Caring for your Kidneys

Most human beings are born with two kidneys, which are bean-shaped and about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine. Healthy kidneys have amazing filtering ability. They can filter about 180 liters of blood daily to remove waste and extra water through urine. The kidneys are delicate and multi-functional organs that constantly work to keep us healthy. They perform various essential tasks, such as maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, eliminating wastes, making hormones to produce red blood cells, and controlling blood pressure. Moreover, kidneys also produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong and healthy bones.

Many things can affect the functions of our kidneys, including diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney stones, a urinary tract infection, drugs and toxins. It is estimated that 1 in 10 people globally have chronic kidney disease, or a slow decline in kidney function, and most of them are not even aware of it. Some warning signals can include noticeable changes in the appearance or volume of the urine, swelling in ankles and feet, upset stomach, dry and itchy skin and fatigue. If you are ever in doubt if any symptoms experienced are indicators of kidney problems, please don’t hesitate to consult your doctor for an evaluation.

Let’s look at some of the tips for protecting our kidneys and keeping them healthy. 1. Replacing meat with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies. This is the most simple and healthy way to safeguard the health of our kidneys. A study published in the Journal of BMC Nephrology found that people who consume plant-based protein were associated with a 70% decreased incidence of chronic kidney disease. Moreover, the kidneys have to work harder when animal-person-based proteins are consumed. 2. Keep yourself well hydrated. The kidneys need adequate water to remove toxins, waste products and unneeded compounds from the blood. 3. Maintain a healthy blood pressure. So, it’s important to eat a low-salt diet and maintain a healthy weight to keep the blood pressure in normal range. 4. Get regular exercise. Regularly exercising is a great way to maintain a healthy weight, which helps to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. 5. Develop a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle involves refraining from drinking alcohol, using illegal drugs and smoking as well as choosing the healthy vegan diet.