How to Prevent Kidney Disease

There are many causes of kidney disease. This chronic condition has no real cure but there are ways to treat it and minimize its damage. Prevent kidney disease from happening and your kidneys will be able to process your body's fluids normally. Read on to learn how to prevent kidney disease.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Have your blood pressure checked regularly. It is very important to have normal blood pressure if you want to prevent kidney disease. Having regular blood pressure will also help prevent other diseases and conditions.
2. Take steps to control your blood pressure. The easiest way to maintain a normal blood pressure is by restricting the amount of salt and sodium-filled foods that you consume. Some salt is required to keep your body functioning, so don't cut it out of your diet entirely. Check with a dietitian to create a diet that lets you eat foods you love.
3. Tell your doctor if your family has a history of high blood pressure or kidney disease. Both of these conditions can be hereditary. Your doctor may prescribe ACE inhibitor medication to help control your blood pressure.
4. Stay alert for changes in your urine. If you have cloudy, smelly or foamy urine or if it hurts when you urinate, see a doctor. These symptoms are signs of urinary tract problems. If left untreated, these problems could lead to the development of kidney disease later in life.
5. Watch for symptoms of anemia. If you are constantly tired, bruise easily or suffer from dizziness you might be anemic. This condition can contribute to kidney disease if it is not properly treated or becomes a chronic problem.
6. Have a yearly urine blood test along with a physical. These tests can help detect the earliest signs of developing kidney problems as well as other medical problems.
7. Stay active. A normal exercise schedule of 30 minutes a day, five times a week will help keep your body functioning normally.
8. Drink lots of water. Your kidneys have to process every liquid that goes into your body. Water is very easy on your kidneys and can also help them clean impurities out of your system.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are diabetic, be sure that you keep your blood sugar levels where they need to be to stay healthy. People with diabetes are at high risk for developing kidney disease.
• Tell everyone you know about how to prevent kidney disease. It is a growing problem, especially among the elderly. Education is the first step to stopping this disease.
• If you think you are developing the symptoms of kidney disease, see a doctor as soon as possible.