00:10Your kidneys are working 24 hours a day, filtering waste, balancing electrolytes,
00:17regulating your blood pressure and helping keep your body healthy. Yet many
00:22people don't think about their kidneys until the damage has already been done.
00:27The good news is many causes of kidney disease are preventable. Tonight on Housecall we're
00:34discussing simple do's and don'ts to help keep your kidneys healthy.
00:40Do keep your blood pressure under control. High blood pressure is one of the leading
00:45causes of chronic kidney disease. Monitor your blood pressure, take medication as prescribed
00:52and live a healthy lifestyle. Low salt diet and exercise. Do control your blood sugar.
01:00If you have diabetes or pre-diabetes keeping your blood sugar on target can help reduce your risk of
01:06developing kidney disease. Do stay hydrated. Drink enough fluids throughout the day particularly in hot
01:15weather or during exercise. Staying properly hydrated can help keep your kidneys functioning effectively
01:22and efficiently. Do choose more kidney healthy foods. Include more fresh fruits and vegetables such as
01:30cabbage, cauliflower, bell peppers, berries and even apples. These foods are rich in antioxidants and can
01:39help replace highly processed foods. Now for the don'ts. Don't overuse painkillers. Frequent use of
01:48anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen, naproxen or diclofenac can cause damage to your kidneys,
01:55especially if you already have kidney disease or if you are dehydrated. Secondly, don't eat too much salt.
02:03Excess sodium can elevate your blood pressure and place additional strain on your kidneys. Limit processed foods,
02:12fast foods and salty snacks. Lastly, don't assume all supplements are always safe. Some herbal and high dose
02:22vitamins can cause damage to your kidneys, particularly if you already have kidney disease. Healthy kidneys are
02:30essential for a healthy life. By controlling your blood pressure and blood sugar, balancing your diet,
02:37avoiding unnecessary medication and staying hydrated, you can go a long way in protecting your kidneys
02:45for years. If you already have kidney disease, talk to your doctor or dietitian before changing your diet.
02:53All right, it's Dr. Mariana Browne for TV6 Health School.
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