How Can Seniors Improve Their Kidney Function Naturally?

As we age, it's normal for kidney function to slow down. For seniors, common health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can place even more strain on the kidneys, increasing the risk of serious problems over time.

Healthy habits like staying well-hydrated, eating nutritious foods, and staying active can naturally support your kidney function and reduce the risk of complications. In this article, we will explore 8 effective ways to help keep your kidneys working at their best.

Table of Contents

8 Ways To Maintain Kidney Health Naturally:

These are natural remedies and lifestyle changes you can make today to save yourself doctor visits in future.

1. Drink Enough Water:

You will hear everyone say “Water is essential for healthy kidneys“. The reason is it helps remove toxins and prevents kidney stones.

Drinking water consistently helps in two major ways:

Flushing out sodium and toxins – Excess salt and waste can strain the kidneys, leading to high blood pressure and kidney disease. Water helps clear out these substances before they cause harm.

Preventing kidney stones – When you’re dehydrated, minerals in your urine can crystallize, forming painful kidney stones. Drinking enough water dilutes these minerals, reducing the chances of stone formation.

You should aim for 6 to 8 glasses of water a day, but this can vary depending on activity level and medical conditions. Dehydration can put stress on the kidneys, so it’s important to drink water throughout the day instead of waiting until feeling thirsty.

If plain water is not appealing, herbal teas or adding a slice of lemon can make it more enjoyable. Those with kidney disease should check with their doctor to find the right amount of water for them.

2. Eat Kidney-Friendly Foods:

A healthy diet can support kidney function and prevent further damage. Some foods are especially good for kidney health:

Berries (like blueberries and strawberries) contain antioxidants that protect the kidneys.
Leafy greens (such as spinach and kale) provide important vitamins while being low in potassium.
Cauliflower is a good vegetable choice as it is low in potassium and easy to digest.
Fish (like salmon and mackerel) provide healthy fats that reduce inflammation.

3. Maintain Blood Pressure & Sugar Levels:

High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the biggest threats to kidney health. If blood pressure is too high, it forces the kidneys to work harder, eventually wearing them out.

To keep blood pressure in check:

Limit salt intake – Too much sodium causes the body to retain water, increasing blood pressure.
Exercise regularly – Even a 30-minute walk can help improve circulation and reduce hypertension.
Manage stress – Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure. Practices like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, or simply enjoying a hobby can help.

If you have diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels stable is just as important. High blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, making them less effective at filtering waste. You should eat fiber-rich foods, avoid refined sugars, instead go for sugar-free options, and stay active. This can effectively help you manage your blood sugar levels.

4. Stay Active Without Overdoing It:

Regular movement is good for your kidneys because it improves circulation, reduces stress, and helps manage blood pressure. You don’t have to engage in intense workouts even light activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can be beneficial.

If you’re not used to exercising, start small. A 10-minute daily walk can make a difference. The key is consistency rather than intensity.

5. Be Careful with Medications:

Many common medications can be tough on the kidneys, especially when taken long-term. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can cause kidney damage over time.

Certain antibiotics, heartburn medications, and even some herbal supplements may also affect kidney function. If you take multiple medications, check with your doctor to make sure they are safe for your kidneys.

6. Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol:

Smoking reduces blood flow to the kidneys, making them less efficient. Quitting smoking can improve kidney function and overall health.

Alcohol can also put stress on the kidneys. It’s best to limit alcohol to one drink per day for women and two for men or avoid it altogether if there are existing kidney issues.

7. Get Regular Check-Ups:

Because kidney disease often has no early symptoms, regular check-ups are important. Blood and urine tests can detect kidney problems before they become serious. Seniors should ask their doctor about:

Blood tests to check creatinine levels and kidney function.
Urine tests to detect protein or blood, which could signal kidney issues.
Blood pressure monitoring, since high blood pressure affects kidney function.

8. Maintain Healthy Weight:

Carrying extra weight can put stress on your kidneys and increase the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Even slight weight loss (5-10% of body weight) can positively impact kidney health by lowering blood pressure and managing diabetes.

Extra body fat can also cause protein buildup in urine (proteinuria), an early sign of kidney damage. A Body Mass Index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 is generally considered healthy.

You should consult a doctor to determine your ideal weight based on your health conditions and body composition. Preserving muscle mass is also crucial, as excessive weight loss can lead to muscle wasting, which may negatively impact kidney function.

You Can Stay Healthy at Home!

Aging can bring new challenges, but with the right support, you can live a healthy life while actually enjoying it. We provide high-quality home care services tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual. Our trained caregivers offer compassionate assistance with daily activities, chronic conditions, meal preparation, and companionship.

Reach out to us for a free assessment today!

Final Thoughts:

You don’t have to make drastic changes to keep your kidneys healthy naturally. The simplest place to start is by staying hydrated. If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, follow your diet plan strictly and stay active. These small steps can effectively help you maintain kidney health in the long run.

FAQ’s

1. What are the early signs of kidney problems in seniors?

Early symptoms may include tiredness, swelling in the legs or ankles, changes in urination, and high blood pressure. However, kidney disease can develop without symptoms, so regular check-ups are important.

2. How much water should seniors drink for kidney health?

Most seniors should drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day, but those with kidney disease should ask their doctor for a specific recommendation.

3. What foods help improve kidney function?

Foods rich in antioxidants, like berries, leafy greens, and fish, can help support kidney health. Avoiding processed foods and excess salt also helps.

4. Can binge drinking cause kidney damage?

Yes, binge drinking (more than four to five drinks in a short period) can overwhelm the kidneys and lead to acute kidney injury (AKI). This sudden drop in kidney function may require dialysis until the kidneys recover.

5. What exercises are best for kidney health?

Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga help improve circulation and maintain overall health without putting too much strain on the body.

Fakiha

Fakiha is an experienced writer at ConsidraCare with an optimistic interest in life. She has a proactive approach to improving health and wellness for seniors. She offers well-researched and thoughtful information to help individuals make informed healthcare decisions for themselves and their loved ones.

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