Savannah Directory FLIPBOOK

Ways To Avoid Kidney Disease
Get a Primary Care Physician: Everyone needs a primary care physician,”
says Dr. Coleman. “They are the captain of the ship of your body.”
She recommends patients see them at minimum once per year, or as often
as the physician recommends. Make sure the PCP performs a physical
exam, runs a metabolic blood profile and a urinalysis showing creatinine
levels once per year. Creatinine is the number doctors use to see how
well the kidneys are working. When your kidneys aren’t functioning
properly, creatinine can accumulate in your body. A urinalysis will also
help see if damage is being done to your kidneys.
Exercise: Keep active and exercise. Movement stimulates the body and
helps all organs do what they were made to do. Dr. Coleman recommends
30 minutes of exercise a minimum of three times per week under
the supervision of a PCP. Exercise will also help improve muscle function
and sleep, which will in turn benefit kidney function. Even moderate
exercise such as walking will improve one’s overall quality of health.
Water, Water, Water: “Drink lots of water,” says Dr. Coleman. Water
flushes the toxins from the kidneys and keeps your entire body hydrated.
“You want to keep flushing toxins out of your body. The best way to do that is with lots of water,” she says.
Those living in the Lowcountry should be extra careful to drink enough water, as they can lose hydration easily
through daily activity.
Control Blood Pressure: Uncontrolled high blood pressure is the leading cause of kidney disease. Monitor
your blood pressure. Try to keep your top number (systolic) below 130; your diastolic number (bottom) below
80. Salt is an enemy. It raises blood pressure and puts unneeded stress on your kidneys.
Avoid Preserved Meats: Preserved meats such as lunch meat, bacon, pepperoni and red meat are high in
uric acid and salt, which are hard on kidney function and also causes painful gout.
Control Bad Cholesterol: Total cholesterol should be less than 200 mg. Good cholesterol should be above
50. Limit dining out, especially fast foods. It is suggested one eat more high antioxidant foods such as colorful
fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and low or non-fat dairy products.
Avoid Cigarettes: Smoking affects your entire body, including your kidneys. Smoking can also interfere with
medications used to treat high blood pressure.
Control Your Blood Sugar: Try to keep blood sugar levels (A1C) less than 7 percent. Uncontrolled diabetes
accelerates loss of kidney function. It is suggested people try to consume high-fiber/low-sugar foods.
OFFICE LOCATIONS
SAVANNAH: 1115 Lexington Avenue Savannah, GA 31404 (912) 354-4813
BLUFFTON: 16 Okatie Center Blvd, Suite 100 Okatie, SC 29909 (843) 706-9955
BEAUFORT: 16 Kemmerlin Lane Beaufort, SC 29907 (843) 524-2002
www.TheKidneyDocs.com
35