At Texas Kidney Partners, we are proponents of prevention and early intervention to support your kidney health. Dr. Kanu and his dedicated team are committed to providing you with all the resources and knowledge you need to protect these vital organs. Safeguarding your kidneys will enhance your health and quality of life.
How Do Your Kidneys Contribute to Your Health?
Your kidneys are essential organs that are vital to your overall health. They perform critical functions, including removing waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood and into the urine. Moreover, they help regulate electrolyte balance, ensuring proper levels of minerals like sodium, potassium, and calcium, which are vital for nerve and muscle function and keeping your bones healthy. Your kidneys also produce hormones that help regulate your blood pressure and support the production of red blood cells, preventing anemia.
Chronic kidney disease, or CKD, is a progressive condition characterized by gradual loss of kidney function, with serious health impacts. The sooner CKD is treated and managed, the better the outcomes for your health.
What Are Ways to Lower the Risk of Kidney Disease?
The following are ways to support your kidney health and lower the risk of kidney disease:
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water throughout your day helps flush out excess toxins and reduces the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), kidney stones, and chronic kidney disease.
- Maintain a Balanced Diet: Focus on a diet rich in fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods, excessive salt, and saturated fats. A well-balanced diet helps lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, which are two leading causes of CKD.
- Control High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure, left untreated, can damage the delicate blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their ability to filter excess fluids, waste, and toxins. This can often lead to CKD and a gradual loss of kidney function.
- Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Check: High blood glucose levels can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impacting kidney functions. Additionally, many people with diabetes develop high blood pressure, putting further stress on their kidneys.
- Engage in Regular Physical Activity: Exercising regularly helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes. It also helps improve circulation, supporting kidney function.
- Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity can lead to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, diabetes, and high blood pressure, significantly increasing the risk of kidney disease. Obesity can also place stress on your kidneys, which have to work harder to filter waste products.
- Limit NSAIDs: Limit the intake of over-the-counter or prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen. Excessive or prolonged use of these medications can lead to kidney damage over time.
- Avoid Smoking: Smoking can cause significant damage to the blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the kidneys. This reduces blood flow, interfering with the kidneys’ ability to filter waste products effectively.
- Limit Alcohol Intake: Excessive alcohol consumption can elevate your blood pressure and place significant stress on the kidneys. Over time, this stress can lead to a decline in kidney function.
- Schedule Regular Health Check-Ups: We encourage you to keep up with your routine physicals and blood work to monitor your kidney function. This is especially important if you have risk factors for kidney disease, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of CKD.
What Are Common Warning Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease?
The following are warning signs of CKD:
- Decreased or increased urine output
- Dark, pink, or foamy urine
- High blood pressure or diabetes
- Swelling of the legs, feet, ankles, and hands
- Puffiness around the eyes and face
- Persistent fatigue, weakness, and dizziness
- Difficulty concentrating and sleep problems
- Decreased appetite, nausea, or vomiting
- Lower back pain and muscle cramping
- Dry, itchy skin
If you have one or a combination of these warning signs of CKD, contact Texas Kidney Partners to schedule a consultation. Dr. Kanu will evaluate your unique needs and create a custom treatment plan to help keep your kidneys as healthy as possible for as long as possible.
Chronic Kidney Disease Care Near Me in McKinney, TX
Dr. Kanu and his patient-centered team at Texas Kidney Partners are happy to provide you with tips and guidance to safeguard your kidney health. If you are diagnosed with CKD, you can count on us for personalized care and ongoing support to help you continue to live your life to the fullest. Contact us at 469-613-2343 to schedule a consultation, or complete our online form to request an appointment today!