Within this nation, 37 million people live with chronic kidney disease. It is a life-threatening health condition. Your body’s Kidneys play a vital role in overall health and wellness. They filter blood, waste, and extra water in the body. Kidneys also assist in regulating blood pressure, producing essential hormones, and balancing pH levels.
While functionality naturally decreases over time, it does not mean you will automatically develop kidney disease. It does mean you want to be aware of risky lifestyle options.
While a family history of kidney disease is a leading index, diabetes and higher blood pressure account for two-thirds of CKD instances. Obesity, poor nutrition, and smoking contribute to the two. Other conditions that increase the risk for chronic kidney disease include lupus, chronic urinary tract infections, and also a group of hereditary kidney illnesses known as glomerulonephritis.
One challenge in diagnosing CKD is outward symptoms are not often detectable until the disease is complicated. Evidence of chronic kidney disease to be aware of include:
Feeling sluggish and tired
Muscle cramps, especially at night
Swelling in ankles and feet
Puffy eyes at the morning
Regular urination
Increased thirst
Skin rashes
Sleep issues
Issue focusing
If you family members or an older loved one are experiencing any of these issues, it’s essential to schedule a consultation with a primary care physician. While the signs might be caused by something else, early intervention is crucial in treating kidney disease.
Preventing Kidney Disease as You Age
Fortunately, You can take steps to maintain the kidneys healthful, such as:
Maintaining a healthy weight
Quitting smoking
Drinking Lots of water
Eating fresh vegetables
Limiting alcohol intake
Restricting salt ingestion
Holding blood pressure
Managing cholesterol
Nutrition planning resources like this six-week Mediterranean diet meal plan or even these menu tips for single seniors can be useful.
Dining and Nutrition at St Oaks Senior Living
At St Oaks Senior Living communities, we recognize the crucial role nutrition plays in aging. Under the leadership of star chef Brad Miller, citizens are treated to culinary delights every day. Meals are both healthy and delicious.
Visit St Oaks Recipes. We feed our residents the best quality food to get a firsthand look at a few of our residents’ favorite recipes as well as our chefs’ prep tips. If you have any questions about our dining plans or assisted living facility near you – one of our assisted living senior team members will be happy to help!
