By William M. Healy, MD

portrait of young sporty man walking while drinking a mineral water for refreshment

March is national kidney month, and a good time to learn about how to keep your kidneys healthy. These remarkable organs weigh just a quarter pound each, but receive 25% of your heart’s blood output. Your kidneys receive 15 gallons of blood each hour and also filter your blood’s plasma 60 times a day.

In producing urine, your kidneys remove your body’s waste products and maintain its fluid balance. And, if that isn’t enough, they also regulate your blood pressure and secrete erythropoietin, a hormone that increases the production of red blood cells in response to falling levels of oxygen in the tissues, while helping with Vitamin D metabolism.

Each kidney is composed of one to two million nephrons which act as tiny filters. Each of us are born with enough of nephrons to last a lifetime. However, should enough of your nephrons become irrevocably damaged, kidney disease will result, which is why it is so important to keep your kidneys healthy.

Follow a healthy diet, exercise and quit smoking. High blood pressure and diabetes mellitus can result from poor food choices. The “Mediterranean Diet” is a well-known healthy diet for which information is readily available. Next, exercise regularly. Walking for just 30 minutes five days a week will keep both your weight and blood pressure down and improve your overall wellbeing. If you are still smoking, quit now. Smoking restricts blood flow, interferes with proper kidney function, and increases your risk of kidney cancer, often leading to surgical removal of the entire kidney.

Medications and supplements can cause kidney disease. Many supplements are not well regulated and excessive amounts can be dangerous. Common over-the-counter pain relievers such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, and Naproxen can cause damage with frequent use. These drugs should be used intermittently or under supervision. Although Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is a safer choice for your kidneys, prolonged use of high doses should be avoided. Those taking diuretics (water pills), commonly prescribed for treating high blood pressure and heart disease, must make sure they are well hydrated. Your kidney function should be monitored regularly through a simple blood test when taking these medications. In the event that you develop an illness that results ins fluid loss through fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, during which you take over-the-counter medications to alleviate your symptoms, be aware of the stress these remedies may have on your kidneys. Notify your health care professional early during your illness so medication adjustments can be made or blood testing ordered.

Stay well-hydrated and know your family history. There is no consensus regarding how much daily fluid our bodies require, but six to eight glasses of water is reasonable. If you have a family history of kidney or other chronic health issues such as diabetes or high blood pressure, it is important to have your kidneys monitored regularly.

Through common sense and healthy living habits, your kidneys should remain trouble free.

About the Author:
William M. Healy, M.D. specializes in Internal Medicine and Geriatrics. He is located at 1829 Maple Road, Suite 202, Williamsville, NY 14221. To make an appointment with Dr. Healy call 716.204.5933. Also visit www.MDVIP.com/WilliamHealyMD.