Keep Your Kidneys Healthy – Control Your Blood Pressure
March is Kidney Health Month
Adults with high blood pressure, diabetes, or both, have a higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD) than those without these diseases.
CKD is a condition in which the kidneys are damaged or cannot filter blood as well as healthy kidneys for 3 months or longer. Because of this, excess fluid and waste from the blood remain in the body and may cause other health problems.
The good news is that there is a lot you can do to prevent kidney problems, including keeping your blood pressure and blood sugar under control.
In addition to managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels, managing cholesterol levels is very important because these are all risk factors for heart disease and stroke.
Kidney Friendly Tips
- Keep your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg (or ask your doctor what the best blood pressure target is for you).
- If your blood pressure is high, check it regularly and get it under control to make sure your kidneys stay healthy.
- Take medications as instructed, and ask your doctor about blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors and ARBs, which may protect your kidneys in addition to lowering blood pressure.
- Talk to your doctor about medicines that harm your kidneys and other ways to lower your blood pressure.
- Keeping your kidneys healthy will also help take care of your heart.
Get active—physical activity helps manage blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
- Eat foods lower in salt.
- Eat more fruits and vegetables.
- If you smoke, quit.