Type II Diabetes, often known as “lifestyle” diabetes, is rising at an alarming rate in New Zealand and worldwide, along with obesity and its related health complications.
Diabetes is a significant illness and can lead to blindness and limb amputation among other things.
The New Zealand Kidney Foundation and Kidney Health New Zealand works to raise awareness of how to prevent illnesses that affect the kidneys.
Hydrate for health
One of the best things we can do for our kidneys is to keep well hydrated. The kidneys rely on water to help them do their work, clearing impurities from the body. Water is more important to our body than food. An indication is that most bodies can only live 3-4 minutes without air, 3-4 days without water, but we can survive up to 3-4 weeks without food.
There are new products on the market every day claiming to energise, cleanse and hydrate the body. The New Zealand Kidney Foundation would like everyone to look beyond the advertising and pretty packaging, and remember that there is nothing as effective as water to keep the kidneys in top condition.
We are very fortunate to have high quality tap water in New Zealand. There is no excuse for not drinking enough water. A 3% drop in hydration can also affect brain function by as much as 20%, so it is not only your kidneys that benefit from drinking ‘sky juice’.
Make good choices
Tea, coffee, fruit juice, sports drinks and soft drinks will not do the same job. In many cases they are loaded with artificial colours, sweeteners, caffeine or sugar, all of which make your kidneys work even harder.
The New Zealand Kidney Foundation, along with many other health organisations, works tirelessly to promote healthy choices. Water is the best drink for all ages. Children are encouraged at school to make water their beverage of choice, but at home, many families believe they are ‘treating’ their children by offering them highly flavoured juices or cordials. Instead, children are drinking empty calories and developing bad habits that may be detrimental to their health.
The amount of water each person needs to drink is different, depending on their exercise level, lifestyle and the climate in which they live. It is best to use urine as a guide; if it is clear and light yellow, you are well hydrated and giving your kidneys the opportunity to operate well. If it is dark yellow, you are dehydrated. There is no need to “overdrink,” it is best, as with eating, to sip water steadily throughout the day.
Water is certainly not a cure-all, but it does help keep us healthy.