How to keep your kidneys healthy: Diet, exercise, sleep & managing chronic diseases like diabetes

Diet and lifestyle play a significant role in maintaining kidney health, optimal kidney function, and preventing kidney diseases. Making healthy food choices on a daily basis and regular exercise is a great way to prevent potential kidney health risks.

Another very important aspect is that of steering clear of associated chronic diseases. These include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels and kidney stones, which are some of the major causes of chronic kidney disease and other kidney conditions.

Some of the most common diet and lifestyle tips to be considered are to limit sodium (salt), potassium and phosphorus intake and avoid consuming processed and packaged foods. Limit sugar intake and avoid consuming canned beverages, quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption and exercise and engage in regular physical activity. It is important to maintain a regular quality sleep schedule, avoid excessive consumption of over-the-counter medicines (NSAIDS & Antibiotics) and consume more kidney-friendly foods like pineapple, blueberries, cauliflower, egg whites, olive oil, and onions,” says Dr. Chetan Savaliya, Director, Satvam Nutrition.

If you have diabetes and high blood pressure, it is important to include tests to keep your kidney health in check which is best recommended by your doctor. Also do take your medication for the same to keep blood pressure and blood glucose levels under control. People with diabetes particularly need to keep a very close watch on their kidney function as chronic kidney disease is prevalent among them.