Want to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy? Here's How to Do It
The kidneys are the vital organs in the urinary system. They filter our blood from waste and urea, so we must take care of them as best we can. How do you do this naturally? There are five foods that can help.
- שירה דאבוש (כהן)
- פורסם כ"ז ניסן התשע"ו
Illustration: Shutterstock #VALUE!
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Illustration: Shutterstock
Two are better than one: Although an average person can live with one kidney, why not try to take care of both 'angels' of the urinary system, working tirelessly to keep us healthy? The kidneys filter the blood from waste and urea (composed of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen). Kidneys that do not function properly expose our bodies to many dangers and diseases, which could lead to a difficult and irreversible path, heaven forbid.
So how do we maintain the health of our 'angels' and ensure their proper function? The following five foods provide the answer:
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers of all types (green, red, yellow, and orange) are composed of important vitamins such as vitamins C, A, B6, and potassium. Potassium is essential not only for the entire body but especially for the urinary system. Studies conducted to examine its contribution to patients with kidney disease have found potassium to be extremely effective when incorporated into the daily diet in a controlled manner. Despite its benefits, an excess of potassium can cause severe and irreversible kidney problems, so caution with dosage is necessary, incorporating it wisely while maintaining a smart and suitable dietary regime.
Red Beans
The benefits of green beans are well known. However, it seems the advantages of red beans, also known as Kidney Beans, have been somewhat underestimated. When it comes to kidneys, it's notable that red beans resemble a small kidney, and the two share the same name in English (Kidney in English means kidney as well).
Red beans help prevent kidney disease as they contain fat-free proteins that help balance blood sugar (diabetes is one of the causes of kidney disease), thus also balancing the kidneys. The sooner you incorporate them into your daily diet, the more you will improve your long-term health and completely avoid this danger.
Illustration: ShutterstockCabbage
Like the two above, cabbage is also known to help maintain proper kidney function as it is rich in plant antioxidants, vitamins, dietary fibers, and effective chemical compounds. Researchers who studied the connection between cabbage and kidney function have managed to prove that it is effective in protecting the heart, blood vessels, and the rest of our body's systems - whether consumed raw or in other consumption forms (cooking, baking, and steaming).
Apples
Apples are packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, making them excellent catalysts in maintaining kidney health. Vegan doctors who recommend body cleansing and purification processes recommend an apple a day as part of maintaining liver and kidney health.
Last But Not Least (How Could It Not Be?) Our Friend Garlic
Garlic acquired its pungent smell thanks to the antioxidants and anti-inflammatory substances it contains, and it is endowed with numerous beneficial properties, which assist in contributing to countless diseases and issues ranging from cancer to kidney disease. Its consumption in its natural form is the best.
