How to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects one in ten people and more than 40 per cent of people over 75. The good news is that you can reduce your risks. Here’s how.

1 KEEP YOUR PEE PALE Your urine should always be the colour of straw. Achieve this by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Drinking more water will help keep your kidneys functioning properly.

2 KNOW YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE Having high blood pressure puts extra strain on your kidneys, so keep yours as low as possible. Get your blood pressure tested at your doctor’s surgery or pharmacy or invest in your own monitor, and take medication to lower it if necessary.

3 DON’T SMOKE They’re not just cancer sticks; cigarettes can increase your risk of heart disease and other conditions and make any mild kidney problems worse.

4 STAY SLIM Making sure you remain a healthy weight will cut your blood pressure, and, by extension, your chances of developing kidney disease.

5 GO EASY ON THE ALCOHOL Stick to the recommended limits – two standard drinks a day for both men and women – to keep high blood pressure and CKD at bay.

6 AVOID COMMON PAINKILLERS Long-term use and overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can place stress on your kidneys and possibly increase your risk of CKD.

7 EXERCISE REGULARLY Staying fit will help keep your blood pressure down and your kidneys healthy. Aim to do about 150 minutes a week of moderate exercise.