People don’t value what they have until its functioning starts disrupting their lives. People take their health for granted and don’t realize that little changes that they make impact the overall functioning of their health. Kidneys are one of the body's most important organs as they filter toxins and turn them into urine. When it starts acting funny, it can even become life-threatening. 

According to the best kidney doctor in Delhi, Dr. Niren Rao practising at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice, kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that play an important part in human health. They assist in maintaining the body's acid-base balance, regulating blood pressure, as well as blood production, in addition to filtering blood and generating urine. They can develop various issues/diseases, such as stone formation, kidney failure, or cancer. Fortunately, these issues may be readily resolved in the contemporary era of medicine.

To maintain healthy kidneys, it is important to maintain healthy blood pressure. This article further elaborated on how blood pressure impacts one’s kidneys. 

What is High Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure refers to the force of blood put against the walls of blood vessels while the heart pumps blood. High blood pressure, commonly known as hypertension, is a surge in the force that blood exerts on blood vessels as it circulates through the body.

Role of the Kidney in a Human Body

• Healthy kidneys filter roughly half a cup of blood each minute, eliminating wastes and excess water to produce urine. 

• Urine reaches the bladder via kidneys and two thin tubes known as ureters, one on each side of the bladder. 

• Urine is stored in the bladder. The urinary tract system includes your uterus, bladder, and kidneys.

Impacts of High Blood Pressure on Kidneys

• High blood pressure can tighten and narrow blood vessels, causing them to become damaged and weak throughout the body, (including the kidneys). 

• Blood flow is reduced because of constriction.

• If the blood vessels in the kidneys are compromised, they may no longer function correctly. When this occurs, the kidneys are unable to eliminate all wastes and excess liquid from the body. 

• Excess fluid in the vessels can spike blood pressure even higher, starting a deadly cycle that may lead to kidney failure.

People Who are Most Likely to Get High Blood Pressure or a Kidney Disease

One may be subject to high blood pressure if they: 

• Older: With aging, blood pressure tends to rise. Over time, the blood vessels grow more rigid and thick.

• Have family members who suffer from high blood pressure: These issues tend to run in bloodlines.

• Poor lifestyle choices: Unhealthy behaviors can lead to high blood pressure, including: drinking alcohol excessively, taking sodium in unhealthy amounts, or not exercising enough.

• African descent: African American adults are more likely to have a high blood pressure than Hispanic, Caucasian, or Asian persons.

• Being a Man: Men are more likely to have a high blood pressure than those under 55. Women tend to develop this condition after 55. 

Symptoms of High Blood Pressure

It is not rare to be asymptomatic with high blood pressure. Seldom this condition can cause headaches. Even early Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) may not show symptoms. As soon as it starts getting worse, individuals may face swelling, also known as edema. 

Edema occurs when the kidney fails to clear excess salt and fluid. Edema can be seen in the feet, legs, ankles, and sometimes in the face and hands. 

Symptoms patients may experience with advanced kidney disease: 

• Vomiting and nausea

• Loss of appetite

• Sleeping issues

• Drowsiness.

• Feeling exhausted

• Trouble concentrating 

• Headaches

• Increased and reduced urination

• Darkened, dry skin, numbness

• Generalized itching 

• Weight loss

• Cramping muscles

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain. 

Top 10 Guidelines to Maintain Healthy Kidneys

The best urology doctor in Delhi, Dr. Niren Rao advises the top 10 most important tips to maintain a healthy Kidney. The tips are as follows: 

• Keep Blood Sugar Levels Under Control

Diabetics must have routine lab testing to assess their kidney health. The kidneys are gradually harmed by high sugar levels, which can also result in potentially fatal diseases. This is because the kidneys become less effective at filtering the blood. 

• Manage and Monitor Blood Sugar

To lessen the chance of damage to the kidneys, monitor and manage blood sugar levels. Blood pressure should be 120/80 mmHg. Kidney damage can result from high blood pressure (over 140/90 mmHg). It's critical to track blood pressure and maintain values that are almost normal. 

• Making Modifications in One’s Lifestyle

Changing one's diet and lifestyle can significantly aid in controlling blood pressure. Limit eating processed and junk food, and try to reduce salt intake. 

• Consume Only Wholesome, Freshly Prepared Food

Consume heart- and overall-healthy foods, including vegetables, whole grains, and dairy products, without added fat. Always check the nutrition facts on food labels and select items low in sodium, sugar, cholesterol, saturated and trans fats.

• Contact a Kidney Doctor for Better Guidance

Speak to a local kidney doctor for further nutrition and kidney health details. All of the body's blood vessels, including the kidneys, are harmed by smoking. Additionally, it causes early atherosclerosis or fat buildup inside the arteries. High blood pressure and cardiac conditions that result from this, in turn, can seriously harm the kidneys. It's essential to stop smoking for a healthy physique.

• Limit Alcohol Consumption

Limit alcohol consumption because excessive alcohol consumption can elevate blood pressure and cause weight gain due to extra-calorie addition. Drink enough water, as it lowers the risk of forming any chronic kidney illness and aids in the body's detoxification of urea, salt, and toxins. 

• Get Sufficient Sleep

Sleep for 7-8 hours each night to Improve emotional and physical well-being by relaxing enough and managing stress. Engage in physical activities such as games, yoga, and meditation to relieve stress and improve body composition. 

• Maintain a Healthy Weight

Aim for a healthy weight because doing so will prevent obesity. Better health enables the kidneys to produce hormones that enhance overall bodily functions as well as filter and remove waste materials as needed. 

• Drink at least 2-3 Liters of Water

Kidney aggressive fluid loading, according to medical professionals, can have deteriorating impacts on the kidneys. A slight increase in daily water consumption, about 2-3 liters, lowers the chance of kidney damage. The amount of fluid consumed also relies on factors including age, weight, gender, weather, and other medical problems. To avoid the development of new kidney stones, it is recommended for people who already have them to consume 2-3 liters of water every day.

• Get Kidneys Checked on Time

If a person has hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and a family history of kidney disease, they should have their kidneys tested as they are more prone to kidney disease. 

If looking for the best kidney doctor in Delhi, one can consult Dr. Niren Rao at Dr. Niren Rao’s Urology Practice. With years of expertise, he provides the best urology treatments for kidney and bladder issues. Visit the clinic to learn more!