The Filter of the Human Body
Stick both of your hands out and make a fist. Imagine two organs this size, on each side of your spine, otherwise known as your kidneys.
These bean-shaped organs play a crucial role in keeping your body operating properly. They:
- Filter waste from the body out of food, medication, and alcohol
- Control blood pressure
- Promote Vitamin D distribution throughout the body
- Secrete vital hormones
- Maintain electrolytes levels
Keeping your kidneys in good condition may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about your health. However, it is essential to keep your kidneys healthy, so they can keep YOU healthy!
Here are three ways to keep your kidneys in tip-top shape.
Manage Your Blood Sugar
Controlling blood sugar is vital to keeping kidneys healthy. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a healthy blood sugar target before a meal is 80 to 130 mg/dL and less than 180 mg/DL two hours after the start of a meal.
Not only do the kidneys clean the waste from our blood, but these organs also filter and absorb/reabsorb glucose. If your blood sugar falls irregularly on a constant interval, the kidneys risk not being able to function fully.
Tips to Manage Blood Sugar:
- Routinely check your blood sugar levels and food/drink intake
- Eat at regular intervals
- Don’t skip meals (especially breakfast)
- Get quality sleep
Stay Fit With Exercise
No matter the type, any physical activity allows systems of the body to remain healthy and functioning.
Bones and muscles are negatively impacted when kidney function lessens. Participating in physical activity can both prevent and maintain kidney deterioration. Consider some of these exercises:
- Cardio - jump rope, burpees, squat jumps
- Aerobics - swimming, elliptical, going for walks
- Strength - light weight lifting, hill walking, or heavy gardening
- Flexibility - forward lunges, butterfly straddle, knees to chest
Remain Hydrated
Another tip to keeping your kidneys in top shape is to remain hydrated. The key to staying hydrated is drinking plenty of water and keeping up with electrolytes.
Drink Plenty of Water
According to The National Kidney Foundation, water intake helps open blood vessels so that blood can travel to the kidneys and deliver essential nutrients to them. Water intake helps prevent dehydration and ensures that your kidneys remove toxins from your body.
Keep Up With Electrolytes
Kidneys help maintain and balance electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus. Drinks such as coconut water and Pedialyte can help keep up with electrolytes; however, it is essential to pair these with water intake to ensure a healthy balance.
Health Prevention and Treatment
If you are seeking medical advice or simply adhering to health prevention, our medical professionals are here for you throughout your entire health journey.
To learn more about the services we offer, call us today at (210) 429-8313 or visit us online.