Tips for Healthy Kidneys

By Jennifer Hernandez RD, LD
Registered dietitian
National Kidney Foundation of Hawai’i

Did you know that the risk for developing kidney disease in Hawai’i is 30 percent higher than the mainland? One of the reasons we have a higher risk in Hawai’i is due to our ethnicities. Native Hawaiian, Filipino, Pacific Islander, and Japanese make up a majority of Hawai’i’s diverse population. Here are tips on how to keep your kidneys healthy.

Limit salt. According to the American Heart Association, the daily recommendation for salt intake is 2,400 milligrams of sodium. That’s only 1 ¼ teaspoon of salt for your whole day. This can really add up, especially when eating out. By limiting dining out and choosing low-sodium or no added-salt foods, you can lower your salt intake and help control blood pressure. Controlling blood pressure is needed to prevent hypertension, which can lead to kidney disease.

Stay hydrated. Make sure water is your primary beverage throughout the day. Most people can drink about eight cups of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, but some people require more or less. If you have questions about how much water you should be drinking, ask your doctor or a registered dietitian. For more information on kidney-care, please visit our website at kidneyhi.org. You can also direct questions at our dietitians on our “Ask a Dietitian” blog.