Our country is seen as the giant of Africa in trade, commerce and culture but now bears another title, the emerging epicentre of lifestyle diseases as traditional eating patterns give way to fast food, and custom practices yield to sedentary routines, Nigeria is topping the charts for lifestyle-related diseases.
Estimates suggest that lifestyle-related diseases accounts for many of the fatalities in our country. This is of concern to experts in the field of kidney care as lifestyle factors are highly correlated with renal complications.
Kidney diseases are on the rise among the younger generation. Experts opine that lifestyle factors are significant drivers of this change. According to Dr. Saurabh Pokriyal, Co-Founder and Director, VitusCare Medlife Pvt. Ltd and a renowned Nephrologist, here are some changes you can incorporate, in your daily life that reduce your chances of developing renal complications and help you stay happy and healthy.
Cut Back On Salt And Sugar
One of the tragedies of modern life is the overconsumption of processed food. These foods are usually high in sugars and salt, which can be deadly to kidney health. Therefore, it is a good idea to be mindful of what you put in your body. Experts recommend that sugar accounts for less than 10% of your daily calories. When it comes to salt, the aim should be to consume less than 2300 milligrams every day.
Water Is Your Best Friend!
Staying hydrated is the best way to ensure that your kidneys remain healthy. While the recommended water intake is 8 to 10 glasses, this number will vary according to your age, weight, and lifestyle. Therefore, it is a good idea to be on the lookout for signs of dehydration like fatigue, muscle weakness, headache and restlessness. If you experience any of these symptoms, increase your water intake. Of course, you must visit a medical professional if they persist.
Exercise Regularly
There is news for those of you who feel that exercise only helps you stay in shape- It also enables you to stay healthy and lowers your chances of developing heart ailments, ultimately reducing your chances of developing kidney diseases. Regular exercise also helps prevent diabetes. This is important as recent health reports suggest that diabetic adults in Nigeria develop kidney-related complications and may require specialised care.
Ditch The Cigarettes
Health experts all over the world are of the opinion that smoking is one of the worst things that you can do to your body. It impacts almost all facets of health, including kidney health. It restricts the blood flow to your heart and kidneys, impacting their functioning. It also increases your chances of developing cancer that can prove fatal. The ideal would be not to pick up the habit. However, if you are a smoker, try and quit as soon as you can.
Looking after your health should be your top priority. Only when you are healthy can you enjoy other aspects of life. Unfortunately, many people ignore their kidneys when thinking about staying healthy. Do not commit this folly! The recommended lifestyle alterations will help you stay on track in relation to your kidney health.
However, if you do develop kidney-related complications, do not worry. Dialysis is a safe and effective option, especially with the opening of quality centres all over the country. Work closely with your healthcare provider and follow their recommendations. Remember that it is a combination of your will and technology that can help you surmount even the greatest of difficulties.
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