Take Care of Your Kidneys
Although we tend to take our kidneys for granted, these
important organs deserve a little consideration now and then.
Often, we don't pay much attention to them until there is a
problem. When a kidney malfunctions, you will definitely know
it. We've all heard tales of excruciating kidney stones or a
painful kidney infection, which, if left untreated, can turn
into sepsis that pervades the body and cause substantial harm.
To keep your kidneys functioning as they should, include a few
management tips in your health routine. It won't take much time
or effort to add these tips to your lifestyle, and the payoff
may help to keep you off dialysis in preventing kidney failure
later in life.
1. Drink plenty of fluids. We've all heard that drinking eight
to ten glasses of water each day promotes better health, but do
you know why? Imagine a riverbed that, due to a drought, sinks
to low levels and even exposes muddy areas in spots. Debris like
tree limbs, large stones, and even flailing fish can be seen
floating in the lifeless stream and perhaps sticking to the
banks in passing around bends. Then imagine a reservoir with low
water levels. It may look dry, dusty, or shallow, with many
objects bobbing on the surface that otherwise might be carried
off downstream. This grim image is a picture of your bloodstream
and kidneys when you don't drink enough fluids. Although the
kidneys act as more of a filter than a reservoir, toxins can
build up if there isn't enough water pressure to push them
through to the urinary tract for excretion.
2. Avoid caffeine. While a couple of cups of tea or coffee, and
a little bit of chocolate, may not be bad for most people, don't
get hooked on drinking multiple cups of caffeine beverages each
day. Your kidneys will be forced to work harder and pump out
fluid and toxins when they become dehydrated by caffeine's
purging effect and more active by its metabolism-boosting
powers. If you find that you are urinating several times a day
more than you used to, try cutting back on caffeine products to
see if that helps. Too much caffeine isn't good for your body in
many ways, and kidney stress is one of them.
3. Cut back on bumpy road rides. Long-distance truck drivers
may have a higher incidence of kidney bruising or damage than
people in other occupations. Until the possible link is
confirmed or disproved, try to take long rides in comfortable
seats, and stop for frequent breaks to get out of the vehicle
and stretch your legs, which will be good for your back as well
as your kidneys and other organs.
4. Eat cleansing foods. Some experts believe that cranberry
juice helps to reduce bacteria in the urinary tract by keeping
it from sticking to tissues where it can build up and cause an
infection. A few glasses of this refreshing beverage each week
might be enough to promote better kidney health. Some
practitioners claim that white rice is a good food for cleansing
the body. You may want to include this in your diet on occasion,
as well.
You will feel better about taking control of your health when
you use tips like these to protect your kidneys.