Principles of Good Kidney Health

	Enter your search termsSubmit search form
	Web comprehensive-kidney-facts.com

The topic of "kidney Health" is becoming increasingly important, given the rising incidences of kidney problems. Until recently, very few people were concerned about this topic. Almost everyone is familiar with heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and high blood pressure. While these are probably the leading causes of health problems and death, not many people realize that kidney disorders can lead to many of these degenerative diseases.

When the kidney is not able to properly discharge its functions, the result is poor health ... and eventually - death. Kidney failure causes toxins and waste products to accumulate in the body, and disrupts the chemical balance, viscosity (thickness) and volume of blood and other body fluids. Eventually, this can lead to hypertension and diabetes which in turn can lead to heart disease and stroke. Further, the compromised quality of blood leads to a depleted immune system which increases the risk of cancer and other serious diseases.

Given the extreme importance of the kidneys in maintaining good health, the topic of kidney health must be closely examined. Kidney care is extensive and incorporates principles of health that is not only confined to the kidney but impacts on a wide range of general principles of health. It is important to remember that the kidneys are only one part 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. In looking at kidney care, therefore, one has to expand the scope beyond just the kidneys.

DIET TO IMPROVE KIDNEY HEALTH

Have you ever heard the expression - "You are what you eat"? Well, you are certainly affected by what you consume. The road to kidney health starts with your diet. This is probably the single largest contributor to many kidney problems. While advances in medical science has made it possible for our generation to live longer, the quality of our health is comparatively poorer than our ancestors.

Modernization has caused many of us 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 do we consume poor diets but our consumption is excessive... leading to obesity. It is no 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" which 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 superfoods also contain antioxidants that 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 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 which are unhealthy and toxic, digestion is affected, the blood becomes contaminated, and 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.

Adequate water consumption is not only important for kidney health but many other biological functions. Water helps to maintain the correct concentration and volume of blood as well as aiding in digestion, regulating body temperature and blood circulation, and helps to flush toxins and other waste products from the body.

The kidney needs a lot of water in order to perform its crucial function of removing toxins from the body and maintaining the correct concentration of the blood and other body fluids. Adequate water consumption also reduces the chances of developing some kidney stones.

KIDNEY HEALTH AND SUPPLEMENTATION

Lets face it, not many of us 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 balance diet consistently, the quality of food is sometimes poor. This is largely due to pollution and poor farming practices.

So how do we acquire the required nutrients to promote efficient biological functions? Supplementation is the answer. Optimum kidney health is dependent on having the right nutrients, in the right amounts.

Persons with kidney failure, though, must be careful of the supplements they take. Depending on the cause of kidney failure, some supplements may not be recommended. You must work in conjunction with your dietitian to determine the best supplements to use.

EXERCISE TO HELP KIDNEY DISEASE

Physical exercise is another important factor to consider for optimum kidney health. It is a major piece of the health puzzle. Unfortunately, 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.

This sedentary lifestyle contributes significantly to many health problems including obesity, heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney failure. Without regular and consistent exercise, health cannot be optimized and disease cannot be prevented.

How can exercise help to optimize kidney health? Well in a number of way but especially by helping to lower or control blood pressure and increases insulin sensitivity, to prevent against type II diabetes (adult onset diabetes). As you might be aware, diabetes and hypertension are two leading causes of kidney failure. By implementing a program of regular exercise, you will help to prevent or control these two deadly diseases, and preserve and improve kidney health.

DETOXIFICATION & KIDNEY HEALTH

Detoxification is the removal of toxins from the body. It is an important element of any kidney health program. Over time, toxic elements enter our bodies through the air we breathe, the water we drink, the foods we eat, and also medications we take and 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.

The kidneys help to eliminate some of these toxins but not all. In fact if the kidneys are not functioning well there could be a build up of toxins in the kidneys. To maximize kidney health and overall health, a periodic removal of toxins is necessary.

It is also important to promote natural detoxification by making correct food choices. It is a good practice to periodically detoxify the major organs (including the kidneys), using specialized natural products in addition to diet. 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 will 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.

From Kidney Health to HOME PAGE

ADD TO YOUR SOCIAL BOOKMARKS: Blink Del.icio.us Digg
Furl Google Simpy Spurl Technorati Y! MyWeb