As promised, we are back with the second part of our kidney health series.
In part two, let’s take a look at ways to help prevent severe kidney illness, or deter progression of the disease as much as possible.
Remember, you’re not alone. Kidney issues affect 1 in 10 Australians in their lifetime in some way.
Taking Care of Your Kidneys50% of people aged 75 or over have kidney disease, and the older you get, the more likely you are to have some degree of kidney disease.
- It can be hard to detect because there are no obvious signs in the early stages
- Kidney disease starts slowly and “silently” and progresses over a number of years
- Don’t be scared, just be aware that you can lose up to 90% of kidney function before symptoms appear
It’s okay though – regular doctor visits to monitor kidney health will make a difference.
You can:
- Have your blood pressure checked and ensure it’s in a healthy zone
- Ask your doctor if you are at risk for kidney disease (they can check your kidney health via a blood and urine test)
- Be aware if you have diabetes or a family history you have a greater risk of KD
The most important thing? Early detection.The sooner you know if your kidneys need some extra TLC, the better your chances of slowing the disease and getting the most effective treatment!
Preventative Measures You Can Take to Stay Healthy:It’s important to do what you can to stay healthy, because kidney disease also increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Regardless of your age, simple treatments can slow the progression of kidney disease, prevent complications and improve quality of life:
- No Nasties
- People who smoke are 3x more likely to have reduced kidney function.
- We know it sounds obvious, but it’s never too late to stop and see (and feel) improvements to your wellness. Your kidneys will thank you!
- You Are What You Eat
- Eat a variety of food from various healthy food groups and decrease your salt intake
- Limit your alcohol intake (max 2 standard drinks a day). Alcohol is a toxin and can also lead to higher blood pressure and increase the risk of kidney disease
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water as your drink of choice!
- Keep It Movin’
- Don’t sit for long periods of time and make sure you take regular breaks to move around
- Keep yourself active with a daily walk
- Relax & Unwind
- Stress has been proven to aggravate a lot of health conditions, including kidney illness
- Try to reduce your stress and practice calm, mindful and positive thinking
- Getting enough sleep goes hand in hand with this (minimum 8-9 hours, starting before midnight)
Next Steps!The qualified, friendly team at Warnbro Pharmacy are on hand to help you with the tips above (diet, fitness and stress management tips).
Either visit us in person, or call (08) 9593 6166 to make an appointment with our Dietician, or if you have any questions!