Kidney(s), the filter for the human body.

Your kidney(s), the filter for the human body

Your kidneys act as a filtering mechanism not unlike a home filtering unit. Whether you filter your tap or fresh water, you use a filter. Just like your kidneys both trap harmful products. Your kidneys take on an additional function by not only removing the unwanted waste, but they also process the departure of the waste by cycling it into the bladder. Similar to any filter you have in your home, kidneys can also face the problem of being overworked. In this article, I will discuss options for care and healthy choices to promote kidney health. Most people are born with two kidneys each the size of an average human fist but, what if you only have one either from injury or genetics?

Habits counterproductive to healthy kidneys

There are a number of consumables to avoid, especially in excess, salt, alcohol, caffeine, and painkillers are a few. What may surprise you too much protein can also negatively affect kidney function. For those already at risk for reduced kidney function excess protein can decrease kidney function. This is important to know in relation to specialty diets relying on a large intake or protein products. Individuals with compromised kidney function should avoid diets which have an excess of protein as the source of intake.

Eight glasses of water on the wall

We have all heard or been advised: “drink 8 glasses of water a day”. To list all the reasons why water is important to the human body is substantial but how does this help your kidneys? The amount of water intake needed is subject to diverse needs of the individual. Do not assume that exactly and only eight glasses of water is the revered golden point of super health. Kidney stones, medications and working in conditions where sweating is increased may require additional intake of water. In contrast, it is possible to drink an excess of water and those with reduced kidney function may need to reduce the intake of water. As a side note even with normal kidney function excessive drinking of water can lead to an imbalance of sodium levels in the body.

You are what you eat, and so are your kidneys

Food can be a great source of health and preventative care in addition to, if needed, medical treatments (always consult your doctor before any changes in diet). Just a few good and nutritious items to consider are fish, grapes, blueberries and more. Also, consider cooking with Olive Oil with a mix a simple and easy sauteed mix of onions and cabbage. If you have concerns about salt there are options to season your food choices, check the back of various spices at your local market. I use a salt-free version of Mr. Dash as well as a low sodium Organic Sea Kelp seasoning and pepper. We certainly become used to our favorites and salt is certainly one of them. You might just need to retrain your taste buds and mind to something new and better.

Food can also be a detriment to someone with compromised kidney function, particularly those that are rich in potassium and sodium. It does not have to be limited to junk food or processed frozen meals (many are high on sodium which is used as a preservative), banana's for instance, are certainly not the worst you can eat but do contain a high amount of potassium. Dairy products, whole wheat bread, and brown rice, all of which in moderation are good and healthy foods however, too much of even a good thing can be detrimental.

The man with one kidney

As someone who has only one kidney the foods I eat, the content in them and the portions are always on my mind, and some days I do good and others not so good. Unlike others who may have lost a kidney later in life or have compromised kidney function, I was born with only one kidney. This makes an interesting situation in that the single kidney from day one compensated to perform the function of two kidneys and is slightly larger and in my case, this is not because of any negative issues with the kidney. However, should the issue arise of a possible problem with kidney function I do not have a backup kidney as do most others. With only one kidney from birth I can live, as do others, a normal and healthy life. The condition is called renal agenesis and is not life-threatening.

Make good choices, learn about the products you are consuming and above all, if you have any questions be sure to consult your physician.