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According to the National Kidney Foundation, one in three American adults is at risk for developing kidney disease.
This risk increases significantly for seniors, who are more likely to experience decreased kidney function.
Often this is due to natural aging processes and other health issues.
However, seniors can take several preventive measures to maintain good kidney health.
Today, I’m sharing tips on how you could maintain kidney health in your senior loved ones.
So let’s get started.
As people age, their kidneys can have a harder time working well.
This means they might not be able to clean our bodies as well as they used to. Older people might also have other health problems that weaken their kidneys.
Some things that can hurt older people's kidneys are: not drinking enough water, taking too many medicines, smoking, excessive drinking and dialysis.
Dialysis helps remove waste and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys can't do it properly.
While dialysis can save the lives of people with severe kidney disease or an acute kidney injury, over time it stresses the kidneys and causes further damage.
This happens because filtering the blood through a machine is hard work for the kidneys.
If this continues over time, it can lead to a decline in kidney function and make it harder for them to work well.
Read more about common kidney problems in seniors here.
As caregivers, our goal includes preventing health issues like kidney problems in seniors.
These tips may sound elementary, but as you know, sometimes the simple things are the hardest to do.
We want to avoid any potential problems early on so that our loved ones can age in place worry-free.
Here are the best ways to maintain our senior loved ones’ kidney health.
A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration are crucial components of a healthy lifestyle for seniors.
To maintain a balanced diet for healthy kidneys, individuals should include a variety of nutrient-dense foods in their meals.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that protect the kidneys from damage.
Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health and help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Lean protein sources like fish, poultry, eggs, and legumes provide essential amino acids without added saturated fat and cholesterol.
Dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese are excellent calcium and vitamin D sources, which may help lower blood pressure.
It's important to include sources of healthy fats like nuts, seeds, avocado, and olive oil to maintain heart health and reduce inflammation.
Individuals should avoid processed foods and choose fresh, whole foods to limit sodium intake.
Proper hydration is essential in keeping healthy kidneys because water helps to flush out waste and toxins from the body.
When the body is dehydrated, it can cause a buildup of these waste products. It can eventually cause the kidneys to fail in time.
Staying hydrated can help regulate blood pressure and maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes.
Good sources of hydration include water, caffiene-free herbal tea, and low-sugar fruit juices.
Fruits like watermelon, strawberries, and oranges are also high in water content. These can contribute to overall hydration levels.
Vegetables like celery, cucumber, and lettuce are also good sources of hydration.
Coffee and tea are good, but they can also be diuretics due to caffeine content.
It’s best to measure the water intake your senior gets. And one way to do that is through hydration apps like Hydrocoach, WaterMinder, and Aqualert.
Seniors with kidney problems need to be careful with their medications.
Sometimes, the amount of medicine they take must be changed because their kidneys may not work as well as they should.
Certain medicines can be harmful to people with kidney problems. These include pain relievers like ibuprofen and some antibiotics.
Sometimes, a medication may not be safe for someone with kidney problems.
Even herbal supplements can cause kidney problems if you’re not careful.
Supplements with high amounts of potassium and phosphorus can also be dangerous for patients with chronic kidney problems.
Check out this list of supplements to avoid from the National Kidney Institute.
Smoking can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys.
When the blood vessels are damaged, they may become less effective at screening toxins.
Smoking has also been shown to increase the risk of developing CKD and make existing CKD worse.
The chances of getting kidney stones and kidney cancer increase exponentially when you smoke.
On the other hand, alcohol can increase dehydration. So it’s best to drink moderately.
Regular checkups are important for seniors to avoid kidney problems.
Kidney disease often develops over time. It may not show any symptoms until it has progressed to a more advanced stage.
That’s where regular checkups and proper testing come in. It helps resolve any issues and prevents symptoms of kidney problems from getting worse.
Your doctor may perform tests to evaluate your kidney function during a regular checkup.
Blood samples will be taken to measure creatinine levels and estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR).
The GFR estimates how well the kidneys filter waste products from the blood. Low GFR levels can indicate decreased kidney function.
Regular monitoring of serum creatinine levels and GFR can help guide treatment decisions and monitor the effectiveness of interventions to improve kidney function.
They may also check your urine for the presence of protein or other abnormalities.
Get tips on what to prepare for doctor visits here.
Kidney health is a crucial aspect of overall health for seniors.
Taking proactive steps to prevent kidney problems can help seniors maintain good kidney function.
By making healthy lifestyle choices, seniors can take control of their health and live a happy, healthy life.
That's all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe at home and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>