12/03/2026
Today is World Kidney Day
A day to focus on kidney health, kidney disease prevention, and the impact of kidney-related conditions on individuals and communities worldwide.
World Kidney Day also works to combat the rising global incidence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which can be caused by factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and unhealthy lifestyle choices.
To reduce your risk of CKD, it’s important to focus on healthy lifestyle choices and take precautions with certain medications. Here are some key steps you can take:
🔹Quit Smoking: Smoking can damage blood vessels and reduce blood flow to your kidneys, increasing the risk of CKD. Quitting smoking helps protect your kidneys and improves overall health.
🔹Reduce Alcohol Intake: Drinking excessive alcohol can lead to high blood pressure and liver damage, both of which can contribute to kidney disease. Moderating your alcohol intake helps protect your kidneys.
🔹30 Minutes of Exercise a Day: Regular physical activity helps manage weight, reduces blood pressure, and improves heart health – all factors that can lower your risk of CKD. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
🔹Staying a Healthy Weight: Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which in turn can lead to kidney damage. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can reduce your risk.
🔹Be Cautious with Anti-inflammatory Drugs (e.g., Ibuprofen): Long-term or excessive use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can damage the kidneys. These drugs should be used cautiously, especially in people with existing kidney problems or conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes.
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-disease/
