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Our kidneys are an extremely complex and vital organ in our body. They are responsible for urine production and blood filtration, as well as removing harmful chemicals. They develop as a result of metabolic changes that occur every second of our bodily functions. The condition of the kidneys is very important for maintaining long-term health, and even minor damage to the kidneys is sure to be noticeable almost immediately. Therefore, it's worth taking care of their condition and not creating additional work for them. In this article, we will try to identify products that can have a positive effect on kidney function and increase its efficiency.
Kidneys – why are they so important for maintaining health?
The kidneys are one of the components of the urogenital system. They not only perform an excretory function but are also responsible for maintaining proper homeostasis in the body, as well as producing various hormones. Our kidneys are paired organs, but there are also known cases where the body contains three or even more. Their shape resembles beans, while their color is brownish-red due to the very high blood content. Interestingly, when transplanting these organs, the organs already present in the abdominal cavity are not removed. The main functions of the kidneys include:
- Removal of harmful metabolic products from the body, which occurs with urine
- Regulation of the volume of body fluids
- Regulation of the osmolarity of body fluids
- Effect on blood pressure
- Reabsorption of nutrients necessary for proper functioning
- Influence on the proper course of erythropoiesis, i.e. the process of proliferation and differentiation of red blood cells
- Influence on the proper function of the skeletal system through the production of active forms of vitamin D3
- Influence on blood pH and acid-base balance due to the possibility of urine acidification
Which products are particularly harmful to the kidneys?
Due to the functions they perform in our bodies, the kidneys are exposed to relatively diverse types of damage. However, this does not mean that we cannot exert a real influence on their condition. Our daily diet plays a very important role in this. These organs act as a kind of filter. Therefore, all substances that enter our body with food sooner or later reach the kidneys. For this reason, we should limit the consumption of certain substances and products in order to maintain kidney health for many years to come. These organs are particularly affected by:
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Too much salt in the diet – salt is also necessary in a balanced diet, but excessive consumption can be particularly harmful to our kidneys
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Excessive consumption of fast food – eating such products every now and then is certainly not a bad thing. However, in addition to high amounts of salt, these foods also contain large amounts of substances that impair kidney function.
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Too much protein in the diet – although this macronutrient is the basic building block of our body, it is worth noting that consuming excessive amounts of protein-rich products can be very dangerous for the kidneys and lead to their damage.
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Excessive consumption of canned meat —especially low-quality meat—should be avoided. Aside from the low meat content, such products contain a high concentration of fillers of all kinds, food additives, and salt . All of this impairs kidney function.
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High consumption of sweetened carbonated drinks – it is no big secret that these liquids contain significant amounts of sugar, but also dyes, preservatives and other substances that can impair kidney function.
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Eating too many vegetables rich in oxalates —such as sorrel, spinach, beets, or rhubarb. You shouldn't avoid them entirely, but be aware that the chemical compounds they contain can contribute to the development of kidney stones and other kidney damage.
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Smoking and alcohol abuse – both activities introduce substances into the body that can damage our kidneys. Nicotine and alcohol abuse cause these organs to be unable to keep up with the body's elimination of toxins. Therefore, for your own safety and health, it's best to limit them whenever possible.
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Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – taking these types of medications isn't entirely up to us. However, it's worth noting that they can have potentially harmful effects on our kidneys, especially in large doses. They can disrupt blood flow through the glomeruli and, in extreme cases, cause more serious kidney damage. Therefore, it's not worth using them too often, and if you experience headaches, try other treatment options.
Water – why is it so important for proper kidney function?
Adequate fluid intake in the diet is essential for the proper functioning of the entire body. However, it should be noted that our kidneys are particularly sensitive to fluctuations in the body's water content. Adequate water intake enables the proper functioning of glomerular filtration and the excretion of harmful metabolites in the urine. However, too little water in the diet can lead to excessive crystallization of harmful chemical compounds, preventing them from being properly excreted from the body. Furthermore, these substances can accumulate in the kidneys themselves, leading to serious complications. To avoid this, you should consume approximately 2.5 liters of fluid daily.
Which fruits can improve kidney function?
There's no need to convince anyone that fruit is healthy. However, it's worth noting that some of them may be particularly valuable for substances that support kidney function. For example, cranberries are a very rich source of substances that protect the kidneys and bladder from the overgrowth of bacteria and fungi. Oranges are also a good choice. The citrates they contain are very helpful in combating excessive stone accumulation and also inhibit their formation. It's also worth paying attention to fruits with diuretic properties. These include gooseberries, strawberries, and black currants. Including these fruits in your daily diet will certainly minimize the risk of various substances accumulating in the kidneys and also contribute to kidney cleansing.
Vegetables that have a positive effect on kidney function
Of course, it's best to choose vegetables that don't contain oxalates or have a low content. However, there are also those that have a particularly positive effect on kidney function. We can mention, among others: dill , celery, tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, garlic , onions and eggplant. The question arises, why these? Apart from being rich in vitamins and minerals that have a positive effect not only on these organs but on the entire body, they also have a diuretic effect and stimulate the kidneys to work more efficiently. In addition, they speed up metabolism and have a cleansing effect. Therefore, eating them raw and in the form of various juices can significantly relieve the burden on the kidneys.
Which herbs and spices can support kidney function?
Various herbs and spices can also significantly improve kidney function, but also have a protective effect. Some can be successfully added to dishes, while others are better served as an infusion. Which should I choose?
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Nettle – this unassuming plant, or rather the infusion made from it, is extremely beneficial for our kidneys. It has powerful diuretic properties that facilitate the removal of excess uric acid from the body. Furthermore, it can also cleanse the kidneys and help prevent inflammation of these organs.
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Turmeric – this popular spice with its characteristic orange color is also extremely beneficial for our kidneys. It not only cleanses the kidneys, blood, and liver, but also has anti-inflammatory properties.
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Parsley – one of the most powerful diuretics. It also helps flush out toxins from the kidneys and bacteria. This effect is due to the myristicin and apiol contained in parsley.
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Ginger – the comprehensive effects of this spice can also be beneficial for the kidneys. It has a cleansing effect and increases the elimination of harmful metabolic waste products, bacteria, and even fungi. Thanks to its excellent spice properties, it can be added to many dishes, teas, or prepared infusions.
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Marshmallow – This somewhat less popular herb also has diuretic and kidney-cleansing properties. It also has strong antibacterial properties, preventing and treating bladder and kidney infections. It's best used in the form of an infusion. Pour boiling water over a tablespoon of dried leaves of this plant. After 8-10 minutes, the infusion is ready to drink.
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Dandelion root – also has diuretic properties and increases urine production. Interestingly, it also reduces water retention and can significantly relieve irritation of the entire urinary system. It also influences the targeted cleansing of the kidneys.
Various products, herbs, and spices usually support kidney function in different ways. They primarily act as a diuretic, but they also cleanse the kidneys, support their function, and often prevent the development of all kinds of irritations and bacterial infections. It's important to remember that all substances that enter our body sooner or later enter our kidneys along with the bloodstream. Therefore, let's try to limit products that negatively affect them and avoid adding unnecessary work to them. In such cases, they will almost certainly repay us with flawless performance for years to come.
