10 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
dr Puneet dhawan
Medically reviewed by Dr Puneet Dhawan - written by Admin on : October 13, 2026

10 simple ways to keep your kidneys healthy include drinking enough water, cutting down on salt, exercise daily, control your blood pressure and sugar levels, stop using painkillers like candy. No miracle home remedies needed. Bean-shaped and working for 180 liters of fluid a day without demanding any tea breaks. It seems that the only thing we can do for them is not to be rude. Here's how.

The 10 Habits (Your Renal Glow-Up)

1. Drink more water than you normally do. Borghi et al. (1996) conducted research and discovered that people who consumed more liquids had far fewer recurring kidney stones. Try to have pale straw colored urine.

2. Avoid extra salt consumption. A high amount of sodium can cause high blood pressure, which will increase the load on your kidneys. So, try to use lemon juice, garlic, or other herbs to improve your dishes' flavor.

3. Include movement in your routine. For example, 30 minutes of walking counts too. And yes, even the one where you stop on the way to buy samosas.

4. Monitor and control blood pressure and sugar levels. They are two primary causes of kidney problems, as revealed by the KDIGO clinical guidelines. Regular checks are better than heroic emergency remedies.

These four tips are honestly the best advice for healthy kidneys, and they cost absolutely nothing!

5. Do not take NSAID drugs. Research performed by Gooch et al. in Archives of Internal Medicine (2007) connected frequent usage of NSAIDs with more rapid deterioration of renal function. Such a minor problem as headache is not worth the eternal grumbling of your kidneys.

6. Quit smoking. A review published in Kidney International by Hallan and Orth in 2011 says that smoking is a clear risk factor for progression to kidney failure. Your lungs will be glad about that.

7. Maintain a healthy weight. Hsu et al. showed in their study published in Annals of Internal Medicine (2006) that higher body mass index increases the risk of end-stage renal disease.

8. Populate your plate with plants. According to the ARIC study, people following the DASH-style diet, which consists of a lot of veggies, fruit, and whole grains, had a lower probability of developing chronic kidney disease. It is possible to consider it a natural treatment and kidney disease prevention plan that tastes better than it looks.

9. Perform annual medical check-ups including testing for serum creatinine, eGFR, and urine albumin. Early kidney disease is often asymptomatic, like a smoke alarm without batteries.

10. Discuss herbs. Ayurveda mentions some of them as helpful in case of kidney disease: punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), gokshura, and varuna. Early research and experiments have given positive results, but further investigation is required. Be sure to consult your doctor before taking any herbs.

Friend or Foe? A Quick Cheat Sheet

Habit

Your Filters Say

Water, veggies, walking

You are a stranger of God.

Regular painkillers, smoking

I want to discuss something with you.

Salty snack binges

Seriously? Again?

Yearly check-ups

Finally, someone listens.

Where Ayurveda fits in

In summary, if you are interested in Ayurvedic treatment of kidney disease, consider it a complementary approach. According to Dr. Puneet Dhawan, there are elements such as diet, herbs, and lifestyle modifications to promote kidney health. Of course, do not forget to communicate with your nephrologist, particularly if you are receiving some treatment.

Wrap Up

Taking care of your kidneys isn't glamorous. It involves drinking lots of water, exercising regularly, avoiding salt, and visiting your doctor regularly. For those interested in Ayurveda, Karma Ayurveda is one of the options people consider.

Key Takeaways

  • Stay hydrated and keep your urine light.
  • Control your blood pressure and sugar levels; they are very dangerous.
  • Do not smoke and do not take painkilling medicines frequently.
  • Eat more plants and less salt.
  • Get tested every year; early trouble does not show itself.
  • Consult your physician before using any herbal remedies for kidney disease.

📩 Ask a Kidney Expert (Free 10-Min Consultation)

FAQs

How much water should I drink per day?

As a rule, the amount of liquid needed is 2–3 liters. Adjust this value if you suffer from any kidney condition.

What are the early signs of kidney trouble?

Swollen ankles, foamy urine, and constant tiredness, though sometimes there are no symptoms, which is why annual check-ups are important.

Do painkillers really harm the kidneys?

Regular, long-term use of NSAIDs can, so keep them for occasional emergencies.

Is Ayurveda safe for kidney patients?

It can be when supervised by a qualified practitioner who knows your reports.

Disclaimer

This blog is for general information only and isn't medical advice. It doesn't replace a consultation with your doctor or nephrologist. Please speak to a qualified healthcare professional before changing your diet, starting herbs, or stopping medication.