Our kidney is one of the most important organs that perform a vital role in keeping our body functioning properly. Every day, the kidneys are responsible for filtering approximately 200 quarts of blood and among these are 2 quarts of extra water and waste products, which later on becomes urine.

The kidneys also perform the role of producing some hormones as well as the regulation of blood chemical levels.

With these many important functions that the kidneys are performing, cases of abnormalities in the organ like kidney disease, kidney stones, infections and the like can happen, especially if a person does not take extra precaution in taking care of his kidneys. Here are some tips that you can do to boost your kidney health.

1. Consume adequate amounts of pure water daily.

   Almost all people know that adequate water consumption is not only important for the kidney, but to many other functions of the body as well. It helps in maintaining the volume and concentration of blood, aids in digestion, regulates body temperature and washes away toxins in the body. General knowledge says that eight glasses of water should be taken everyday, however, some medical practitioners recommend that people with kidney disorders should be taking half the equivalent of their body weight in ounces. For example if your weight is 160 lbs, you should drink at least 80 oz or 10 glasses of water.

   Some studies have shown that an inadequate water level inside the body is one of the major causes of developing kidney stones, and drinking water may help in preventing them. However, it is not enough that we drink water – it is imperative that we make sure that the quality of our drinking water is secured as well. In order to get the full benefits of water, choose pure water and not those other forms such as sparkling water, mineral water, etc.  Pure water does not contain sugar, salts, bubbles and minerals.  It is just purely water, in its simplest form.

2. Don’t “hold it in” – Relieve yourself when necessary

   One of the major functions of our kidney is to filter the blood in our body. When it is done filtering, extra water and waste products are stored into our urinary bladder, where it waits to be excreted. However, our urinary bladder can only hold only about 14 ounces of water. Holding in our need to urinate increases the size of the urinary bladder than it should be, and when we pee, the bladder does not completely empty. Not emptying the bladder all the way can lead to a condition called Urinary Tract Infection because the bladder becomes a perfect spot for bacteria to grow. These bacteria may cause an infection, go all the way to the urethra and up to the kidney. This now will become the cause of kidney infection called pyelonephritis.

3. Drink raw juice

   Fresh fruits and vegetable juices have been seen and proven to contain many nutrients that help in promoting the body’s health and aid in treating some diseases as well. However, these juices do not include those found inside cartons and tin cans.  You can get the full benefit of drinking juices through those freshly squeezed ones where nutrients can be easily absorbed into the bloodstream and distributed all through out the body.  Lemon juice is effective in dissolving stones of uric acid in the bladder. Juice of fresh ripe pumpkin can also help get rid of kidney stones. A report from the British Ministry of Health and Public Service Laboratory stated that fresh juices can help treat a wide range of disease which includes kidney diseases.

4. Eat Right

   Almost everything that happens inside our body is affected by the kind of foods that we eat. This is probably one of the largest contributors to kidney health. If the foods you eat are toxic and unhealthy, then it will eventually affect body organs, including the kidney. Too much intake of salts, processed foods, those found in fast foods, fatty foods, sugar, dairy and the like are not recommended.

   In promoting kidney health, foods with high levels of potassium, sodium and protein should be avoided. Though these are necessary for the body, too much can trigger the kidney to certain diseases. Taking low-potassium and low-phosphorus foods, green tea, watermelon, asparagus, celery and fish have been recommended by medical experts. Omega-3 also helps in kidney function. A study published at the November issue of the American Journal of Kidney Diseases by the National Kidney Foundationreported that eating fish twice weekly can help diabetics avoid kidney problems.

   Other foods that could help strengthen the kidney include salmon and trout, as well as other herbs and vegetables like  spring onions, onions, fennels, beetroot, parsley, celery, garlic, chives, ginger, dandelion and cloves.

5. Watch your weight

   Many research studies have proven that extra weight and obesity can affect a person’s over-all health. Recent studies have shown that obese people are more prone to develop kidney stones and kidney cancer.

   Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have conducted a study on how obesity affects the kidney and it has shown that it increases the risk of developing kidney stones. Results showed that 1 in 40 people with normal weight developed kidney stones compared to the 1 in 20 obese people. Although no definite cause and effect relationship has been established, there is a link between the two. It was thought that perhaps, obese people have different levels of substances in the blood that causes kidney stones; therefore it was recommended that weight must be given importance when it comes to making considerations in promoting kidney health. Although reversing obesity cannot help in curing kidney diseases, it will have many significant benefits for the body.

These are just some reminders on how you could maintain and promote a healthy kidney. After all, living a healthy and active lifestyle is the best way to reduce the risk of diseases. If kidney diseases develop, it is important to consult a doctor immediately in order to find out the proper course of action to take.

Sources
drrajmd.com
kidney.niddk.nih.gov
freedrinkingwater.com
comprehensive-kidney-facts.com
medicalbuff.com
medicinenet.com
daypeopls.org
internethealthlibrary.com
en.mercopress.com
naturalnews.com