Effects of Aging on the Kidneys and Bladder
Our kidneys have the potential to filter a considerable amount of blood every hour. That’s just for people with healthy kidneys, though. The kidneys create urine from excess water and waste in the body, which passes from the ureters to the bladder and is eventually expelled through the urethra.
By doing so, these two bean-shaped organs maintain a perfect balance of essential minerals and salt levels. The question is, what effects does aging have on our kidneys? Let’s find out.
How Aging Affects Kidney Function
Experts believe that by the time you turn 70, your kidneys will lose 30-40 percent of their blood filtering capacity. This applies to most people, including those without any underlying kidney diseases.
Additionally, kidneys may shrink with age. This can further affect their filtering capacity. Kidneys that do not filter blood at a normal rate are more vulnerable to chronic kidney disease than healthy kidneys. The good news is that kidney function declines gradually, and at a very slow pace. You just need to follow a healthy lifestyle, eat a nutritious and balanced diet, and maintain your overall health to keep your kidneys healthy.
How Aging Affects Bladder Function
Here’s how aging affects your bladder function:
Increased Urge to Urinate:
Older people experience a sudden urge to urinate, particularly at night. This can increase the risk of leakage and, in some cases, accidents.
Weakened Bladder:
With age, your bladder wall muscles may become weaker, making you more prone to urinary incontinence. Your bladder might also not empty properly, which in turn causes frequent urges to urinate.
Urinary Tract Infections:
The above issues, particularly the bladder’s inability to empty properly, can make you more prone to urinary tract infections. It provides a perfect environment for the bacteria to thrive.
Aging can make your bladder feel stiffer than usual, making it less effective at holding urine. This means you may have to urinate more frequently. It also makes you more vulnerable to urinary tract infections. In men, particularly, an enlarged prostate can affect their urinary function.
Tips for Keeping Your Kidneys Healthy
You can maintain your kidneys’ health despite aging. These tips will help:
Stay Hydrated:
Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to flush out toxins. However, it’s advisable to consult your doctor before increasing your fluid intake.
Keep Your Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Under Control:
Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension can harm your kidneys in the long run. Make sure these conditions (if you have them) are managed with medication and lifestyle adjustments.
Eat a Healthy Diet:
Add kidney-friendly foods, such as green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, to your diet. Avoid excessive protein, processed foods, and those high in salt and sugar.
Exercise:
Indulge in regular physical exercise to stay fit, manage your weight, and keep your blood pressure under control.
Aging doesn’t just cause wrinkled skin, fatigue, and other obvious symptoms. It also affects your internal organs, including the kidneys and bladder. It’s important to watch for unusual symptoms, such as increased urination, difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine (hematuria), and consult a urologist.
