Your kidneys are very important organs in your body. They are located on both sides of your body/spine, near the middle of your back, and just below your ribcage. Kidneys have a lot of work to do in your body.
What your Kidneys do
1. Remove wastes and extra fluids from your blood (basically, the kidney is like your heart, it acts like a pump that cleans your blood)
2. Make urine
3. Keep your blood pressure controlled by releasing hormones into your blood.
4. Help keep your bones healthy
5. Help you make red blood cells
6. Control your body's chemical balance.
7. Remove drugs and toxins that are introduced into your body.
That is a lot of things that your kidney has to do and it is why your kidney is greatly needed by your body. The bad thing is that kidney disease is a growing problem in the US and in the world.
"One in 10 American adults have chronic kidney disease (CKD), more than 20 million American adults have some level of CKD"
-Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
CKD is any condition that causes the kidney to slowly loose its function over a long period of time. Kidney disease (including CKD and other diseases) has become a big problem in the world, and many of the untreatable cases are because the patients went to see the doctor too late. Keep on reading to learn the symptoms of kidney disease, how to prevent it, and kidney health foods!
Types of kidney diseases
There are too many, and I do not want to bore you with a list. But, if you want to see a list, here is a link:
http://www.kidneydoctor.us/types-of-kidney-disease/
Symptoms of kidney diseases
- High blood pressure
Even though high blood pressure is very common (especially among older people), high blood pressure can be a first sign of kidney disease. High blood pressure can also cause kidney disease or failure.- Protein or blood in your urine
- Pain your your back
- Feeling of burning while urinating
- Puffiness around your eyes, swelling of hands and feet with no cause
These are the main symptoms of high blood pressure, I will add more as time goes on. Now, for kidney disease prevention... Here are some healthy things to do and healthy food to eat to decrease your chances of getting kidney disease.
Kidney disease prevention-- what to eat and do
Drink lots of water
Drinking lots (by lots, I mean at least 10 cups of water a day) of water can help your kidney get rid of toxic chemicals and waste products. Consuming enough water every day is essential for your kidney health. Your kidneys need A LOT of water to do what they do. Consuming a lot of water every day also decreases your chances of getting kidney stones. Do not drink colored drinks or sweetened drinks (Fanta, 7 Up, Coca Cola, etc.), these drinks are not water (they are composed of a little water, but not all water), they just ruin your health. What are you sitting here? Go get some water!
Eat foods that contain lots of antioxidants
Antioxidants are things in food that neutralize free radicals that are in your body (free radicals are things that are everywhere around you and in you that makes you unhealthy-- most of the time). Foods high in antioxidants are good for your health, your heart health, they ward off cancer and keep you energetic-- these foods even slow down the aging process!
Tomatoes are high in antioxidants, they are also extremely good for your kidney health. A lycopene complex can be found in tomatoes and this complex protects your kidney against injury caused by cisplatin. Lycopene is what makes tomatoes, red (a fact for you). Tomatoes and broccoli are the 2 best sources of antioxidants. Both, when consumed, contribute to your kidney health.
Eat the Berries family (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc)
Research has shown that raspberries and strawberries have antioxidants in them that fight against cancer and disease. Berries help you maintain a healthy and young complexion and they are truly great for your health!
Eat Cereals
Cereals have been eaten for generations, and it is something that we humans should never stop eating. Whole grain cereals are the best choice and they contain lots of energy, carbohydrates, proteins, fibers, both vitamin E & B and minerals (Zn, Mg, Fe). Cereals are great for your health and contain lots of antioxidants.
Eat Nuts
Nuts, especially walnuts, have been found to contain lots of antioxidants. Research has found that walnuts contain lots of polyphenols, twice as much as other nuts. Walnuts also reduce the chances of you getting cardiovascular disease and cancer (wow!) Don't eat too many nuts, when there are too many nuts in your body, they become unhealthy. (Go eat peanuts, and then, go nuts!) Don't go nuts on me though...
Eat Legumes (all beans-- red beans, black beans, soy beans, etc)
Eat Olive Oil
Olive oil has lots of antioxidants, including carotinoids, complex and simple phenols, and vitamin E (yes, this is also an antioxidant). Research has shown that people living in countries where olive oil is used instead of other types of oil (sunflower, pea, etc) have lower rates of cancer and heart disease ( including kidney cancer and disease). This is because of olive oil's many healthy components:a. Oleic acid (an anti inflammatory fatty acid that protects humans against oxidation)
b. Polyphenols
c. Antioxidant compounds that prevent inflammation and oxidation.
Eat Red bell peppers
The best food for kidney health! That is because they are low in potassium, they also have vitamin A, C, B6, fiber, and folic acids (wow...). They also contain a special type of antioxidant called Lycopene, which protects against many types of cancer.
These foods are all excellent for both your kidney health and your overall health!
Exercise!
Exercise is great for your overall health, but it is especially good for your kidney health-- if you exercise the right way. Below is a link to yoga poses for kidney health, be sure to click on the pose names to get a picture of the pose!
http://www.a2zyoga.com/yoga-poses/kidneys.php
Have checkups often
Checkups help you know that you have kidney disease/cancer earlier, and that will help your doctor treat your disease/cancer at an earlier stage-- when it is treatable.
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