Page 20 - Florida Sentinel 4-19-19

Health
Our kidneys are one of our hardest working organs and often have to endure tough conditions to keep our system clean. Sometimes, we can un- knowingly make it doubly challenging to rid our bodies of toxins. Here are a few com- mon habits that you might not realize are putting pres- sure on your kidneys.
1 Overusing Painkillers
Over the counter pain medicines, such as NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflamma-
tory drugs), may alleviate your aches and pains, but they can harm the kidneys, especially if you already have kidney disease. Reduce your regular use of NSAIDs and never go over the recom- mended dosage.
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and phosphorus. Many peo- ple who have kidney disease need to limit phosphorus in their diets. Some studies have shown that high phosphorus intake from processed foods in people without kidney dis- ease may be harmful to their kidneys and bones. Try adopting the DASH diet to guide your healthy eating habits.
4 Dehydration
Staying well hydrated helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from the body. Drinking plenty of water is also one of the best ways to avoid painful kidney stones. Those with kidney
problems or kidney failure may need to restrict their fluid intake, but for most peo- ple, drinking 1.5 to 2 liters (3 to 4 pints) of water per day is a healthy target.
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A good night’s rest is ex- tremely important to your overall well-being and, it turns out, your kidneys. Kid- ney function is regulated by the sleep-wake cycle which helps coordinate the kidneys’ workload over 24 hours.
blood that can be harmful to the kidneys and cause acido- sis – a condition in which kid- neys cannot eliminate acid fast enough. Protein is needed for growth, upkeep, and repair of all parts of the body but your diet should be well balanced with fruits and vegetables.
7 Consuming Lots Of Sugar
Sugar contributes to obe- sity which increases your risk of developing high blood pressure and diabetes, two of the leading causes of kidney disease. In addition to desserts, sugar is often added to foods and drinks that you may not consider “sweet.”
Avoid condiments, break- fast cereals, and white bread which are all sneaky sources of processed sugar. Pay atten- tion to the ingredients when buying packaged goods to avoid added sugar in your diet.
By cutting back on the above, you can make your kidneys’ jobs much easier, and you’re much healthier.
Eating Too Much Salt
Sleep Deprevation
Diets high in salt are high in sodium, which can in- crease blood pressure and, in turn, harm your kidneys. Fla- vor your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Over time, you may find it easier to avoid using added salt (sodium) on your food.
3 Consuming Processed Foods
Processed foods are sig- nificant sources of sodium
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Animal protein generates high amounts of acid in the
Eating Too Much Meat
PAGE 8-B FLORIDA SENTINEL BULLETIN PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2019