Did you know that hypertension is one of the worst enemies for our kidneys? It is that silent ailment that we do not perceive and that, little by little, causes damage until it produces, for example, kidney failure.
That is why today, in our space, we want to teach you what are the best strategies to prevent this from happening, thus helping you to enjoy an adequate blood pressure that allows you to have a better quality of life.
Don’t miss these important tips!
How does hypertension damage the kidneys?
The relationship is very easy to understand. However, the real problem is that we almost never pay too much attention to our blood pressure, until we have a first symptom. Sometimes, even when it’s too late.
So, take this information into account to understand how hypertension and kidney failure are related. Notes:
- High blood pressure makes our heart work harder. If this “overload” extends over a long time, our blood vessels and arteries will end up being damaged little by little and unstoppably.
- One of the greatest risks is that the blood vessels of the kidneys suffer damage, with which, we would stop properly filtering the blood, waste and fluids would accumulate in our body.
- This excess fluid causes the blood vessels to suffer even more and, consequently, increases blood pressure. All this leads us to a really dangerous cycle for our health that can end up causing serious consequences.
How do I know I’m suffering from kidney failure?
Unfortunately, once we start to show signs of kidney failure, we will have to undergo continuous check-ups to try to control the function of our kidneys, because this problem is not reversible. People with chronic kidney failure are at high risk of having to undergo dialysis and, consequently, a transplant.
It is a very serious problem that is worth preventing and that requires us not only to control our hypertension regularly, but also to take care of our diet and our lifestyle habits. Now, how do I know that my kidneys are losing their functionality? We explain:
- Feeling very tired throughout the day.
- Having swollen feet and ankles.
- Being very sensitive to cold.
- The color of the urine is very yellow.
- Your abdomen feels very hard and swollen.
The clearest indicator will undoubtedly be given by a urine test. People with kidney failure have a very high creatinine level. You may be wondering what creatinine is. Not bad. It is a waste product formed by the breakdown of muscle cells. When the kidneys are working well, creatinine passes from the blood into the urine to remove it from the body normally, but if our kidney function is not doing well, then this waste product accumulates. It is therefore a very clear indicator and, as we say, can only be known through a urine test.
How can I take better care of my blood pressure so I don’t damage my kidneys?
Now that we are clear that it is vital to take care of our blood pressure to avoid possible kidney failure, take note of the tips you should follow to take care of yourself properly:
- Avoid gaining weight. Stay at an appropriate weight according to your height and age.
- Eat fresh vegetables and fruits, especially green vegetables and all those fruits that are diuretics such as pineapple, pears, grapes, blueberries…
- Avoid dairy products with a lot of fats. Use oatmeal, rice, or nut plant-based drinks instead.
- Avoid salt altogether, eliminate sodium from your meals, as well as sugar or processed white flours.
- Do at least half an hour of exercise a day, but try to make it a moderate exercise that forces you to activate your heart and your blood circulation. You can, for example, go for a walk for half an hour, go for a bike ride, swim or even sign up for dance classes.
- You can have a glass of red wine a day, but never exceed this amount.
- If you are a smoker, quit this dangerous habit today.
- Try taking vitamin D supplements, it is very suitable for kidney health.
- Take a tablespoon of baking soda dissolved with a glass of water a day. It is a great alkaline that helps us improve our kidney function.
- Try not to overdo it in the consumption of medications or, at least, not to take more than those prescribed by the doctor since, in general, they are not well processed by the liver and kidneys.
- Take care of your stressful situations and try to lead a balanced life where you properly manage your emotions. As you already know, stress is a direct trigger for blood pressure that we must keep well controlled.
- Never forget to have regular check-ups to control both your hypertension and your kidney health. If you wish, you can always buy a blood pressure monitor and monitor your blood pressure levels yourself at home.
Source: Better with Health
