Keeping Up With Your Kidney Health

College students often need more conversations regarding long-term health conditions. While young, it is easy not to pay attention to the significant health conditions that become a risk as you age. However, various chronic diseases and illnesses can affect you at any age. Therefore, you must begin taking care of your health now.

More than 37 million people in the United States are estimated to have chronic kidney disease, with 9 in 10 adults unaware that they have it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is a type of disease that can be hidden by the other illnesses that cause it.

Kidneys are one pair of organs in the body’s abdominal region. They remove the waste and extra water from the blood as urine and help filter blood before sending it back to the heart. Kidneys also have many vital functions, such as maintaining overall fluid balance, making the hormone that helps control blood pressure, and stimulating bone marrow to make red blood cells.

Chronic kidney failure happens when your kidneys are not working correctly. The gradual decrease in function results in the build-up of waste and fluid that is supposed to be removed, causing you to feel sick. The symptoms can vary. However, they can range from nausea, loss of appetite, sleep problems, muscle cramps, etc.

The chances of kidney failure at a young age are unlikely as the CDC reports that people 65 years and older are more likely to have kidney failure at 38 percent, 45-64 at 12 percent, and 18-44 at 6 percent.

Many risk factors include being 60 or older and having a family history of kidney disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure.

To prevent kidney disease, taking control and monitoring your health is essential. You can fill your body with vital nutrients to keep it healthy. In the long run, your body with thank you for giving the extra attention required.

Healthy food choices such as fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products, or fat-free dairy products can help keep a healthy body. It is also imperative that you limit or avoid foods that are high in salt and sugar. Too much of anything is unhealthy; however, consuming too much salt can lead to high blood pressure, which is a direct cause of kidney failure.

It may be challenging to monitor food intake but check the food labels to see what is consumed. Food labels all have vital information such as the calorie count, sodium and sugar amount, and the number of trans fat in each item.

Tracking and keeping up with your health now can positively affect your future. Our older selves will greatly appreciate it. Let’s get started in taking steps to live a healthier lifestyle.