Kidney Care UK and the National Pharmacy Association (NPA) recently urged the public to exercise caution when regularly using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This recommendation is especially important for high-risk groups for kidney disease, such as individuals with diabetes or high blood pressure.
Olivier Picard, President of the NPA, emphasized, "Medication can be a cure, but it can also become a harmful agent."
According to Picard, while NSAID medications like ibuprofen are effective and safe, patients still need to be aware of their effects to consider suitable alternatives when necessary.
"If there are any concerns about NSAID use, people should consult a pharmacist. They are medication experts, fully capable of advising on long-term side effects and helping patients manage pain effectively," he stated.
Many people often pay little attention to factors directly affecting the body's "filter." Fiona Loud, Policy Director at Kidney Care UK, shared insights on the vital role of kidneys and suggested 8 simple habits to maintain the health of this organ.
Drink enough water
Adequate hydration helps kidneys effectively filter out toxins and remove waste from the body. Loud advised, "Aim to drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily."
 |
Regular yoga or walking is sufficient to keep kidneys healthy. Photo: Nguyen Dong |
Healthy diet
"Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables helps maintain stable blood pressure and cholesterol levels. When you take care of your heart, you are also protecting your kidneys," Loud stated.
You can start with small steps, such as adding fruit to cereal or using frozen vegetables. Crucially, limit ultra-processed foods, treating them as rare indulgences.
Regular blood pressure checks
High blood pressure is an "enemy" of the kidneys. You can easily check this at pharmacies or the nearest medical facilities.
Reduce salt intake
Excessive salt intake negatively affects blood pressure and increases the risk of kidney stones. "I recommend replacing salt with herbs, lemon, or garlic to enhance the flavor of your dishes," Loud suggested.
Stay active
Exercise is key to controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. Aiming for about 150 minutes of physical activity each week will improve blood circulation, which is highly beneficial for the kidneys. You don't have to run a marathon; regular yoga or walking is sufficient.
Regular kidney check-ups
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two biggest risks for chronic kidney disease. If you are living with these conditions, regular kidney function checks are crucial.
Quit smoking
According to Kidney Care UK, smokers have a 4 times higher risk of kidney failure compared to non-smokers. "Smoking causes fatty plaque buildup in blood vessels, making the heart work harder, which in turn increases blood pressure. Additionally, this habit raises the risk of kidney cancer," Loud warned.
Assess your risk online
Using online kidney health assessment tools is a quick way to understand your condition. Depending on the results, you will receive advice on whether to consult a specialist for further guidance.
My Y (According to Yahoo UK)
