Research conducted by the National Kidney Foundation has noted over 90,000 Americans die each year from kidney-related diseases. A shocking revelation that surpasses the percentage of both prostate and breast cancer. Many of us may not be aware that our kidneys play an integral role in sustaining our lives, and keeping them healthy should be a top priority. How can this be achieved, we hear you ask? There is no one simple answer, and our genes play a part, but mainly, taking care of our daily habits – what we eat, our sleep patterns, exercise routines – is key to preventing kidney damage and keeping our bodies healthy. Of course, we can’t ignore heart health, critically important to our overall well-being, so keep reading to learn some vital tips that will help you maintain your kidneys and a healthy heart and keep you in overall tip-top health!
Use More Herbs Than Salt
The Habits You Need To Drop To Protect Your Kidneys and Heart
Many people are not aware that one of the number one killers of good health is attributed to the use of salt. Of course, we will admit salt does give our food flavor, but at the same time, it puts your kidneys under more pressure in having to drain water from the body. The excess salt affects the blood flow, which may end up putting your entire body in a compromising situation. Therefore, authorities, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), recommend reducing our daily intake to no more than one teaspoon.
Use Fewer Painkillers
We all have the bad habit of taking a painkiller as soon as we feel the slightest of pain, but are we aware of the underlying dangers? Taking a painkiller occasionally is okay, but when it gets too much, you put a strain on the kidneys as the elements found in these medications limit the proper flow of blood to the organ. The New England Journal of Medicine carried out a study that indicated that a yearly average of 5,000 or more cases of kidney failure in the U.S. occurs as a result of overdosing on pain relief medications such as Tylenol and Advil. Painkillers in themselves are not dangerous, they just should be used infrequently and in moderation, and if on other medication, it is important to check their compatibility even with the mildest painkillers.
Use Fewer Painkillers
