According to Dr. Vasil Peev, a nephrologist at Rush University Medical Center (USA), chronic kidney failure is a serious disease, so early intervention and prevention of this disease is very important.

Here are ways to help protect your kidneys, according to the medical science news site Medical Xpress (USA).

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Recognize early signs and symptoms

Symptoms of kidney disease are not always obvious, and 40% of people with severe kidney failure do not know they have kidney failure. Therefore, it is important to know if you are at risk for the disease. Risk factors for kidney failure may include:

• Diabetes.
• Obesity.
• High blood pressure.
• Heart disease.
• Age (60 years and over).
• Family history of kidney disease.

Dr. Peev recommends that people follow up with annual checkups with their doctor to detect kidney disease in its early stages, thereby helping to slow the progression of the disease.

Maintain a healthy diet and weight

Research shows that following a “kidney-friendly” diet and exercising regularly can help protect your kidneys from damage.

“A kidney-healthy diet is low in sodium and carbohydrates, and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. If you follow this diet consistently, it can prevent weight gain, obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes – major risk factors for kidney disease,” says Dr. Peev.

In addition, combining 30 minutes of exercise every day such as walking, jogging, cycling, etc., and drinking plenty of water, also helps the kidneys become healthier. "Dehydration reduces blood flow to the kidneys, causing damage to the kidneys, so everyone should make sure to drink enough water for the body during the day," Mr. Peev emphasized.

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Do not abuse non-prescription drugs

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are a group of over-the-counter pain relievers, including ibuprofen and aspirin, that can increase the risk of sudden kidney failure and progressive kidney damage.

“Many common over-the-counter medications contain toxins that interfere with the kidneys’ ability to filter, and excess medication can be dangerous. In addition, many people have pre-existing kidney damage that they don’t know about. So their ability to remove toxins is even more limited, which only adds to the potential damage,” says Dr. Peev.

Limiting alcohol consumption is the “key” to preventing kidney disease

The National Kidney Foundation warns that regular heavy drinking affects the kidneys and their function, and doubles the risk of kidney disease. Accordingly, drinking more than 3 drinks a day for women and more than 4 drinks a day for men is considered heavy drinking.

An occasional drink or two is unlikely to cause serious harm. Moderation is the key, according to Dr. Peev.

Quit smoking

Smoking slows blood flow to vital organs, such as the kidneys, increasing the risk of kidney disease. It also reduces the effectiveness of medications used to treat high blood pressure and, if not well controlled, can lead to kidney disease.

Although quitting smoking is challenging, it is necessary to prevent kidney failure.