Aug 16, 2022 – 12:56 pm
From the Acute School Hospital “Dr. Ramón Madariaga” report on kidney health, urging the population to lead a healthy lifestyle, which includes physical activity and professional support.
In this context, the head of the Nephrology and Dialysis Service, Dr. Irene Paz, pointed out that “primary prevention of kidney diseases can avoid complications in the health of patients, especially those with chronic or prevalent pathologies.”
Therefore, I affirm that comprehensive health care includes a healthy lifestyle, accompanied by a balanced diet, physical activity and the corresponding medical check-ups.
To this, Dr. Paz stressed that healthy habits are essential to keep our kidneys healthy and for the whole body to function without complications.
“Eating a balanced diet, rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, including legumes, grains and proteins in adequate portions, provides nutrients, vitamins and minerals, so that the body fully responds well to physical demands. The ideal is to eat with little salt, avoid ultra-processed foods, avoid smoking and ingesting alcohol in excess, “recommended the professional
Continuing with the topic of kidney care, the nephrologist referred to physical activity “it is important, but it must be in accordance with what our body is prepared to withstand, since excessively demanding exercise, for those who are not prepared, can be counterproductive.”
“All these habits to keep our kidneys in shape must be accompanied by the most important thing: good hydration.”
While adding “both for those who do intense physical activity and for those who do little or nothing, drinking the recommended amount of water daily is one of the most important factors in keeping our body healthy.”
Also, Dr. Irene Paz advised high-performance athletes to take professional support into account: a nutritionist doctor who can carry out an adequate control of the diet and advise on nutrition, prior to a sporting event, together with a sports doctor and with the control of a cardiology professional. “During training or competitions, it is important to maintain good hydration; the body loses a lot of liquid, but also many minerals that we need to replenish. The ideal is to carry out a subsequent control, since excessive efforts tend to dehydrate us and this can cause damage to the kidney and even to other organs.”
As for patients with chronic or prevalent pathologies, such as high blood pressure and diabetes or those who have a family history of kidney diseases, are overweight or have ever suffered a heart attack or stroke, the Professional recommended carrying out specific physical activity, recommended by a professional, and follow a strict diet that provides all the necessary nutrients, according to medical indications. “These pathologies can alter kidney function, which is why I recommend frequent check-ups with your family doctor, who will know how often to see a nephrologist.”