Cases of chronic kidney disease (CKD) continue to rise. It's not surprising considering that the number one cause of the disease, diabetes, has exploded over the same period. According to the International Diabetes Federation, about 285 million people around the world are living with diabetes. They estimate that the number will rise to about 440 million people by the year 2030.
Diabetes accounts for over 40 percent of the cases of kidney disease. So it's clear that one of the primary ways to prevent kidney disease is to prevent diabetes. Or, if you already have it, effective treatment can reduce the impact that the condition has on your kidneys.
Here are the best ways to prevent kidney disease:
1. Eat healthy and exercise. Obesity is the leading cause of type 2 diabetes, which interferes with insulin function and increases your blood glucose levels. Persistent high blood glucose levels damage your kidneys.
Try to eat calories within a healthy range for your weight, height, gender and activity level. Also, reduce unhealthy fats, limit alcohol and avoid processed or refined flour and sugars.
Most health organizations recommend getting at least 30 minutes of exercise at least five days a week. But, you don't have to be a high-performance athlete to get the benefits of exercise. Even moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking, light jogging, dancing or doubles tennis can help to prevent diabetes.
If you're already overweight, you should try to get at least an hour of exercise five days a week to speed weight loss and lower your risk further.
2. Control high blood pressure. Hypertension is the second leading cause of CKD. The increased pressure in the blood vessels causes damage and narrows blood vessels. It affects nephrons in the kidneys as well as other organs such as the heart, which is also stressed by kidney disease.
Normal blood pressure is 120 systolic over 80 diastolic. Systolic refers to the pressure when your heart is pumping blood out, while diastolic is the pressure of your heart between beats when it's filling with blood. If your pressure is over 140/90 in three consecutive readings, you may have high blood pressure.
Exercise and healthy eating also helps to control high blood pressure. As far as diet goes, try to reduce sodium and caffeine intake, and eat more vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and nuts. Other natural remedies for hypertension include: hawthorn leaves, lime flowers, coenzyme Q10, magnesium, meditation and yoga.
If natural methods don't help to control your blood pressure, your doctor may recommend medications. Two of the most common types used are angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEs), and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). Both of these medications prevent your blood vessels from narrowing.
3. Follow prescribed treatment for illnesses that cause kidney disease. Several other health conditions can cause kidney disease including autoimmune diseases such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Other culprits include an enlarged prostate, HIV, a urinary tract infection or pancreatitis.
If you have any condition that causes kidney disease, see your doctor or naturopath as soon as possible for treatment. Make sure you take your medication as directed, and make the necessary dietary and lifestyle changes that help to alleviate these health problems.
4. Know your family history. Some conditions that cause kidney disease are genetic, which increases your risk of developing them. Diabetes and hypertension fall under this umbrella. Also, kidney disease itself has a genetic connection. If your immediate family members have these diseases then you should be more cautious about preventing them.
Have your blood pressure checked regularly and go for that annual checkup so your blood glucose levels can be tested. You can reduce your risk even more by changing your diet - and lifestyle. For instance, both hypertension and diabetes are linked to smoking and alcohol consumption. Eliminating these habits reduces your risk of kidney disease
5. Drink lots of water. Good old H20 helps your kidneys to flush out toxins, waste products - and excess fluids. It's also an effective natural treatment to prevent kidney stones, which can cause blockages in your kidneys that can lead to CKD. Water also helps you to stay well hydrated; dehydration can cause acute kidney disease.
Duncan Capicchiano N.D. is a fully qualified Naturopath, Author, and Medical researcher specializing in kidney disease. Duncan is the author of the popular kidney coach blog where he provides free up to the minute advice and tips on how to reverse your kidney disease naturally. Check out his blog www.kidneycoach.com where you can also grab a FREE copy of his Kidney Disease Healing eCourse.
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