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Your kidneys function as your body’s filters. These two organs clear out toxins and compounds that would otherwise build up in your blood. This keeps the rest of your body running smoothly. Your kidneys filter around 150 quarts of blood each day. This blood is circulated around your entire body. “So when the kidneys aren’t working well, every cell and every organ in the body can be affected,”…, Detecting Kidney Dysfunction, The most common causes of CKD are diabetes, high blood pressure, and [qtip:cardiovascular disease|Related to the heart and the vessels that circulate blood through the body.]. These health conditions can damage the kidneys over time. Treating them as early as possible can reduce your risk of related kidney problems. Genetics and a family history of kidney diseases can also raise your risk for…, Dietary Changes, One important thing that people with CKD can do to stay healthy longer is make certain changes to their diet. “Dietary changes are a fundamental aspect of managing chronic kidney disease,” says Dr. Meryl Waldman, who studies nutrition and kidney health at NIH. Avoiding foods and drinks high in certain nutrients may prevent or delay some health problems for people with CKD. These include foods…, Getting Treatment, Other lifestyle changes, like getting more exercise and sleep, reducing stress, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco also help your body and organs work better together, Waldman adds. Medications are a vital part of managing CKD, too. Some drugs to help manage CKD treat the underlying conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. “But in the last 10 years, there have been remarkable advances…

Outbreaks of a contagious “stomach bug” called norovirus can spread quickly. It often crops up in cruise ships, nursing homes, and other crowded places. People of any age can become infected with a norovirus. But the very old and young children are more likely to become very sick. Noroviruses can affect your stomach and intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain.…

More than 1 out of 3 older adults in the U.S. have chronic low back pain. Pain is considered chronic when it lasts more than three months. Some find relief with pain medications or physical therapy. But others need more options. A new study looked at how much acupuncture might help older adults with chronic back pain. Acupuncture uses thin metal needles to stimulate specific points on the body.…

Many Americans don’t get enough exercise. A lack of physical activity can increase the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. A new study suggests that your neighborhood’s design can affect how many steps you get in a day. Walking provides many health benefits. But some neighborhoods aren’t as easy to get around on foot. They may lack sidewalks, parks, or nearby…

We each have a unique “healthiest self.” We have different minds, bodies, living situations, and people helping to shape our health and well-being. This website offers science-based health tips in five different areas. Find ways to improve your relationships, emotional and physical well-being, and your surroundings.

Patients often stress and worry about an upcoming surgery. But stress can lessen your body’s ability to heal. It can increase inflammation—the swelling or heat your body makes to protect against injury or illness. You can take steps to improve your health before surgery. This is called prehabilitation. A new study showed that personalized prehabilitation programs lowered problems after surgery.…

Arsenic is a naturally occurring element. It’s found in soil, water, and air. Long-term exposure can cause health problems. Millions of people rely on water sources with unsafe levels of arsenic. A new study showed that reducing arsenic exposure can lower the chances of death from cancer and heart disease. The study tracked adults living in Bangladesh. Researchers measured the levels of arsenic…

Cancer cells multiply in an uncontrolled way, making them difficult for your body to stop. Chemotherapy, or chemo for short, uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. These drugs usually target cells that are growing quickly. Normal body cells can also get caught in the crossfire of many chemotherapy drugs, causing unwanted side effects. Scientists are finding ways to lessen…

The NIH Health Information Portal provides access to reliable, science-based health resources. Find information from across NIH’s institutes and centers. You can browse or search for your health topic of interest. You can also sign up to receive the biweekly health information newsletter.  

Babies need vitamin K for their body to make blood clots. Blood clots are how the body stops itself from bleeding. But babies aren’t born with vitamin K. And they don’t start making it until they begin eating solid foods. Most babies born in the U.S. get a vitamin K shot after birth. Without it, babies are at risk of bleeding in the brain and the body in the first six months of life. While rare,…