More than 55 percent of American adults will make at least one New Year’s Resolution this year. These promises to ourselves to do better or achieve more usually focus on career goals, improving relationships, or charitable work. However, a good portion of New Year’s Resolutions center around improving our health, too. Improving your kidney and bladder health isn’t on too many people’s lists - even if their New Year’s Resolutions place health front and center.
New Year's Resolutions for Better Kidney and Bladder Health
Even if you don’t suffer from any bladder or kidney problems, they play a major role in your overall health. Make it your New Year's Resolution to make your bladder and kidney health a priority!
Giving this often-overlooked part of your body a little extra attention in the coming year may make a drastic difference in your day-to-day life. Keep reading to discover the best changes to make for better kidney and bladder health in the next 12 months and beyond.
Drink More Water
Fifty to Seventy percent of your body is made up of water. Far too many people don’t give their bodies a chance to function optimally by drinking enough water every day. Water is a top priority in keeping your kidneys healthy.
Why is Proper hydration Important?
- wastes and extra toxins get flushed out
- Your body maintains a healthy core temperature
- Joints and other sensitive tissues are protected and lubricated.
How much water should you drink daily?
You’ve probably heard the “eight glasses a day” advice, but the truth is a little more complicated. Most men need 15.5 cups of water, and most women 11.5 cups, to be their healthiest selves.
Learn more: How Much Water Should I Drink a Day?
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet
The kidneys filter waste and remove waste products from the foods we eat. Certain foods can also irritate the lining of the bladder.
Make your kidney and bladder health a priority. You can add a very popular New Year’s Resolution — eating a healthy and balanced diet — to your list.
Do Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor and are great for both men and women. Yes, these bladder muscle strength exercises will benefit your kidney and bladder health, but they’re also great for your other internal organs.
Kegel exercises are one of the most popular and natural ways to help control urinary incontinence.
Quit Smoking
Are you a smoker? Chances are you are already aware that every puff harms your health and comes with many risk factors. However, you may not be aware that smoking also increases the risk of renal cell carcinoma - the most common type of kidney cancer.
Quitting smoking on January 1 will decrease your risk of heart disease along with the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma over time. That’s a great gift to give to yourself!
Drink in Moderation
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering toxins out of our system so that they can be expelled. When it comes to drinking too much alcohol, it does more than hurt the vascular system and blood vessels. You may not be paying enough attention to your kidneys.
Your liver isn’t the only organ that suffers if you regularly drink alcohol in excess. Your kidneys take a hit, too. Stick to responsible drinking in the coming year, and you’ll be doing your kidneys a huge favor.
Get Your Kidneys Checked Out if You’re at Risk of Kidney Disease
More than one in seven adults in the United States live with chronic kidney disease, but some of them don’t know it. Timely diagnosis and treatment lead to better health outcomes. Be aware of changes in your kidney health such as kidney stones or frequent urinary tract infections.
Getting tested for kidney disease is one of the best things you can do for your health if you’re at risk.
High-Risk groups
- older adults
- obese people
- people with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
- diabetes patients
Has your doctor not informed you about the risk already? Ask about getting tested for kidney disease at your next checkup.
Make A New Year's Resolution That Counts!
Are you determined to make a New Year’s Resolution that counts this year? Giving your kidneys and bladder a little more attention will pay off.
Far too many people take these important organs for granted, but the same healthy lifestyle habits that benefit your overall well-being give your kidneys and bladder a boost, too. This helps ensure that they work properly so they don’t get in your way.
ADULT PEDIATRIC UROLOGY & UROGYNECOLOGY
The attentive, compassionate physicians, providers, and staff at Adult Pediatric Urology & Urogynecology are committed to providing innovative, quality patient care in our state-of-the-art facility.
From screening and prevention to treatment and recovery, our health professionals will be there for you. Our team of dedicated physicians has been serving residents of Nebraska, Iowa, and South Dakota for more than 25 years.
