Hi! I am @ardaia and I work in a hospital. More precisely, I work in the Kidney Transplantation Center. Today, in celebration of the Organ Donor National Week in Brazil, I am bringing to your tips and cares about your kidneys.

First, some information about kidney problems. Chronic kidney disease is one of the leading causes of death in Brazil and worldwide. Only here, there are about 2 million people affected each year. The disease has no cure and can only be treated with hemodialysis and renal transplantation.
So, for you who do not know the importance of the kidney in your health or do not know how to take care of it, I bring here 5 essential tips to your health.

Drink a lot of water.

The kidneys are responsible for the water filtration of the body, they eliminate the toxins and waste contained in the drinks and some foods, eliminate excess water and electrolytes salts in the body, improving your blood pressure and preventing the appearance of edema. In addition, they are also responsible for the production of some hormones, such as erythropoietin.
Maintaining a steady consumption of mineral water helps keep the kidney hydrated and allowing it to flush out toxins through urine more easily.

Decrease sodium intake.

Excessive salt intake is one of the leading causes of fluid retention and kidney problems. The body needs sodium in small amounts, however, industrialized foods and our modern diet have an excessive amount of sodium, causing consequences in the medium and long-term.

The kidneys are able to eliminate up to 5 grams of salt per day, so when we ingest more, the kidney will store it. This accumulation of the substance in various organs and tissues of the body is a potential cause of renal failure, hypertension, hepatic pathologies, among others.

Watch your blood pressure.

High blood pressure also has a very close relationship with kidney problems. Close to the heart, the kidneys are the organs directly responsible for the blood pressure in our circulatory system.
When the pressure reaches high levels, it forces the heart to work excessively and, over time, can damage the blood vessels of the body. Damaged renal vessels leave an imbalance in the disposal of waste and an excessive accumulation of liquid in the body, thus causing chronic renal failure.

Quit smoking now.

Smoking negatively affects the kidneys as much as the respiratory system. This bad affects the blood vessels of the kidney and causes other risk factors in the body, such as hypertension or diabetes.
Smokers are up to twice as likely to suffer from kidney failure, including passive smokers. So no cigarette!

Healthy eating and physical exercise.

If you already have diabetes, hypertension or some form of disposition to chronic kidney failure, this tip is indispensable.
A good routine of moderate physical exercises combined with a healthy diet is indispensable to the balance of the body.
The metabolism caused by the exercises helps the kidneys eliminate the toxins that are in our body and good nutrition provides that pair of organs with a number of nutrients needed to stay firm and strong.

So that's it, folks. Follow these tips and watch your kidneys!