Taking care of your kidneys

Your kidneys have an important job – they filter all the blood in your body every 30 minutes. So, preventing chronic kidney disease and its complications, like heart disease and stroke, is a necessary goal. To keep your kidneys healthy, focus on the risk factors you can control:

• Lose weight if you are overweight.
• Get active. Physical activity helps control blood sugar levels.
• Quit smoking.
• Getting a checkup? Make sure to get your kidneys checked too.
• Take medications as directed.
• Keep your blood pressure below 140/90, or ask your doctor what the best blood pressure target is for you.
• If you have diabetes, stay in your target blood sugar range as much as possible.
• Stay in your target cholesterol range.
• Eat foods lower in salt.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables.

Need help managing your chronic kidney disease? Contact the Marshall Kidney & Hypertension Center at 304-526-2532 or your primary care provider.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention