High blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of kidney failure put one in three Americans at an increased risk of developing kidney disease. But even if you don't have any of those risk categories, it's important to take care of these critically important organs. There are several things you can do to keep your kidneys as healthy as possible at every stage of life; 1. Hydrate but don't overdo it; Contrary to popular belief, no studies have proven over-hydration as an effective practice in enhancing kidney function, So while it is always a good idea to drink enough water, drinking more than the typical four to six glasses a day probably won't help your kidneys do their job any better.2. Eat healthy foods; Dr Simon points out most kidney problems arise out of other medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. He suggests you follow healthy eating habits to control weight and blood pressure, preventing diabetes and blood pressure will help keep the kidneys in good condition.3. Exercise regularly; like eating a well balanced diet, regular physical exercise can stave off weight gain and high blood pressure.4. Use caution with supplements and herbal remedies; Excessive amounts of certain vitamin supplements and some herbal extracts may be harmful to your kidneys. Talk to your doctor about any vitamins and Herbs you plan to take.5. Quit Smoking; Smoking can damage blood vessels which decreases the flow of blood in the kidneys. When the kidneys don't have adequate blood flow, they can't function at optimal levels.6. Don't overdo it with over the counter medications; Common non prescription pills like ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAIDs) can cause kidney damage if taken too regularly over a prolonged period.7. If you are at risk, get regular kidney function screening; If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, your physician should screen for kidney dysfunction as part of routine care for those conditions. The most important thing you can do to keep your kidneys safe is to take care of your body to reduce the chances of developing diseases that put a strain on your kidneys. Eat healthy, exercise regularly and control your weight. Healthy kidneys like a healthy body.