Do you find it disturbing when your housekeeper or maid takes an unexpected leave? Accumulation of waste or mess in the house further adds to your worries. Likewise, your body too is under tremendous pressure when the kidneys go on a holiday!
Both the kidneys are bean-shaped organs, about 4 to 5 inches long, each lying on either side of the spinal cord. They are primarily responsible for separating essential nutrients and clearing off the waste from the blood, controlling blood pressure, blood volume, blood pH, maintaining electrolyte balance and secretion of hormones. The improper functioning of kidneys can affect your overall health. It can be detected by reduced urine volume and lower backache. Furthermore, if the kidneys are taken for granted, it can either lead to most commonly observed kidney stones, inflammation of kidneys or even chronic kidney failure, all of which can be treated with chanca piedra if the symptoms are ascertained early. In such a scenario, even the conventional medicines fail to provide relief.
Not to worry! Every problem has a remedy if you follow it sincerely. In order to keep your house (body) clean, it is essential that your maid (kidney) is consistent and works efficiently along with lowering of work load. Take excellent care of your kidneys to reduce your probability of illness. The major causes of poor kidney health are kidney stones, diabetes and high blood pressure, which arises due to poor diet and lifestyle. Follow these simple tips to overcome the causes and protect your kidneys-
1. Always stay hydrated
Your kidneys function normally only when the volume of water flowing through them is sufficient to flush out the wastes. Drink six to eight glasses of water daily. Besides water, you can also drink fruit juices and caffeine-free iced tea. Keep on drinking plenty of water until your urine appears light yellow in color which indicates good kidney health.
2. Follow a kidney-specific diet
- Low-potassium foods – Help prevent stroke or chances of heart attack
- apples, beans, corn, rice, noodles, pasta, eggplant, cookies without nuts or chocolate, pears, peas, peppers, and zucchini
- Iron-rich foods – Increase red blood cells
- leafy green vegetables and eggs
- Low-protein foods
- Avoid salty, sugary or fatty foods. Instead bake, roast, stew, grill, broil, or stir-fry foods As excess of salt increases blood pressure
- Antioxidants rich foods – Neutralize free radicals that damage kidneys
- Fruits such as grapes, cranberries and blueberries; vegetables such as fennel, onions, celery, beets, spinach, string beans and asparagus
3. Eat more of fiber
Consuming more of fiber reduces the formation of kidney stones. It also lowers cholesterol, regulates blood sugar and alleviates digestive problems like constipation and diarrhea. Overall, it improves kidney functions.
4. Consume kidney-boosting herbs
Always include in your lifestyle, the best of nature’s power to affect and improve your kidneys’ health. CALCURY, an herbomineral combination, facilitates the passage of urinary stones by increasing the passage of urine (diuretic), antiinflammatory and analgesic properties. It contains Pashanbhed, Varuna and Hazaral yahud pishti that help disintegrate urinary stones. By restoring normal bowel movement, Katuki normalizes ureteral peristalsis and further facilitates the passage of kidney stones. Punarnava, Guduchi has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and diuretic properties. Gokshura and Varuna maintain electrolyte balance and prevent recurrence of urinary stones.
5. Change from obese to normal
Increased fat deposition can put excess pressure on the heart and kidneys. Following a healthy and balanced diet along with regular exercise helps to maintain a healthy weight and control your blood pressure.
6. Exercise regularly
Exercising regularly helps in weight loss, improves blood circulation, reduces fluid retention and improves kidney health. In addition, try other activities like walking, swimming, jogging, dancing, cycling or anything that help you burn those extra calories.
7. Avoid excess over-the-counter medications
Prolonged usage of medications can cause damage to the kidneys. Do not consume these medications in excess. Consult your doctor if you are consuming any medication for long term.
Follow these tips along with monitoring your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose level regularly to improve kidneys’ health. In order to live happily, always pamper your kidneys without fail.