Get moving!

Most health experts would probably agree that physical activity for most people is a good thing, even if it's something as simple as walking around the park or getting the heart rate up on a scenic Colorado hike. That's because being active has a whole host of health benefits – many of which you're probably familiar with – but did you know that living an active lifestyle is really good for kidneys? Here's why: 

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the best thing you can do to keep your kidneys healthy is to prevent and/or manage health conditions that contribute to the damage of the organ. That means staving off diabetes and blood pressure by eating a healthy, balanced diet and – you guessed it, living an active lifestyle. 

By doing so, you're better able to maintain a healthy body weight, a key component in preventing type 2 diabetes. And if you take the steps to avoid diabetes, you'll likely have lower blood pressure, too.

Both are critical to preventing kidney disease. In terms of diabetes, higher than normal glucose levels cause damage to the blood vessels within the kidneys, meanwhile, prolonged hypertension can cause those same blood vessels to narrow, harden, or weaken. When this happens the nephrons that filter the blood don't receive the nutrients and oxygen they need to function correctly, and over time, dialysis will likely be required. 

The good news is that the progression of the disease is often drawn out over years, meaning if you haven't started taking measure to prevent it, now is your chance to move in a healthier direction. Need some help? Check out these unique hiking areas not far from Denver.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments section!