Your kidneys are pretty vital.

Here’s how doctors recommend taking the best care of them.

But the organs can get damaged, saidDr.

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Niloofar Nobakht, an associate clinical professor of nephrology at UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.

When it comes to developing kidney issues, theres an interplay of lifestyle, biological and environmental factors.

They may be a result of genetics, infections or autoimmune issues like lupus.

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But dont be disheartened.

There are also ways you might ensure youre prioritizing your kidney health even before issues arise.

Similarly, dietary supplements can impact your kidneys.

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This is why its important to share with your doctor all medications and supplements youre taking, Sanchez added.

They would not neglect managing diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

The most common causes of chronic kidney disease are uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure, Nobakht said.

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They do not eat excessive amounts of sodium, sugar and red meat.

Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are directly impacted by what you eat and drink.

Nobakht encouraged cutting down on the sodium and processed sugar that you consume.

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Consider having less of these types of foods to lower your sodium intake.

Having too much processed sugar in your diet can affect your blood sugar control.

They do not neglect physical exercise.

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They do not forget to replenish their fluids, especially if theyre sweating a lot.

They will not leave stress unmanaged.

Stress and anxiety triggers your bodys sympathetic nervous system to produce a response to deal with the stress.

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They do not neglect their sleep.

According to Nobakht, gettinggood-quality sleepfor an appropriate number of hours matters for your kidney health.

Aim forseven to nine hoursof good-quality sleep that leaves you feeling refreshed and mentally sharp the next day.

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They will not leave obstructive sleep apnea unmanaged.

They do not neglect regular medical checkups and screenings.

The earlier you detect kidney damage, the more steps you might take to prevent further deterioration.

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They never smoke.

Its important to stop smoking, Sanchez stressed.

Studieshave shown if you stop smoking, the risk for kidney cancergoes away slowlyover time, Sanchez continued.

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They would not follow a kidney diet they find on the internet without first consulting their doctor.

You might miss out on a lot of nutritious foods by restricting these prematurely.This article originally appeared onHuffPost.

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