1. Be fit and active- Do a brisk walk for 20 minutes at least 5 days a week and eat a balanced diet, eat a healthy diet, full of fresh fruits and vegetables. Decrease intake of refined foods, sugars, fats and meats in the diet. Keep your weight in check Maintain your weight with a balance of healthy food and regular exercise. Drink lot of water especially in summers.
2. Give up smoking and tobacco products Smoking leads to faster decline in kidney function. Quit smoking as soon as possible. Consult your doctor for help.
3. Beware of Pain killers and herbal medications. Do not overuse over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers on a regular basis. Common drugs such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like Ibuprofen and Naproxen are known to cause kidney damage. Herbal drugs which are commonly advertised on TV and newspapers are a common cause of kidney diseases too.
4. Annual kidney check-up Annual kidney check-up is a must for high risk persons who suffer from diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity or have a history of CKD in the family. A simple method for early detection and diagnosis of kidney disease is at least an annual blood pressure measurement, urinalysis and a test to measure creatinine in blood.
