Over 55 percent of American adults will make at least one New Year’s Resolution this year. Many people promise to do better or achieve more, while others focus on career goals or improving relationships. A good portion of these resolutions also centers around improving our health. However, improving kidney and bladder health isn’t on many people’s lists. Not 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 significant role in your overall health. Make it your New Year's Resolution to prioritize your bladder and kidney health!
This year, giving this often-overlooked part of your body a little extra attention may make a difference in your day-to-day life. Read to discover the best changes for better kidney and bladder health in the next 12 months and beyond.
Drink More Water
The human body comprises about sixty percent water, depending on specific body factors. Many people don’t give their bodies a chance to function optimally by drinking enough water daily. Water is a top priority in keeping your kidneys healthy.
Why is Proper hydration Important?
- Water helps flush wastes and extra toxins from the body through urine
- Your body maintains a healthy core temperature, especially during physical activity
- Joints and other sensitive tissues are protected and lubricated. This reduces the need for pain medications
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
- Most women need 11.5 cups to be their healthiest selves
Learn more: How Much Water Should I Drink a Day?
Eat a Healthy and Balanced Diet For Better Kidney and Bladder Health
Make your kidney and bladder health a priority. A kidney-friendly diet can help you lose weight, maintain a healthy body weight, and manage kidney disease.
Kidneys filter waste and remove waste products from the foods we eat. Certain foods can also irritate the lining of the bladder.
You can add a popular New Year’s Resolution — a healthy and balanced diet — to your list. Include foods that can help reduce kidney damage, such as:
- Fruits and berries
- Vegetables such as cauliflower and eggplant
- Lean meats and poultry
- Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese
Do Kegel Exercises
Kegel exercises strengthen the pelvic floor and are great for both men and women. Yes, these bladder muscle strength exercises benefit kidney and bladder health. 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 already know that every puff harms your health and comes with many risk factors. However, 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. Reducing the risk of developing renal cell carcinoma over time is a great gift to give to yourself!
Drink in Moderation
The kidneys are vital in filtering toxins out of our system. 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 do 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 For Kidney and Bladder Health Issues
High-risk groups can include individuals with:
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- People with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
- Older age
- Smokers
- Family history of kidney disease
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.
Too many people take these important organs for granted. The same healthy lifestyle habits that benefit your overall well-being give your kidneys and bladder a boost, too. This helps to ensure that they work correctly 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.