Your kidneys are two small organs responsible for removing waste and toxins from your blood and balancing fluids within your body. The kidneys also release hormones that help regulate your blood pressure and red blood cell productions, according to CBS News. Reduced kidney function can lead to swelling due to fluid retention and in severe cases may require dialysis and or a transplant. Tiny filters called glomeruli clean your blood of waste and extra fluid by sending it out in your urine, while sending cleaned blood back into your system, says the National Institutes of Health.
Visit your physician and have your urine and blood checked for kidney disease, recommends the National Kidney Disease Education Program.
Limit your consumption of salt and alcohol to help keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. Refrain from adding extra salt to foods, and read labels in the supermarket to avoid foods with high levels of sodium.
Lose weight if you are overweight. Your kidneys will function most efficiently when you are at a healthy weight. Eat smaller portions, eat healthier foods such as fruits and vegetables more often, and begin an exercise program. Exercise can consist of walking, jogging, swimming, cycling, or any activity that gets your body moving each day.
Quit smoking if you are a smoker. Smoking can result in elevated blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease and stroke, none of which are beneficial to healthy kidneys.
Learn how to meditate, or do yoga to help relax your body and manage stress levels if you have high blood pressure. Practice deep breathing by breathing slowly in through your nose and out through your mouth several times per day.
Tips and Warnings
- Ask parents, grandparents, and other family members about any family history of diabetes, circulatory diseases, or high blood pressure. This will help give you a clue as to warning signs to watch for, and areas to focus on in prevention. Report any findings to your doctor.