March is National Kidney Month, it's a time to raise awareness about the importance of kidney health and encourage people to take steps to prevent kidney disease. As a registered dietitian, I believe that nutrition plays a CRUICAL role in kidney health. Let's talk about the importance of kidney health, risk factors for kidney disease, and tips for maintaining healthy kidneys through a balanced diet.

Why is Kidney Health Important?

As you've probably been told before, if not let me tell you, the kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs located in your lower back. Their main function is to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood and excrete them in urine. They also regulate electrolyte balance, blood pressure, and the production of red blood cells.

Kidney disease is a serious health condition that can lead to kidney failure if left untreated. Kidney failure can happen when the kidneys lose their ability to function properly. This will lead to a buildup of waste products and fluid in the body. This can cause a range of complications, including high blood pressure, anemia, bone disease, and nerve damage.

Risk Factors for Kidney Disease

There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing kidney disease. Some of these are:

  • Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, leading to kidney damage.

  • High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid.

  • Family history: If you have a family history of kidney disease, you may be at a higher risk of developing the condition.

  • Age: As you get older, your kidneys may not function as well as they used to, increasing your risk of kidney disease.

  • Smoking: Smoking can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid.

Tips for Maintaining Healthy Kidneys

Although we have these risk factors, you are in control! You some of the steps you can take to maintain healthy kidneys and reduce your risk of kidney disease are as follows:

  • Eat a balanced diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats can help support kidney health. Try to avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of salt. These processed foods and increase your risk of kidney disease.

  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help flush waste products and excess fluid from the kidneys. Generally, you can aim for at least eight glasses of water per day. (Remember though this depends on your stage of kidney function. Don't forget to ask your doctor).

  • Control your blood sugar levels: If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood sugar levels under control to reduce your risk of kidney damage.

  • Manage your blood pressure: If you have high blood pressure, work with your healthcare provider to keep your blood pressure under control. This may involve taking medication, making lifestyle changes, or both.

  • Don’t smoke: If you smoke, it’s important to quit. Smoking can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to function properly.

  • Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help maintain healthy blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which can reduce your risk of kidney disease.

  • Get regular check-ups: If you have risk factors for kidney disease, it’s important to get regular check-ups with your healthcare provider. They can monitor your kidney function and detect any problems early on.

National Kidney Month is a reminder of the importance of kidney health and the need to take steps to prevent kidney disease. By following a balanced diet, staying hydrated, controlling your blood sugar and blood pressure levels, not smoking, exercising regularly, and getting regular check-ups, you can maintain healthy kidneys and reduce your risk of kidney disease. If you have any concerns about your kidney health, talk to your healthcare provider or schedule a session with us, your local dietitian today! We're here to help you on your health journey.