The role of the kidneys is often underrated when we think about our health. In fact, the kidneys play an important role in the daily workings of our body.
They are so important to health that nature gave us two kidneys to cover the possibility that one might be lost to an injury. They are so important that with no kidney function death occurs within a few days.
The kidneys play a major role in maintaining your general health and wellbeing. Think of them as an extremely sophisticated, environmentally-friendly, waste disposal system which sorts non-recyclable waste from recyclable waste, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while also cleaning your blood.
There are many risk factors that can contribute to kidney disease, and it’s important to be aware of these risks and take the right steps to prevent kidney damage.
How to keep your kidneys healthy:
1. Smoking
If you don’t smoke, don’t start. If you do, quit! This is the simplest, most important lifestyle habit to change to reduce the risk of kidney disease. People who smoke are three times more likely to have reduced kidney function, and have a four to five times greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
2. Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight
Fad diets are not necessary to maintain a healthy body weight. A healthy diet should include a good variety of nutritious foods. Keep fat and salt intake low and monitor portion size. A good balance between exercise and food intake is also important to maintain a healthy body weight.
3. Exercise
The benefits of regular exercise are wide-reaching. Not only can it help to maintain and reduce weight, it can also reduce the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes, risk factors for kidney disease. You only need to exercise for 30 minutes on at least five days of the week to reap the benefits.
4. Limit alcohol intake
Excessive alcohol intake can lead to heart disease and high blood pressure, increasing the risk of kidney disease.
5. Enjoy life
Good health and wellbeing means that we are healthy from all dimensions of our lives – physically, mentally, socially and spiritually.
Kidney Health Australia is encouraging Aussies to help raise money this BBQ season to support people in need of dialysis. Register a Big Red BBQ online to raise awareness about Chronic Kidney Disease. Participants can find details and access their information pack at www.bigredbbq.com.au
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