We’ve already discussed why it’s important to treat and avoid high blood pressure. The harder your heart has to work, the more stress gets put on your kidneys to filter it. We’ve also discussed various ways to decrease your blood pressure such as getting eight hours of sleep daily, eating good fats on a regular basis, controlling your stress levels, working out, drinking moderate amounts of alcohol daily, and avoiding sitting for long stretches of time.
Symptoms of high blood pressure aren’t always visible, and by the time they appear, it’s usually already too late to cure. In 2015, a study in The New England Journal of Medicine found that the risk of heart disease is significantly lower if your blood pressure is lower than 120 millimeters of mercury.
Eating Too Much Red Meat May Cause Kidney Failure
The Journal of the American Society of Nephrology certified red meat as possibly being “kidney toxic.” It’s unclear at this point exactly what causes this effect, but speculation is that a big reason for the toxicity of red meat comes from having too much dietary acid.
However, if you're into vegan alternatives to meat, we've got great news for you because apparently, eating plant-based proteins actually helps repair injured kidneys. The research further states that replacing just one serving of red meat per week can help reduce your chances of contracting a kidney disease by 62%, which is quite a considerable number.
MRIs, CT Scans, And X-Rays Might Harm Your Kidneys
Although we're highly doubtful that there are people in this world who have a hobby or habit of getting MRIs, CT Scans, or X-Rays, it's still important to note that these can harm your kidneys under certain situations. It's not the tests that cause the damage, but the contrast dye that often accompanies these tests which causes trouble. Contrast Dyes are often made of either iodine or barium sulfate. They help accentuate specific areas of your body when doing a test such as X-rays and CAT scans.
About 2% of the people who have contrast dyes as part of their tests end up developing CIN, especially if they have a history of diabetes, heart disease, blood disease, or kidney disease. CIN is a disease called Contrast-Induced Nephropathy, which causes kidneys to shut down for up to three days. It's a reversible condition and only highly unlikely to occur in the first place, but it's important to be aware of it because it could cause damage if left untreated or contracted by someone with previous medical conditions.
Avoid Taking Supplements Without Prior Research
These small tablets of concentrated supplements may seem like a healthy habit, with the rationalization that you can basically get any lacking vitamin supplemented while your kidneys filter out all the rest. However, high doses of vitamin C and other vitamins have been linked to the formation of kidney stones. And if you also have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes or an autoimmune disorder you're even at a higher risk. It’s highly recommended to consult with your doctor.
Based on a 2012 review by the American Society of Nephrology, some supplements you should be cautious of are cranberry, willow bark, wormwood oil, licorice, geranium, and vitamin C. Up Next: Why exercise benefits your kidneys and how it can also destroy them.
Five Glasses of Water a Day Keep the Doctor Away
According to a 2002 study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, the more dehydrated you are, especially if it's a habit, the less healthy your heart is. A minimum of five daily glasses of water will surely do your kidneys some good.
The British Journal of Haematology found that the more water you drink, the lower your blood viscosity is, meaning that it flows a lot better and gives your heart an easier time. High degrees of blood viscosity end up straining your heart, and as a result, your kidneys. If you’re having trouble staying hydrated during the day, consider purchasing a personal water bottle to carry around with you everywhere you go.