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The kidneys were once thought to be the seat of emotions, conscience, and desires as well as the origin of morality and ethical behavior. The core aspects of a person’s personality and wellbeing were linked to the kidneys. Even while we now know that the kidneys do not directly influence our morality, feelings, or personalities, these two bean-shaped organs are nevertheless extremely important to our health.
The kidney serves as the body’s filter system and is an incredibly complex organ. Equally significant, your kidneys maintain the chemical equilibrium of the entire body. The kidneys regulate all substances in the body, both good and bad, and keep them within incredibly tight parameters so that the body functions like a well-oiled machine. Renal function is the term for this.
Even with artificial kidney assistance, good renal function is essential for survival. Without the numerous tasks that these organs carry out, life could not continue.
The kidneys are essential for regulating blood pressure and hematocrit. The kidneys not only create hormones that signal bones when to make new blood cells, but they also maintain numerous other hormones that are essential to our very life.
The Environment Affects the Kidneys
The kidneys cooperate with the other organs in the body to support overall health since humans are intricate, integrated beings. Regrettably, malfunctioning of one organ or system can lead to the failure of others.
When the kidneys fail, various life-altering problems can arise, whether they are the cause of the failure or a reaction to another organ failure.
Similar to any complex mechanism, the kidney is extremely responsive to its surroundings. With each heartbeat, the kidneys receive about 20% of the blood that our heart pumps. The kidneys will begin to fail if they don’t get enough blood.
Blood flow can drop as a result of several acute illnesses, which are diseases or medical disorders with a severe or abrupt onset. Thus, once we become seriously ill, acute kidney injury is a very common occurrence.
Prolonged Kidney Illness
About 15% of people are afflicted with chronic renal disease. In the US, renal replacement therapy is necessary for almost 450,000 people to survive, and kidney transplants have given 100,000 people a second chance at life.
Nephrologist Aaron Young, DO, who specializes in Nephrology and Critical Care Medicine at UH Samaritan in Ashland, says these individuals are typically referred to a nephrologist after noticeably declining kidney function or concerning symptoms such as blood or protein in the urine.
Diabetes mellitus is the leading cause of chronic renal disease in the United States. The kidneys can develop diabetes for a variety of intricate causes, some of which are yet unclear. The kidneys may get thicker and more damaged as a result of the elevated glucose levels. Diabetes can also lead to the kidneys filtering too much blood and overtaxing themselves, which increases the production of harmful enzymes.
Best foods for a healthy kidney
- Water is one of the most important liquids for the body, according to a trustworthy source. The cells use water to carry toxins into the bloodstream. Subsequently, the kidneys use water to filter these toxins, creating urine that the body excretes. Inadequate water consumption might also aggravate the formation of kidney stones. Drinking can help these processes when someone is thirsty. Fruits and vegetables, among other foods, can provide a percentage of the daily water need for humans.
- Oily fish
Fatty fish Salmon, tuna, and other cold-water, fatty fish strong in omega-3 fatty acids are beneficial additions to any diet. An individual must have omega-3 fatty acids from their food because their body is unable to generate them. Fatty fish naturally contain these healthy fats. According to the American Heart Association (AHA)Trusted Source, omega-3 fats may offer a little drop in blood pressure. Given that high blood pressure raises the risk of renal illness, finding natural ways to lower it may help protect the kidneys from harm.
- Sweet potatoes
Yams While sweet potatoes and white potatoes are similar, sweet potatoes may digest more slowly and produce less of a blood sugar spike due to their high fiber content. Sweet potatoes also include vitamins and minerals including potassium, which may help reduce the harmful effects of sodium on the kidneys and balance the body’s salt levels. Due to its high potassium content, people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or undergoing dialysis may want to limit their sweet potato intake in accordance with their doctor’s instructions.
Read More: Optimizing Kidney Health: Essential Diet Guide
