PRINCE KUMAR
Ranchi, April 18: Keeping the kidneys healthy is not a big task because though their function is very complex, they are the least demanding organs of our bodies.
Kidneys are fist-sized organs located at the bottom of our rib cage, on both sides of the spine that enables our body to filter and expel waste properly and produce hormones to make them function properly.
Taking care of our kidneys is pivotal for maintaining our overall health and general well-being as they are the amazing organs that not only purify the blood of various metabolic waste but also help in regulating blood pressure, maintaining the health of the bones, maintaining normal haemoglobin (essential for transferring oxygen in the blood from lungs to the tissues) and maintaining the electrolytes in our body.
In an interview with lagatar24.com, Dr Pankaj Kumar Mishra, senior consultant Nephrologist at MEDICA, shared, “To keep your kidney health up, you must first understand the difference between your wants and needs. You want good kidney health but fries, sugar, and sodium-loaded junks are something you crave. Advice is to try giving up on your needs to achieve your wants.”
Urging the people he said, “Do not wait for symptoms to arise. Regular checkups must be done which will help in stopping the progression of kidney damage. The damage that has already happened can’t be reverted but with regular follow up, further damage can be slowed down.”
Dr Mishra also listed some incredible food suggestions that can help you promote your kidney health. These include:
- Increase your water intake and reduce your sodium intake to keep up your kidney and even your overall health.
- Protein can turn into your kidney’s enemy if you are already suffering from any sort of kidney disease like kidney stones, chronic kidney disease (CKD), etc. One gram of protein per kilogram per day is the right amount, never overdo it. However, supervised dietary restriction is necessary for avoiding any further complications.
- Protein is needed by the body for different life functioning processes. If the unsupervised dietary restriction is being made, then nutritional deficiency can cause other issues in the body.
- Processed, refined and packed foods lack natural fats, protein, and fibrous carbs, while they are high in sugar. These high sugar foods cause swelling of blood vessels and organs, known as inflammation leading to cross-linking of proteins in the body. The absence of enzymes overlooking cross-linking leads to degeneration of the kidney and formation of Advanced Glycation End (AGEs) Products causing accelerated ageing and malfunctioning of the body. Thus, stick to natural forms of foods such as raw fruits, and vegetables, and stay away from highly processed foods.
- Include Vitamin C-rich citrus fruits, spinach, and vegetables that are loaded with water content such as cucumber, banana stem, etc.
Highlighting that hypertension and diabetes are the two main causes of retarding kidney function, Dr Mishra, asserted that it is important to manage both hypertension and diabetes to prevent kidney diseases. He said, “Preventive measures like maintaining a healthy weight through exercise and yoga and following a healthy diet can help avoid kidney failures.”
