How to Reduce Your Risk of Kidney Cancer

There are many steps you can take to reduce your risk of kidney cancer. These include maintaining a healthy weight, having normal blood pressure, and not smoking.

Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in your lower abdomen on either side of the spine. Every day, they filter around 200 quarts of fluid from your blood stream, purifying it and eliminating waste products.

Exercise Regularly

Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent kidney cancer, reducing certain risk factors may help lower your chances of developing it. Exercising regularly has been known to help reduce weight, improve blood pressure and lift spirits.

Kidney cancer occurs when the cells lining your kidneys grow and multiply out of control. Normally, your body only creates new cells when necessary; however, when this process goes awry, new cells begin to appear throughout all organs, including in the kidneys.

A study revealed that people who exercise regularly had a lower risk of kidney cancer than those who didn’t. This may be because exercise helps reduce your risk for other health issues like high blood pressure and obesity as well.

Exercise can also have positive effects on your mental health, such as increasing energy levels, improving sleep quality, relieving feelings of anxiety or stress, and maintaining a healthy weight. Furthermore, it helps you feel less alone by connecting you to others through social interactions.

The American Cancer Society and American College of Sports Medicine recommend that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity aerobic activity each week. Furthermore, muscle-strengthening activities like resistance training or using a weight lifting machine should be done at least twice a week.

Beginning slowly is best; then gradually increase the intensity of your workouts as you become more experienced. Be sure to drink plenty of water both before and during your sessions in order to prevent dehydration which could make you feel weaker.

Studies have demonstrated that people who regularly engage in physical activity tend to be happier with their lives. They experience lower levels of depression, are less fatigued and can perform tasks more easily than those who do not exercise. This could also help you cope with the stress caused by a kidney cancer diagnosis.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Maintaining a healthy diet is one of the most effective ways to reduce your risk for kidney cancer. Eating balanced meals can also help you stay at a healthy weight, lower cholesterol levels, and prevent chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

A nutritious diet should include foods high in fiber, vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, beans, lean protein and healthy fats.

Fruits and vegetables are packed with antioxidants that shield your cells from damage. Furthermore, they contain fiber which aids in feeling satiated while keeping blood sugar levels consistent.

Eating lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, beans and unsalted nuts and seeds is recommended. Be mindful of saturated fat intake as this has been linked to higher rates of kidney disease and cardiovascular problems.

Your doctor may advise that you reduce salt intake as too much sodium can make kidney disease worse. Instead, opt for low-sodium seasonings and steer clear of processed foods and packaged snacks.

Maintain a healthy level of potassium, since damaged kidneys cannot eliminate this mineral. An adequate supply of potassium helps regulate heart rhythms and blood pressure.

It’s essential to drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Dehydration can lead to symptoms like fatigue and headaches, so make sure your body gets enough liquids.

Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables is another way to reduce your risk for kidney cancer. They provide essential vitamins C and antioxidants which may help combat inflammation – an influential risk factor for this condition.

Additionally, they contain fiber and water which will keep you hydrated and keep your blood sugar stable. Furthermore, they offer a great source of calcium as well as other essential minerals.

People with kidney cancer should follow a nutritious diet to reduce their risk for kidney disease and enhance quality of life. This diet should be low in salt but high in nutrients such as protein, fiber, and vitamins.

Avoid Tobacco

Smoking tobacco is a known risk factor for kidney cancer and other health complications. Your chances of developing this type of cancer increase with each puff of smoke you inhale, so it’s essential to quit smoking if you want to reduce your chances of developing it.

Breaking the habit of smoking can be difficult, but there are steps you can take that will make quitting easier. The first step is discovering what triggers your urge to use tobacco and avoiding those situations as much as possible.

Plan for a tobacco-free day and ensure you have everything necessary to quit. Set an intention of quitting for the day, and do something else to distract yourself from cravings.

For instance, if you tend to smoke while listening to music or talking on the phone, try switching it up for something calming like taking a long, relaxing walk. Not only will this help break your tobacco addiction, but it may also reduce stress levels significantly.

If you are having difficulty quitting smoking, talk to your doctor about nicotine replacement therapies such as gums or patches that can help keep you away from cigarettes. These medications are safe and effective, and many insurance plans cover the cost of these medications.

Your doctor can assist in creating an effective strategy to quit smoking, including tips on how to cope with cravings and temptations to pick up a cigarette. You may need to seek professional support from a therapist or other health practitioner as well.

Another way to help you quit smoking is by altering your eating and exercise routines. Eating nutritious foods and getting regular exercise will improve overall wellbeing, thus decreasing the likelihood of developing kidney cancer.

Eating healthier can also help you maintain your weight, which is a risk factor for developing kidney cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, people who are obese are four times more likely to develop this illness than non-obese individuals.

Physical activity not only makes you feel better, but it can even boost your energy level. There are also ways to relax that don’t cause stress such as meditation, yoga or massage.

Talk With Your Doctor

Kidney cancer is a disorder in which cells in one or both kidneys grow out of control. This occurs when the body’s normal cell growth and division processes are disrupted, leading to uncontrollable cell division.

Doctors typically detect kidney cancer while conducting routine checks or taking a sample of tissue. However, it can sometimes come as a complete surprise, since these tumors tend to be small and don’t cause any symptoms.

When visiting a doctor, they will inquire about your medical history and any risk factors for developing kidney cancer, such as smoking, having certain genetic conditions or misusing pain medicines for an extended period. They may also inquire if any family members have suffered from kidney cancer.

Talk with your doctor about ways you can reduce the risk of kidney cancer. These could include quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling your blood pressure and avoiding exposure to chemicals that could harm your kidneys.

Your doctor can also discuss with you the appropriate tests to have. These tests help them detect kidney cancer and decide the most effective course of treatment.

Imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, can give an inside look at your kidneys. They also indicate whether cancer has spread to other parts of your body (metastasis). If you experience any symptoms associated with kidney cancer – like blood in your urine or bone pain – or detect abnormalities on blood and other tests, imaging tests such as these should be conducted immediately.

Ultrasound imaging of your abdomen with special focus on kidneys, ureters and bladder is also possible. This non-invasive test uses sound waves to create images of internal organs without any pain or discomfort.

Biopsying the area where cancer has spread can help doctors determine what is causing it, its stage or grade and how aggressive it may be.