Kidney disease can have a detrimental effect on how you live your life. With many adults seeing the effects of this type of disease first- or second-hand, parents are going to want to be more proactive when it comes to their children to ensure they don’t suffer in the future. So what 5 things can you be doing to ensure your child’s kidneys are healthy and they have a lower risk of kidney disease in the future?
Reduce sugar and salt
Sodium (found in salt) is necessary for the body to function correctly, but too much could cause the body to retain more water and put added strain on the blood vessels and the kidneys. This high blood pressure can lead to kidney disease in both children and adults. Easily avoidable, all you need to do is reduce the amount of salt in your child’s diet.
A diet high in sugar, on the other hand, can increase the risk of diabetes, which in turn can lead to kidney disease. Monitor just how much sugar your child has in their diet; how many sodas do they drink? How many sugary snacks do they eat? Even bread and tomato sauce can contain high levels of sugar, so check the labels before purchasing.
Read More: Top 5 Tips to Help Your Kids Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Drink water
Your child may prefer sugary drinks but serving water will help get them to cut down and maintain healthier habits. Water is important for the health of your child’s kidneys as it helps remove waste from the blood and allows blood to travel more freely around the body.
Dehydration is common amongst children and can often be difficult to recognise. Check how tired and lethargic they are, as well as what colour their urine is; the lighter the colour, the more hydrated they are.
Stay a healthy weight
A little bit of body fat is normal for insulation, energy and other body functions, but too much can lead to serious health problems. Children suffering from obesity are at a greater risk of diabetes, kidney disease, heart disease and a variety of other issues too.
Ensure your child is eating a healthy balanced diet and if you feel they’re slightly heavier than they should be, reassess what it is they’re eating and look at how you can change unhealthy habits. If you’re unsure as to whether your child is overweight or not, speak to your doctor.
Be active
Physical activity is great for maintaining a healthier weight but it will also help your child to remain physically and mentally healthy. If your child isn’t getting enough physical exercise, think of ways this can be incorporated in their daily routine. Is it possible to walk to school, instead of going by car? Or encourage them to participate in more sport activities.
Increase potassium
When it comes to monitoring what your child is eating, including extra potassium in their diet will help to neutralise the effects of sodium. Include food such as fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats and low fait dairy products.
Resources:
https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/better-kidney-health-kids-seven-golden-rules
https://www.parents.com/recipes/scoop-on-food/kids-kidneys-how-to-keep-them-healthy/
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