Kidney health is an essential part of your overall health, but many people don’t give it much thought unless they’re diagnosed with kidney disease. Understanding how your everyday choices impact your kidneys can help you not only avoid kidney disease but also improve your condition if you’ve already been diagnosed.
The team at Renal Clinic of Houston is here to deliver some tips on how you can make 2026 a great year for your kidney health. Our specialists take great pride in watching those in our care enhance their quality of life and reduce their risk of serious negative outcomes.
Let’s take a look at 5 changes you can make in the coming year to support your kidney health and manage the symptoms of kidney disease.
You’ve heard it before, but it’s well worth repeating that staying active is one of the best ways to manage kidney disease. It doesn’t take hours at the gym or a contract with a personal trainer to see results; something as simple as taking more steps each day can have a significant impact.
Consider adding a daily walk to your routine, even if it’s just around the neighborhood. If you don’t enjoy walking, try listening to music or a podcast during your strolls to keep things interesting.
Notice we didn’t say “overhaul your diet,” or “eliminate these foods.” Enhancing your diet means adding things that increase flavor and the pleasure of eating. The psychological benefits of thinking of dietary changes in terms of what you’re adding make it easier to gradually shift away from less healthy foods.
Begin by adding spices to your food to amp up the flavor without turning to additional salt. Try some recipes for sheet pan meals that add flavor from roasting and broiling. Broaden your palate by trying new whole grains, which are delicious and healthful additions to many meals.
If you smoke, you already know how harmful the habit can be to your overall health. But did you also know that any form of tobacco use, including vaping and smokeless tobacco products, has the same effects?
Tobacco use reduces your circulation and increases your blood pressure, two things that have a direct negative impact on your kidney health. And don’t underestimate the damage that secondhand smoke can cause to those around you.
The good news is that there are many great methods you can try to kick the habit for good. Prescription medication is one excellent approach, as are programs that connect you with others who are going through their own smoking cessation journey.
Many people go through each day in a state of mild dehydration. We tend to establish a routine when it comes to food and beverages, and if your routine isn’t providing enough water, dehydration will affect virtually all of the organs and systems within your body.
You can improve your hydration by simply sipping water throughout the day. If you find plain water to be unappealing, try adding small amounts of fruit or unsweetened flavor enhancers to make it easier to take in more water.
Understanding the signs and symptoms of kidney disease can help you monitor your kidney function and identify when it’s time to consult your specialist.
Some of the indications of kidney disease include:
If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, coming in to Renal Clinic of Houston for routine care is a great way to stay on top of your health and protect against further kidney damage.
Our team is always happy to meet with you to assess your kidney health, discuss prevention strategies, or provide personalized chronic disease management services. Just give us a call or book an appointment online to visit one of our many office locations in the greater Houston, Texas, area.
