Are you living with kidney disease and would like to get the best self-care ideas that can help you tackle it on time and win? If your answer is, yes, MedifyNow is here to help you.
When not detected on time, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can be very disastrous. It can however be managed by following some recommended self-care tips, which you’ll learn in this article.
Can I Self-Care Aid in Kidney Disease Management?
Frequent dialysis and other related medical services can help you manage the condition. By adding self-care to the list; your chances of living longer will be higher.
So yes, you can leverage some self-care tips, including making certain lifestyle changes and being mindful of the food you consume can prove helpful.
Focus on These Self-Care Ideas If You Have Kidney Disease
In this section, we discuss the different personalized approaches to managing chronic kidney disease.
1. Reduce Alcohol Intake
This is one of the lifestyle changes that help people living with the condition to have a chance at extending their lifespan.
Doing this is helpful in the following ways:
- A reduction and or abrupt stop in alcohol intake helps to reduce the risks of causing severe damage to vital body organs, including the kidney and liver.
- Skipping alcoholic drinks may be associated with reduced cholesterol levels and lowering one’s blood pressure.
Beyond alcohol, check out other foods and drinks to avoid if one is battling with kidney disease.
2. Endeavour to Eat Well
The food you take can also make a lot of difference in the self-care approach to managing kidney disease. Experts recommend eating a balanced diet that goes a long way to reduce one’s risk of exposure to further complications.
The general submissions include:
- Reducing salt intake.
- Eat more homemade meals (with less spices).
In addition to the above, you also need to keep the following in mind when choosing a healthy, balanced diet:
- Proteinous foods can either be eaten more or less, depending on the peculiarities. For example, someone who has started dialysis treatment needs to eat more proteins to help the body maintain a good protein level following the removal of protein waste from the blood. However, protein intake should be minimal in the absence of dialysis, as this helps to reduce the pressure on the kidney to remove excess protein.
- Avoid eating foods high in phosphorus. Otherwise, the bloodstream will have more phosphorous building up in it and this causes some issues, including bone and joint pains, as well as thinning bones.
- Monitor potassium intake and on your doctor’s advice; settle for foods with less potassium.
The best foods that work best for kidney disease are:
- Drinks, such as unsweetened tea and water.
- Fruits, such as plums, berries and apples.
- Carbohydrates, such as pasta, white bread and unsalted crackers.
- Proteins, such as unsalted seafood and lean meats.
- Vegetables, including turnips and cauliflower.
Also Read: Is There a Link Between Depression and Diabetes?
3. Get Moving
Engaging in enough physical activity will go a long way to bolster your reduction of the issues relating to kidney disease.
Irrespective of the stage, you may be able to do some physical activity, such as exercises. These go a long way to strengthen the bones and boost sleep.
Health experts also recommend the following:
- Aim for at least 30 minutes of daily physical exercise/activity.
- Engage in the activity at least 4 times a week.
While exercises are recommended, you must also have a couple of things in mind:
- Physical activities are highly recommended for people with either mild or moderate kidney disease. These are the people who can cope with the stress that comes with engaging in such activity.
- Your doctor is in a better position to advise on the best physical activity to leverage.
4. Follow Your Dialysis to the End
Some patients skip their dialysis time, which can be very unhelpful when managing chronic kidney disease. You want to follow it to the end for these reasons:
- Completing the dialysis helps you to get the full and desired treatment.
- Excellent dialysis time management is also a good way to prevent serious health complications and toxins from further building up in the body.
Your healthcare provider may be able to provide an alternative option, including rescheduling the dialysis to fit into your schedule.
Also Read: Can You Reverse Acute Kidney Failure Without Dialysis?
5. Talking is Therapeutic
A problem shared is half solved if you know how to make it presentable provided you’re speaking to the right person.
If you know someone living with the same discussion; talking about it may be very helpful for you both. Besides, you may also consider joining a community or support group of people with similar issues. That way, you’ll be in the company of people who not only understand how you feel but will also be accommodating.
6. Try to be Disease-Free
Having kidney disease is enough of a challenge already. You don’t want to complicate it further. Striving to reduce exposure to diseases and infections can go a long way to make you less susceptible to the adverse effects of the disease.
7. Meal Prepping is Also a Good Idea
Meal prepping has to do with a “beforehand preparation of meals.” This strategy or self-care tip requires making enough meals at a time and the same should serve you for a while.
When you cook enough food and have these refrigerated; it gives you the time to focus on other important things. When it’s time to eat, you’ll also be mindful of the portion; thereby, preventing overeating.
Also Read: How to Dissolve Kidney Stones Fast Using Diet
8. Control Your Glucose
Your blood pressure (glucose) needs to be in the target range, lest it damages the kidney and complicates the CKD further.
Meeting the blood pressure goal set by your healthcare provider can be actualized in one or more of these ways:
- Take your medications, as and when due.
- Consuming more of low-sodium foods.
- Get enough sleep, up to eight (8) hours daily.
- Quit smoking.
9. Take Your Medications, Seriously
Following your medication plan, as directed, is a good way to reduce the risks of complications attributed to kidney disease.
Your healthcare provider can help adjust the dosages and or simplify the medication routine.
On your part, do well to do any or more of the following:
- Take the medication with you in a medicine supply bag.
- Set an alarm for when it’s time to take your medications.
- Keep your medication intake in your daily schedule.
Also Read: How to Organically Crush Your Sugar Level in 90 Days or Less
Conclusion
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) has a lot of risks, including High Blood Pressure (HBD) and blood clots. You may, however, be able to reduce the risks and lead a healthier life by managing your diet, following the medication plan and maintaining a healthy weight. Keeping the glucose (blood sugar) in control and engaging in physical activities are also recommended.
Which of these self-care ideas have you tried to help you manage that kidney disease?
