[toc]Kidneys remove waste products and help balance water and salt and other minerals and electrolytes in the blood. This is an important function carried out by the kidney for normal functioning of the body. The failure of the kidney to do so can lead to many associated problems. When the kidneys stop working, waste products, fluids, and electrolytes build up in the body. This can cause problems that can even cause death. Kidney failure means complete sudden failure of the kidneys and stopping of its functions which could be caused due to various reasons.
Complete renal or kidney failure may cause symptoms like little or no urine when one urinates, swelling, especially in legs and feet, no desire to eat, nausea and vomiting. Feeling of confusion, anxiety and restlessness is also common. There can be pain in the back below the rib cage.
Such problems are diagnosed in hospitals during the stay through various tests. Treating kidney failure is not possible; person can only be made to live through kidney transplant which is also a very expensive and rare probability. So, it is of atmost importance to prevent the chances of kidney failure if you know you have weak kidneys or wrong habits that cause kidney damage. Check the preventive measures below: –
7 Various Preventions For Kidney Failure
Control High Blood Pressure
If a person has high blood pressure, it must be controlled to avoid kidney failure. The normal range of blood pressure has to be maintained for avoiding deterioration of the kidneys and other parts.
Doctor can be consulted to bring the blood pressure under target range and maintain it. Blood pressure can be controlled by reducing stress, eating low sodium diet, exercising and taking medication. These are important factors that control blood pressure and eventually reduce the risk of other dangerous diseases or problems later on.
Control Diabetes
Along with high blood pressure even high blood sugar levels are a reason for kidney failure and needs to be controlled to keep check on the kidneys. Blood sugar levels should be maintained in healthy range through various lifestyle change factors like low fat food, small meals, regular walking and medication.
Sugar can be controlled if one is consciously working towards achieving the right blood sugar levels along with help of diabetes doctors, dietitians and family members. Sweet intake and rich food intake should be avoided at all cost along with other factors.
Quit Smoking
People who have kidney problem or history of kidney failure in the family should not start smoking and if they already smoke should quit smoking. Smoking causes renal failure at a faster rate than if you do not smoke.
Smoking has harmful toxins which affect the already damaged kidney at a very fast pace and end up causing complete failure if not stopped in time. Once a person comes to know about his or her poor kidney condition then he/she should start taking special care by quitting smoking and not worsen the condition of the kidneys because of short term pleasure.
Consider Seeing A Nephrologist
If someone has already lost some kidney function, or there is a chance of you likely to have more kidney damage in the future, or you want to be assured that your kidneys are sound enough then you should always consult a nephrologist (a kidney disease specialist).
A nephrologist can provide specialized testing, evaluate the condition more precisely and give solutions and possible ways to slow down the progress of kidney disease or failure. A specialized doctor consultation is always better than generally consulting a doctor. Take medications to prevent further damage if required.
Exercise
Like exercise is good for preventing all kinds of life risking problems it is also required to prevent kidney failure. Exercise helps regulate body functions which in turn gives less pressure on the kidney and helps it to be healthy for a longer time. Yoga has specific postures that help keep different organs healthy so you could start doing yoga under the guidance of a good trainer so that you prevent the kidney failure or at least postpone it.
Specific postures for kidney relief should be performed and not general yoga done. Any form of exercise should be done at least four times a week for it to show results and be done on a regularly for life long and not just for a month or two.
Avoid Toxic Substances
Consumption of toxic substances causes damage to kidneys. If the kidneys are already damaged then it may lead to renal failure and cause many problems later on. So, all kinds of toxic intake has to be stopped.
Vegetables and fruits need to be peeled and washed very well with warm water for kidney patients so that no amount of chemicals goes inside their system. They should avoid all kinds of processed food items which contain toxic materials. Canned foods can have lead in them which pressurizes the kidney and should not be consumed to prevent failure.
Get Tests Done Regularly
All kinds of tests associated with kidney failure should be done regularly and not avoided. Urine test should be done to see if there is excess protein, glucose, or blood in the urine. Blood pressure reading has to be done on a regular basis to see if blood pressure is elevated. Fasting blood glucose test has to be done to check see if one has too much glucose (sugar) in the blood or it is maintained.
Another blood test that can be used to determine diabetes is a hemoglobin A1C which will indicate your average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. Creatinine test is important for kidney function because this blood test measures the amount of waste from muscle activity. When the kidneys are not working properly, the creatinine level rises. These tests if done periodically will help an individual to keep check on the kidney condition and other factors that damage kidney and help in taking decision of changes required in maintaining kidney condition. Follow these preventions for healthy kidney and life.