There are many things seniors need to consider regarding their health as they get older. One thing they might not consider, however, is the health of their kidneys. The kidneys are crucial in removing waste and excess fluid from the blood, which supports good health throughout the body. Home care providers and loved ones can work with seniors to help them understand the importance of kidney health, along with offering tips to keep the kidneys in their best condition.
Preserving Kidney Health
There are a few things seniors can do to ensure their kidneys are in good working order, including the following:
Drink Plenty of Water: Water is the best fluid to drink in large quantities as it aids in the kidneys’ removal of toxins from the body. Home care can encourage seniors to drink at least eight glasses of water each day. This is also a good tip for hydration in general, as seniors often struggle with staying hydrated.
Keep Your Diet Balanced: Kidney health is supported by a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean meats. Additionally, seniors should reduce their intake of processed meals and salt, as these might strain their kidneys and increase their blood pressure, which raises their chance of renal disease.
Regulate Blood Pressure: High blood pressure and the kidneys don’t mix. To ensure their kidneys continue to function as they should, seniors need to routinely monitor their blood pressure as well as manage their diet, exercise, and take any blood pressure medicine as prescribed.
Monitor Blood Sugar Levels: Blood sugar levels should also be monitored, especially in seniors at risk for diabetes, as the kidneys can be damaged as a result of the disease over time. Also, controlling blood sugar levels with food, exercise, and medicine helps avoid diabetic nephropathy, which is a common cause of kidney damage.
Minimize Use of Over-the-Counter Painkillers: Aspirin and ibuprofen are examples of over-the-counter medications that might harm the kidneys if taken repeatedly. For safer pain management alternatives, seniors should speak with their physicians.
Knowing When to Talk to the Medical Team
Even after incorporating some of the tips above, seniors might be curious about their kidney health. Home care can help them develop questions to ask their doctor as well as role-play with them to ensure they feel comfortable bringing the topic up at their appointment.
However, if any of the signs below arise, seniors should talk with their doctor right away.
Urine Variation: Kidney issues may manifest as painful, less frequent, or frequent urination, as well as black, bloody, or frothy urine.
Inflammation: The kidneys’ incapacity to eliminate extra fluid and sodium from the body might cause swelling in the hands, feet, or ankles.
Weakness and Fatigue: Kidneys secrete a hormone that aids in the production of red blood cells. Anemia from impaired kidney function can result in extreme weakness and exhaustion.
Breathing Difficulties: Breathlessness can result from fluid accumulation in the lungs caused by poor renal function. Medical intervention is necessary right away for this problem.
Constant Sickness: Prolonged nausea, vomiting, and anorexia may indicate waste accumulation in the body as a result of impaired renal function.
With the help of loved ones and home care, seniors can improve their kidney health and lower their risk of renal disease by implementing the healthy habits mentioned above and paying attention to signs that indicate they should talk with their medical team.
Sources: https://www.kidney.org/news/monthly/wkd_aging#
https://www.uofmhealth.org/conditions-treatments/kidney/older-adults-kidney-disease
https://www.healthinaging.org/a-z-topic/kidney-problems
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Suffolk County NY, please get in touch with the caring staff at Star Multi Care today. Call (631) 424-7827
Star Multi Care is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Long Island and in NYC including Dix Hills, Floral Park, Great Neck, Huntington, Manhasset, Massapequa, Northport, Plainview, Rockville Center, Stonybrook, Suffolk County, Nassau County, and Queens County.
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