As we age, our body’s abilities to fight against diseases start to decline. One such organ that requires more attention as we get older is our kidneys. Our kidneys are tasked with flushing out toxins and excess fluids from the body, and poor kidney health can cause numerous health complications. Seniors, in particular, need to take extra steps to maintain their kidney health. In this blog post, we’ll go over some essential ways seniors can maintain healthy kidneys and prevent kidney-related diseases.
- Stay Hydrated
Staying hydrated is one of the essential factors in kidney health. Kidneys need an adequate amount of fluids to flush out toxins and waste products efficiently. Seniors are at a higher risk of dehydration due to their decreasing thirst impulses. As a rule, it is advised to drink at least eight to ten glasses of water daily, but seniors should also consult their healthcare provider to find out how much water they need in their particular case. - Eat a Balanced Diet
Eating a well-balanced diet with the necessary nutrients can significantly impact kidney health. A diet comprising fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is an excellent way to maintain healthy kidneys. Foods known to load the kidneys with toxins should be avoided. Additionally, consuming excessive amounts of salt can worsen kidney-related diseases such as hypertension, so it’s imperative to monitor your daily salt intake. - Regular Exercise
Regular exercise has a plethora of health benefits, and kidney health is one of them. Exercise helps regulate blood pressure, improves kidney function and decreases the risk of type 2 diabetes, and obesity, which are all risk factors of kidney disease. Furthermore, physical activity can maintain muscle mass, which is associated with better kidney function. - Monitor Your Medications
Seniors are typically prescribed a high number of medications; however, not all medicines are a good fit for kidneys. As such, seniors must monitor their medication intake and inform their physician about their kidney-related concerns. Medications that are known to be harmful to the kidney include Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) and Commonly Used Medications such as ibuprofen and naproxen. It is essential to consult your healthcare provider before using any over-the-counter medications. - Regular Medical Check-Ups
Regular medical check-ups can help detect kidney-related diseases at early stages, where successful recovery is still possible. Hence, seniors must visit their physicians for regular checkups recommended by their medical history. These checkups should include monitoring kidney function, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Conclusion:
Seniors must take proactive steps to maintain their kidney health. This includes staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, regular exercise, monitoring medications, and regular medical check-ups. However, their healthcare provider should always guide their kidney-health regimen. Following these guidelines can help seniors live a healthy life, keeping their kidneys in good shape. Remember to incorporate these habits into your daily routine and see the significant benefits to your overall health, energy levels, and quality of life in the long run.
