World Kidney Day is March 9

Did you know that your kidneys are heavy lifters? At just 160 grams each, they cleanse the blood of toxins and transform waste into urine. They secrete a number of essential hormones and between your two kidneys, they filter 200 liters of fluid every 24 hours. To put that in perspective, that’s more than a bathtub full of water!

When your kidneys are not functioning properly, that’s when harmful waste and extra fluids build up in your body, which can result in symptoms like high blood pressure, extreme tiredness, persistent headaches, swelling in the face and ankles or lower back pain. These symptoms likely sound familiar to you, since many people commonly experience one or more of these symptoms daily. That’s why it’s important to see your doctor and get your kidneys checked regularly.

What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a long-lasting health condition that affects how your body turns food into energy. When you have diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin, or can’t use it as well as it should. This is a problem because insulin is what allows sugar into your cells to get processed. If the sugars stay in your bloodstream for too long, serious problems can occur over time such as heart disease, vision loss and kidney disease.

The good news is there is a lot you can do to prevent kidney problems and keep your body healthy! The key is keeping your blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure in a healthy range. Talk to your doctor to learn what that healthy range should be for you.

Other preventive measures you can take include eating foods lower in salt, including more fruits and vegetables in your diet, staying active, and taking your medications as directed. Taking care of your kidneys early is the best preventive step you can take, so make your appointment for your annual kidney check today. The sooner you know about the health of your kidneys, the sooner you can modify your behavior to protect them.