Kidney disease can lead to chronic kidney failure, a life-threatening condition.

To minimize risks, take these precautions…

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and flush out wastes. This also lowers the chances of developing kidney stones and infections.

• Minimize spice intake; a lot of excess sodium and potassium in foods can come from seasonings and pickles.

• Maintain a healthy weight to manage blood sugar, control blood pressure, and lower the risk of kidney disease.

• Limit salt intake: too much salt (sodium) leads to high blood pressure, which affects kidney function.

• Limit intake of alcohol and tobacco(smoking or chewing), as they increase the risk of developing high blood pressure, kidney disease, and other health problems.

• Control cholesterol – high cholesterol, especially in diabetics, increases the risks of kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.