How to Care for the Kidneys

For such small organs, kidneys do a lot to maintain the right levels of water, minerals and hormones in the body. They also eliminate waste products from the body. It's easy to take care of the kidneys if you'll follow these simple steps.

Instructions

• 1

  Drink plenty of water and limit caffeinated drinks so your kidneys can flush out of all the toxins they remove from your body.

• 2

  Watch your blood pressure and blood glucose levels, especially if you're African American.

• 3

  Eat a balanced diet. Take care not to eat too much protein, which is the source of most of the waste that has to be eliminated by the kidneys.

• 4

  Quit smoking as nicotine has harmful effects of all the body's organs.

• 5

  Get a kidney function test as part of your annual physical to help your doctor catch any potential problems early.

• 6

  Protect your kidneys from blows during contact sports.

• 7

  Take care when using aspirin or acetaminophen. These drugs are processed by the kidneys; too much can damage them.