Wellness Tips

The kidneys, two bean-shaped organs each about the size of a fist, lie under the ribs just above the waist. The kidneys’ primary function is to remove waste products and excess water from the body by making urine. The kidneys are also involved in regulating the body’s salt, potassium and acid content, controlling blood pressure, managing red blood cell production, maintaining the balance of calcium and phosphate in bones and blood, and producing vitamin D to strengthen bones. Since the other organs in the body rely on your kidneys to function properly, it’s important to keep them healthy.

Here’s how you can help keep your kidneys free of disease and infection: Drink plenty of water. Adequate fluid intake can help prevent kidney stones. Drink at least eight large glasses of water each day or more when you exercise or are in hot weather.

Drink cranberry juice to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). Cranberries contain substances called tannins that have an anti-adherent property, which prevents bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract. For best results, drink a glass in the morning and evening.

Wear 100 percent cotton underwear. Synthetic materials can make you sweat and make you more vulnerable to UTIs. Also avoid perfumed bubble baths, which can irritate the lower urinary tract.

Have your blood pressure checked regularly. High blood pressure can be a sign of kidney disease, so take steps to lower it by reducing the amount of salt in your diet and moderating your alcohol intake.

Exercise on a consistent basis and maintain a healthy weight. Engage in some form of moderate physical activity for at least 20 to 30 minutes four times a week.

Stop smoking. Smoking narrows blood vessels, resulting in higher blood pressure and less blood flow to the kidneys. Smoking not only hurts your kidneys, but can also cause heart and lung disease, too.

Monitor your blood sugar if you have diabetes. Do what you can to keep it as close to normal as possible. Diabetes is the most common cause of kidney failure.

                   and the National Kidney Foundation.
In Canada, visit The Kidney Foundation of Canada.


It’s estimated that 20 million Americans, or one in nine adults, have chronic kidney disease, and many don’t even know it. Another 20 million have an increased risk of developing kidney disease. Although many forms of kidney disease don’t display symptoms until later, there are some warning signs.

These include:

High blood pressure
Blood and/or protein in the urine
More frequent urination, especially at night
Difficult or painful urination
Puffiness around eyes and swelling of hands and feet
Test results revealing high levels of creatinine, a waste product, in the blood
Kidney infection is another common condition.

Signs of kidney infection include:
Lower abdominal or back pain
Discomfort urinating
Changes in urine
Fever
Shivering
Nausea
If you notice any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Source: The National Kidney Foundation.