March 13, 2025
What Should Be Done to Protect Kidney Health?
Kidneys are one of the most vital organs of our body. These organs, which filter the blood and remove toxins, regulate body fluid balance and play a role in hormone production, are of great importance for a healthy life. However, factors such as modern lifestyle, irregular diet and insufficient water consumption can threaten kidney health. Kidney diseases usually progress without symptoms and can lead to serious health problems. So, what should we pay attention to in order to protect our kidneys? Here are the ways to have healthy kidneys...
“Our kidneys work silently for us, but if we neglect them, our health can be seriously endangered.”
1. Drink Enough Water
The main function of the kidneys is to filter waste and toxins from the body and expel them through urine. Drinking enough water is very important for this. Although daily water needs vary from person to person, drinking 2-2.5 liters of water per day generally helps protect kidney health.
Insufficient water consumption can cause kidney stones.
Make sure to drink water when you wake up in the morning and regularly throughout the day.
Tea, coffee and soft drinks are not a substitute for water. Make sure to consume pure water.
“Water is the most natural detox source for your kidneys. Don’t leave them thirsty!”
“The most important way to protect yourself from urinary tract infections, especially for women, is to drink water.”
2. Develop Healthy Eating Habits
The kidneys are directly affected by our eating habits. A balanced and healthy diet can help prevent kidney diseases.
Reduce salt consumption: Excessive salt consumption can cause damage by causing the kidneys to work harder. In addition, we can prevent stone formation by reducing salt consumption.
Stay away from processed foods: Fast food, ready-made foods and processed meat products can damage the kidneys because they contain high sodium.
Increase vegetable and fruit consumption: Vegetables and fruits rich in potassium support kidney health.
Balance protein consumption: Excessive protein consumption can increase the burden on the kidneys.
3. Exercise Regularly
Physical activity is one of the most effective ways to protect kidney health. Regular exercise improves blood circulation, balances blood pressure and helps prevent kidney diseases.
You can do activities such as brisk walking, swimming or cycling for 30-45 minutes at least 3-4 days a week.
Excess weight is an important risk factor for kidney diseases. Exercise helps control weight.
“Exercise strengthens not only your muscles but also your kidneys.”
4. Keep Your Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Under Control
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the most common causes of kidney failure. Regularly checking blood sugar levels and blood pressure is very important to prevent kidney diseases.
People with diabetes should have their kidney functions checked regularly.
Blood pressure can be controlled by reducing salt consumption and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Choose whole grain foods instead of processed carbohydrates.
5. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol Consumption
Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect the kidney vessels and weaken kidney function.
Smoking narrows the blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the kidneys.
Excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the filtering capacity of the kidneys and cause toxins to accumulate in the body.
The best option to protect your kidney health is to eliminate smoking and alcohol from your life.
6. Don't Neglect Regular Health Check-ups
Kidney diseases can often progress without symptoms. Therefore, it is vital to have regular health check-ups. Especially people with diabetes, hypertension or a family history of kidney disease should have their kidney functions checked regularly.
Follow your kidney health with blood and urine tests.
Have the tests recommended by your doctor done regularly.
“Kidney health is an important part of our general health and it is enough to adopt some simple habits in daily life to protect it. Steps such as drinking plenty of water, eating healthy, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and alcohol can keep your kidneys healthy for many years. Remember, your kidneys work for you; if you take good care of them, they will provide you with a healthy life for many years!”