Center team today!