Basic Principles of Good Kidney Health
Kidney health is extremely important, not only to those who are afflicted by kidney problems but, indeed, to anyone interested in achieving and maintaining optimum health. Unfortunately, there are still far too many people who do not understand the vital role of the kidneys, and their contribution to overall health. If your kidneys are not healthy, you are not health... ...and if you are not healthy, your ability to fully enjoy life and reach your fullest potentials, are compromised. This page offers some very useful and practical tips and guidelines that will not only help to improve kidney health, but overall health as well.
How do Kidney Disorders Affect Health? Did you know that kidney disorders can lead to many serious degenerative diseases... such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure? These are among the leading causes of deaths, worldwide.How can kidney disorders lead to heart disease, stroke, or even cancer? Well, here is the link... ...As you may already know, one of the key functions of the kidney is to filter the blood, keeping it free from toxins and other waste products. The kidneys are also responsible for regulating and maintaining the concentration and volume of blood, in the body. In other words, the kidneys help to maintain the right quality and quantity of blood. This is important to note since the quality of blood directly affects the quality of overall health.
When the kidney is not able to properly discharge its functions, the result is poor health ... and eventually, premature death. Further, the compromised quality of blood leads to a depleted immune system, which increases the risk of cancer and other serious diseases. Given the importance of the kidneys in maintaining good overall health, it is necessary to focus on kidney health and kidney care, from a very broad perspective. One must incorporate principles of health that are not only confined to the kidneys but also impacts on a wide range of general principles of health. It should be noted that the kidneys are only one element of a very complex human biological system. Each element of this system is, in some way, connected or related to the other elements within this system. To really improve and maintain kidney health, therefore, one has to expand the scope beyond just the kidneys. Let us now turn our attention to some of the measures that can contribute to kidney health (and overall health).
DIET While advances in medical science have made it possible for our generation to live longer, the quality of our health is comparatively poorer than our ancestors. Modernization has caused many to adopt poor eating habits, with emphasis on convenience rather than quality. Unlike our ancestors, we consume a lot more refined foods loaded with artificial ingredients, salt, sugar, and cholesterol. Not only are our diets generally poor but our consumption is excessive... leading obesity. It is little wonder that many degenerative diseases have increase significantly, over the last decade. Part of the solution to this problem is to change our eating habits. A balanced diet will go a long way to improving kidney health and the quality of life. Medical experts increasingly advocate a healthy diet to counteract everything from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to depression. At the top of the dietary tree are so-called "super foods". They include fruits, vegetables, pulses, and nuts... that boost the immune system, ward off cancer and heart disease and even slow down the aging process. Many of these super foods also contain antioxidants, which play an important role in defending the body against diseases and eliminating free radicals. It is important to note that everything we consume is eventually absorbed into the blood, through the process of digestion. In addition to eating healthier foods it is also important to incorporate good digestive habits as an integral part of improving kidney health. For example, chewing your food properly and eating well in advance bedtime (3 to 4 hours before), will contribute to better digestion of food. A healthy diet together with good digestive practices will help to maintain a good quality of blood, tissues and organs (including the kidneys). On the other hand, if you consume foods that are unhealthy and toxic, digestion is affected, the blood becomes contaminated. This puts a lot more strain on the kidneys and other organs.
WATER AND KIDNEY HEALTH Consumption of adequate amounts of water is very important in promoting good kidney health. Most people already know that it is important to drink at least eight glasses of water per day. If you have a kidney disorder such as kidney stone, however, this is probably not enough. Some medical practitioners recommend drinking the equivalent of half your body weight in ounces of water, per day. For example if your weight is 160 lbs, then you should drink at least 80 ozs of water, which is equivalent to approximately 10 (8 oz) glasses. This is only a guide and would probably be inappropriate for persons with excessive body weight.
SUPPLEMENTATION It is a fact that not many people are able to eat properly, on a consistent basis, for various reasons. Sometimes we make poor eating choices due to ignorance, convenience, taste preferences, or in some cases unavailability of healthy foods. Even those of us who are able to eat a balanced diet consistently, the quality of food is sometimes very poor. This is largely due to pollution and poor farming practices.
EXERCISE HELPS! Physical exercise is another important factor that should be considered. It is a major piece of the health puzzle. In reality, many of us sit behind a desk for eight or more hours almost every day. Further, when we leave our work places, we are so tired that it becomes easy to simply recline in our favorite chair and look at television.
DETOXIFICATION Detoxification is the removal of toxins from the body. It is an important element of any kidney health and kidney care program. Over time, toxic elements enter into our bodies through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods we eat, the medications we take, and the personal care products we apply to our hair and skin. Additionally, toxins are naturally produced in the body through metabolic processes. If these toxins are allowed to accumulate for too long, they will disrupt our health. This helps to promote the efficient functioning of biological systems and reduce the stress placed on the kidneys and other organs. Kidney health or kidney care involves adherence to some basic principles of health, as outlined above. Continuous violation of these principles will result in disease and eventually, premature death. These are very broad principles which, if followed, could result in improved kidney health and overall health and quality of life. If you are afflicted with a kidney problem, you should always seek professional medical attention. Special diets and treatments such as dialysis may be required. The best treatment of kidney disease, though, is to prevent it. Optimize kidney health by consuming the right types and quantities of foods, exercise regularly, drink adequate amounts of water, and observe other healthy habits, such as adequate rest, recreation and reduce stress levels. At all cost, avoid destructive lifestyle habits such as smoking and drug and alcohol abuse.
____________________________________________________
Return from Kidney Health to Comprehensive Kidney Facts |