Our body has a complex mechanism and it needs care. Proper nutrition, good mental health, routine habits, and workouts play an important role in maintaining good health. There are numerous health problems that can lead to kidney issues if untreated. Following is some of them;
Diabetes:
Diabetes is a health condition that can develop due to numerous factors and usually is due to a combination of these factors.
If we look closely at the reasons for kidney problems, diabetes is its major cause. One in seven adults in the USA is affected by kidney disease. The high blood sugar levels cause the blood vessels to be damaged and this can lead to declined kidney functions.
High Blood Pressure:
After diabetes, the second reason that can cause kidney problems is high blood pressure. Just as with diabetes, high blood pressure may also lead to blood vessel damage, and put pressure on kidneys.
Family Disease:
Kidney diseases are not spreadable. However, the risks of such issues are increased in cases when blood pressure, sugar, or kidney problems are common in your family.
Smoking:
As we all already know smoking is bad for our health. It can cause health problems, including but not limited to, heart issue, lungs damage, bad cholesterol being increased. It raises your blood pressure levels and minimizes the amount of oxygen that reaches to your organs. It also increases your tendency to kidney diseases.
U.S. centers for disease control and prevention has provided few examples of foods for people who are living with both diabetes and chronic kidney disease;
- Fruits: berries, grapes, cherries, apples, plums
- Veggies: cauliflower, onions, eggplant, turnips
- Proteins: lean meats (poultry, fish), eggs, unsalted seafood
- Carbs: white bread, bagels, sandwich buns, unsalted crackers, pasta
- Drinks: water, clear diet sodas, unsweetened tea
Above are just a few examples of foods. Please consult your dietitian for more foods and health tips.
If we closely notice, it is eminent that Kidney health is connected with numerous causes. However, the main cause is Diabetes. Thus, if you do not want kidney disease, it’s super important to control your diabetes first. Managing diabetes includes, taking a balanced diet with good fats and less carbs, a bit of regular exercise, good mental health, and monitoring your sugar levels.
When it comes to monitoring your glucose levels, the need for multiple fingerpricks has been ended. There are devices known as continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) which are inserted inside you skin and keep providing you your sugar levels as long as they are in place. One can either opt for a receiver to check the glucose levels or simply install the relevant application and check their reading on a compatible smart phone.
