(HealthDay News) -- A healthy lifestyle can help protect your kidneys and keep them strong.

The National Kidney Disease Education Program offers these suggestions:

• Keep blood pressure and cholesterol within normal ranges.
• Make sure diabetes is well-controlled.
• Take medications exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Reduce sodium intake to less than 1,500 milligrams per day.
• Eat a heart-healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy and whole grains
• Restrict alcohol consumption and don't smoke.
• Lose any excess weight and get plenty of regular exercise.