Protecting kidney health
Mar 30, 2021
Keeping you clean
Have you ever used a filter on your water faucet? The filter catches impurities in the water, so that your drink is free of unwanted gunk. Your kidneys clean your body in the same way. 鈥淥ur kidneys are work horses,鈥� says Dr. Eric Klein, a urologist at 网曝门事件 Health Tillamook. 鈥淭hey do a lot of very important jobs. We can help our kidneys stay healthy by several good habits and checking in with a provider as soon as we notice any changes or pains.鈥�
A+ habits for kidney health
Dr. Klein says exercise, keeping body weight in a good range and a healthy diet help support kidney health. Avoid smoking or vaping.
Too much of a good thing?
Because they filter out extra and unwanted waste, our kidneys can be sensitive when we overdo it. Taking high doses of vitamins or herbal remedies, alcohol or even too many liquids can strain the kidneys. Also, taking too much over-the-counter pain medicine isn鈥檛 good for the kidneys. 鈥淒aily doses of pills like ibuprofen can hurt the kidneys over time,鈥� Dr. Klein says. 鈥淎lways tell your provider what medicines and vitamins you are taking.鈥�
Urinary tract infections can put kidneys at risk
Men get urinary tract infections (UTIs) when bacteria get into the urethra. Untreated UTIs can spread to the kidneys, causing serious issues. 鈥淵ou may feel pain when you urinate or pain in your abdomen,鈥� Dr. Klein says. 鈥淲e can treat a UTI with medicine, so let鈥檚 catch it before it does harm.鈥�
