Are your kidneys healthy enough to take you through the next 10…20…50…maybe even 100 years of your life?

Today is World Kidney Day.

It is a day set aside to raise awareness and educate people about kidney health.

So, are your kidneys healthy?

Here are some quick tips to help keep your kidneys healthy:

1) Whatever you do, don’t self-prescribe.

Just because your symptoms sound like something your friend had yesterday does not mean you are suffering from the same thing. And that aunty who is always free with medical advice is not really a trained medical professional

The chemist at the corner who “mixes” drugs for you also does not know what exactly is wrong with you. So, give your kidneys a break and be sure to use only a doctor’s prescription. Don’t abuse over-the-counter drugs (such as iburpofen or buta) either.

Remember: every drug is a potential toxin, so exposing yourself unnecessarily can affect your kidneys.

2) Drink sufficient water.

Hydration helps your kidneys remove waste from the body.

The famous “8 glasses a day” rule is not sacrosanct. In hot climates or during heavy activity, you may need even more.

3) Eat healthy and maintain an optimal weight.

For a standard plate:

• Half should be fruits and vegetables

• One quarter protein

• One quarter complex carbohydrates such as brown rice, oats or whole-wheat bread.

4) Keep your blood pressure within normal limits.

Reduce salt intake, eat lots of fruits and vegetables, reduce alcohol intake, stop smoking and use less oil when cooking.

5) Keep your blood sugar within normal limits.

Staying lean and staying active by exercising regularly help protect your kidneys.

6) Quit smoking.

Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys and affects their function.

7) If you have diabetes, hypertension, obesity or a family history of kidney disease, make sure you check your kidney function regularly.

Let’s make the necessary changes to keep our kidneys healthy.

We’ve got the power.

– Dr Ketch