Thursday, 7 August 2014

NUTRITION > HEALTH WATCH


MANAGE YOUR KIDNEYS FOR A HEALTHIER YOU

 By maurine kiptum

The kidney is a pair of bean-shaped organs located on either side of the back side of the abdomen just below the rib cage.
Some people are born with one, which is abnormal, but people can donate one kidney and live a normal life. This means that one good, functioning kidney is adequate for the tasks designed for the organ. Above each kidney is a gland (adrenal gland), which together with the kidney is surrounded by a layer of fat. The kidney is supplied with blood by the renal artery and purified blood leaves the kidney via the renal vein .The renal pelvis collects urine and the urethra transports it. The bladder stores it until it is eliminated. 

A combination of all the above form the urinary systems and their functions are intertwined. Small as they are kidneys are the key to normal body function. A problem in the kidney affects all the parts of the body.
To understand the weight of this effect, we need to appreciate the functions of the kidneys, which are as follows:

  •  To clean blood by filtering out waste products and eliminating them through urine. 
  •   To maintain body fluid composition
  •   To produce two hormones Renin: and Erythoprotein which is needed by the body to control the blood pressure, which is responsible for promoting production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
  • To convert vitamin D to its most active form. This facilitates the absorption of calcium needed for normal functioning of cells, strong bones and teeth , body alkalinity and immunity. 
  •  To remove poisons from the body emanating from foods and drugs including hard prescription drugs and personal care products and environment.

You can manage your kidney well in order to promote its effective functioning. This can be achieved by paying special attention to the functions of the kidneys, what causes its disorders and providing ingredients that promote their r efficient functioning. Some of the disorders and their remedies include:
Autoimmune disorders - Increase intake of antioxidant rich with foods in the diet.  
Decreased blood flow due to decreased blood pressure - consult a health profession and improve your diet to include foods rich in essential amino acids vitamins B complex and C, enzymes and enzymes that promote production of hormones.
Disorders causing clots in the blood vessels serving the kidneys – detoxify liver, blood and the digestive system.
Infections that directly injure the kidney – Seek treatment from a health [professional and eat foods that help in repairing and replacing body cells.
Obesity – Eat foods that help in reducing weight.
Kidneys work in harmony with other body systems such as digestive, circulatory, reproduction, urinary tract and spleen. It is, therefore, important that this work well also. The digestive system is important in particular because it can reduce the workload of the kidneys by ensuring they get minimum wastes. Foods consumed for their optimum functioning should be eaten daily.
Some of the foods that help in maintaining a healthy kidney by promoting urine and hormone production, cell repair, replacement of damaged cells include asparagus, onions, artichokes, cauliflower ,garlic, eggplants ,celery, cabbages and natural greens among others.

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