The kidneys are just one part of a seemingly endless list of body parts that begin to break down as people age. However, our kidneys are an essential part of our overall health, tasked with the job of clearing out toxins from our bloodstream and processing waste into urine. We rely on our kidneys to live long, healthy lives and it’s important to keep them in good condition for as long as possible.
To begin to understand how to slow down or even reverse a decline in kidney function, it is helpful for caregivers and family members to first be aware of what causes the kidneys to falter. Below are some of the most common:
- Diabetes
- Urinary tract infections
- High blood pressure
- Renal disease
Due to a lack of symptoms in many people affected, kidney disease is commonly referred to as a “silent disease.” In some cases, individuals can lose up to 90% of their kidney function before any warning signs begin to surface. However, when there are symptoms, they typically include one of several of the following:
- more frequent urinating
- changes in the appearance of urine
- blood in the urine
- loss of appetite
- bad breath (halitosis)
- hypertension
- swollen legs and ankles
- nausea and vomiting
- pain surrounding the kidneys
- exhaustion
- headaches
- trouble sleeping
- lack of concentration
- itching
- shortness of breath
Kidney disease treatment is aimed at four major goals: limiting phosphorus levels, limiting protein in urine, reducing blood pressure and cholesterol, and managing diabetes. Whether your loved one is currently struggling with kidney disease or you want to be proactive in preventing this decline before it happens, here are nine things you can focus on to improve kidney function in elderly adults.
1. Control blood sugar
Diabetes can lead to or exacerbate symptoms of kidney failure. Following the doctor’s guidance, work with your loved one and their caregivers to control their blood sugar with diet and lifestyle changes or medication if necessary.
2. Maintain a healthy weight
A healthy weight can be achieved through simple lifestyle changes such as eating a cleaner diet, staying properly hydrated, exercising regularly, and getting adequate sleep every night. If your loved one struggles with keeping a healthy weight, consider offering to go on walks or other activities with them and adding more nutritious meals to the weekly menu.
3. Reduce high blood pressure
Excess blood pressure is a known contributor to kidney failure. Be sure to get your loved one’s blood pressure checked by a doctor regularly to stay aware of any changes, and work to lower high blood pressure with diet, exercise, or medication per the doctor’s recommendation.
4. Quit smoking
When it comes to dealing with a condition like kidney disease, smoking only has the potential to make the situation worse. When smoke is inhaled into the body, it can inhibit blood flood to the kidneys, liver, and other major organs making it more difficult for them to perform their intended functions. Smoking also narrows blood vessels and thickens arteries, which can be a catastrophic combination with existing kidney disease.
5. Monitor kidney health
Staying on top of your kidney health is one of the best ways to detect new problems quickly after they occur, improving your chances of recovery. The standard recommendation is to get checked at least once every two years with a blood, urine, and blood pressure test.
6. Address urinary tract infections
The urinary tract and the kidneys are more intertwined than you might think. The kidneys comprise just one piece of the four-part urinary system that also includes the ureters, the bladder, urethra, and the prostate in men. Drinking enough water and urinating when necessary are two important ways to prevent UTIs, but if and when they do occur, be sure to bring your loved one to see a doctor immediately.
Learn about How to Get Urine Odors Out of Your Senior Loved One’s Clothes
7. Limit blood cholesterol
Blood cholesterol can be lowered through proper diet, exercise, and medication if necessary. If your loved one struggles with high blood pressure, talk to their doctor about ways to reduce it.
8. Limit alcohol consumption
Alcohol contributes to a number of adverse health outcomes and can put additional stress on the kidneys when battling kidney disease. For this reason, it is recommended to keep drinking to a minimum or eliminate it altogether until the condition improves.
9. Incorporate moderate exercise daily
30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day can do wonders for your kidneys and your overall health. Examples of such activities include walking, riding your bike, mowing the lawn, practicing yoga, dancing, and playing tennis. Choosing a form of exercise you enjoy will make you more likely to stay consistent with it long enough to reap the full benefits.
A decline in kidney function is common for most elderly people, but there are actions you can take to slow or prevent it. Most often, these actions are simple lifestyle changes such as walking more, eating a healthier diet, and incorporating medication that can be taken under the supervision of a medical professional.
A trusted home health care provider can support you in giving your loved one the care they need to maintain and improve their kidney function into old age. Contact Assisting Hands for premium elderly home care services, including personal care, meal preparation, fall prevention, companionship, and more in South Tampa, Plant City, Sun City Center, and North Port, FL. Call us today (813) 868-6782.
