Ways to Improve Your Routine If You Have Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an often overlooked chronic health condition that damages your kidneys over time, and makes it difficult to stay healthy with proper self-care habits. If you have CKD, here are different ways to improve your self-care routine
1) HYDRATION
For patients living with CKD, staying hydrated is crucial. But one of the most common reasons that individuals skip water or other fluids is because they’re uncomfortable drinking them in front of others—and it’s not uncommon for people with a chronic disease to be treated differently than those without a condition. So how can you help ensure that you drink enough water? One easy way is to bring along an empty bottle and fill it up throughout your day.
2) EXERCISE
Maintaining a regular exercise routine can greatly reduce your risk of further kidney damage. Although it may be difficult, try to get 30 minutes of light activity every day. Physical activity increases blood flow, allowing more oxygen and nutrients to travel through your body. This increased blood flow also helps flush out waste and toxins.
3) MAINTAIN A SCHEDULE
One of your primary responsibilities is to take care of yourself. With that said, it can be difficult when you have limited energy or mobility. To make sure you get what you need in terms of sleep, meals and rest, schedule activities according to a daily routine. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle may seem impossible when you have CKD, but following a few self-care tips can help reduce your risk for complications and improve your overall health.
4) MANAGE STRESS
A high stress level can put strain on your kidneys and make them less effective at doing their job. Avoiding or minimizing stress is one of the best things you can do for your kidneys. Stress management includes physical activities like exercise, meditation, and yoga. It also includes lifestyle changes such as reducing alcohol consumption and quitting smoking.
5) SPEND TIME WITH YOUR FRIENDS
It’s important to remain social while you have CKD because of how it can affect your emotional well-being. Seeking support from friends and family can help prevent depression, which is a common outcome of living with an illness like CKD. Spending time with friends and loved ones also helps take your mind off symptoms that make you feel worse, such as fatigue or back pain.
6) GET SLEEP
Sleep deprivation increases circulating levels of catecholamines (stress hormones) and other proinflammatory markers in your body. Sleep affects everything from your mood, metabolism, heart health, and immune system—pretty much every part of your body is affected by sleep.
7) EAT RIGHT
Overeating and unhealthy eating habits can cause people with CKD, specifically those with stage 4 CKD or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), to gain weight. In addition, excess weight makes it harder for your kidneys to work properly. It’s important for people with CKD to eat healthy foods in order to avoid these risks. Healthy foods include vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes and lean meats.
8) PRACTICE DEEP BREATHING EXERCISES
Deep breathing can help your body relax and reduce stress. Focus on taking deep breaths from your diaphragm rather than from your chest. One way to determine whether you’re breathing correctly is by feeling for your stomach as it rises and falls with each breath. Place one hand on your chest and one hand on your stomach, take a deep breath, and see if you feel movement in both places.
CONCLUSION
Because chronic kidney disease is a progressive disease, it’s crucial that you take extra steps in taking care of yourself. By making sure you are eating a nutritious diet and getting plenty of rest, you can keep your body strong enough to stay healthy. Hopefully, these tips will help improve your self-care routine if you have chronic kidney disease.
I have a friend who have kidney disease, and I can see her still happy despite of her condition, and she's doing well.