Healthy Living Tips

Tips to help keep your kidneys healthy:

• Keep your blood pressure at the target set by your health care provider. For most people, the blood pressure target is less than 140/90 mm Hg. This can delay or prevent kidney failure.
• If you have diabetes, control your blood glucose level.
• Keep your cholesterol levels in the target range.
• Take medicines the way your provider tells you to. (Important: Certain blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors and ARBs may protect your kidneys. Ask your health care provider for more information.)
• Cut back on salt. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium each day.
• Choose foods that are healthy for your heart: fresh fruits, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy foods.
• Limit your alcohol intake.
• Be more physically active.
• Maintain weight according to your physician.
• If you smoke, take steps to quit. Cigarette smoking can make kidney damage worse.