How well do you understand your kidney, other body organs, and their functions? If there’s one organ that you need to take good care of, then it is your kidney. This organ is one of the most important in the body. Kidneys are one of the most valued body organs sold for insane prices. Are you wondering why? It has many vital roles in the body and keeps you healthy in many ways.
Some of the functions of the kidney in the body include:
- Waste removal – The kidney cleans the blood and gets rid of all waste products and extra water
- Regulating the amount of salt in the blood – Excess salt from foods eaten is removed from the blood by the kidney and passed out as urine
- Urine formation – All waste products filtered from the blood are processed as waste products and later removed from the body. All these functions are performed by the kidney through a process called Urine formation
- Regulating the amount of water in the body – Many functions in the body require the presence of water. The body weight has been said to be around 60% water. The kidneys regulate the amount of water and leave it at an optimal level which is important for performance of different metabolic activities by the body. Research has shown that too much water in the body can dilute the blood and affect cell operation.
- Regulating Blood pressure by producing renin enzyme which helps control blood pressure.
- Production of erythropoietin( an important hormone that helps the body produce red blood cells in the bone marrow)
How to take care of your kidney.
Taking care of your kidney is not rocket science but involves your daily life activities. Some of the activities are not easy to do and require determination and persistence.
Having known how important your kidneys are, it is only right to do your best and try to keep them healthy.
The following tips can help you have a healthy kidney:
- Stay Hydrated.
Water plays an important role in most functions of the body. Apart from the common functions of water improving digestion, taking enough water can help the kidney perform its functions.
It is advisable that you should take just enough water. The recommended six glasses a day can work fine. Drinking too much water has a negative impact as it may dilute your blood.
- Eat More Vegetables
Replacing foods rich in animal proteins with vegetables can help keep your kidney safe. Animal proteins from foods like meat, eggs, and dairy products are likely to contribute to kidney health conditions and worsen pre-existing ones. Increase vegetable intake to improve your kidney health.
- Avoid pain relievers
We all have at some point opted for Over-The-Counter medications when we experience pain or discomfort. Taking such painkillers occasionally may not pose any health threat but a continuous intake can cause kidney damage. If you have regular headaches, for instance, seek medical advice. Don’t get too used to painkillers.
- Engage in physical exercises regularly
Regular measured physical exercises or fitness activities can play a part in making your kidney healthy. These exercises help with maintaining reasonable blood pressure levels and preventing weight gain. With normal blood pressure, the kidneys will not have to be overworked trying to fix or regulate your body’s blood pressure levels.
- Check on your weight.
It is easier to gain weight than to lose it. Weight gain results from eating habits, sleep patterns, lack of physical activities, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and sometimes genetics. Controlling your weight can help prevent diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure. This can in turn help keep healthy kidneys.
Common signs of Kidney Failure
There are several kidney failure signs and symptoms. These may occur as simple discomforts or serious, life-threatening conditions.
- Some common kidney failure signs include:
Loss of appetite and weight loss - High blood pressure levels
- Constant nausea and vomiting
- Lack of sleep(having trouble finding sleep)
- Low concentration levels
- Excessive tiredness/fatigue
The signs of kidney failure are never easy to notice and most people ignore them since these symptoms are also associated with many other diseases. For instance, loss of appetite, weight loss, and sleeping problems are also signs of depression.
Summary
Taking good care of your kidney could take more than what you are willing to do. Since it is an important health concern, you should be ready to pay any price. Your life depends on it.
Secrets to a healthy kidney review:
- Drink enough water
- Eat more vegetables
- Avoid Pain relievers or Over-The Counter medication
- Maintain physical fitness
- Work on your weight.
