World Kidney Day is celebrated on 9 March this year. This global-awareness campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the importance of our kidneys, and sheds light on the dangers that unhealthy living and obesity have on a person’s kidneys.
There are many things you can do to lead a healthy and active life in order to take care of your kidneys. These five things are at the top of the list:
1. Don’t smoke
It’s no surprise that nicotine is a major factor in kidney disease, according to a 2007 study published by the American Physiological Society. Smoking slows blood flow to important organs like the kidneys, which in turn can make kidney disease worse.
2. Eat your body right
Avoid drinks that are high in sugar and food that is salty and processed. Instead, stick to organic fruit and vegetables, and limit your protein intake to lean chicken or fish a few times a week. This is all within moderation, of course.
3. Stock up on water
It’s best to start the day with a glass of water to get your body going and it’s said you should have at least six to eight glasses of water a day. It’s best to drink when you are thirsty – and especially when you are feeling a little hungry, as this could just be your body’s way of telling you that you need to drink more water. The best way to find out is to have a glass of water and wait 30 minutes. If you are still hungry after that, then it’s time for a snack.
4. Decompress and de-stress
Take at least 10 minutes in your day where you are disconnected from everything and are still. Reflect on the day and remind yourself to breathe. This way you can avoid any overwhelming situations and you are able to think more clearly.
5. Get moving
It isn’t good to sit in the office the whole day and then finish off all that sitting with lying in front of the TV till you go to sleep. Break up your day into quarters and make yourself take a 10-minute walk each quarter. This way you will be able to fit in 40 minutes of exercise throughout your day, which your body will thank you for.
PHOTO: iStock/adventtr
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