Kidney health: 5 simple lifestyle changes that make a big difference


According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 35.5 million people in the country live with chronic kidney disease. Experts emphasize that habits such as regular water consumption, balanced diet, stress management and physical activity have important effects on kidney health. Here are 5 basic suggestions that can be easily integrated into daily life to protect the kidneys:

Drinking at least 1.5–2 liters of water a day helps the kidneys remove sodium and toxins. It is recommended to increase water consumption, especially during the hot summer months.

Fruits such as acai berries, apples, blueberries, cherries, pomegranates and strawberries; vegetables such as avocados, broccoli, leafy greens, beans and nuts such as chia and flax seeds are among the foods that support kidney health. Processed foods, excess salt and sugar should be avoided.

Hypertension and diabetes are among the leading causes of kidney failure. Experts say that maintaining an ideal weight and doing at least one hour of physical activity per day has positive effects on kidney health.

Smoking and alcohol consumption negatively affect not only the kidneys but also the general health of the body. While alcohol increases blood pressure and damages the kidneys, smoking damages the vascular structure and restricts blood flow to the organs.

Sleeping 7–9 hours a day and managing stress levels with meditation, exercise or hobbies reduces the pressure on the kidneys. Experts point out that chronic stress can lead to inflammation and long-term kidney damage. This article is written for general information purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice. ntv.com.tr is not responsible for the reader's self-diagnosis based on the content of the article. If you have any concerns about your health, consult your doctor.
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