Hello, this is Miko!
This time, I would like to summarize the kidneys, which are also known as the silent organ.
Maintaining healthy kidneys is also important for staying young.
Well then, let's get started!
Kidney Function
First of all, do you know what the kidneys do?
The kidneys play a vital role in our bodies, helping to eliminate waste products, regulating blood pressure, producing blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and keeping bones healthy , among many other tasks.
We eat, go to the toilet, and defecate, and go about our daily lives without even thinking about it, but in fact these functions are performed automatically by the kidneys. Despite this, few people may have given much thought to how the kidneys work.
What happens when your kidneys go bad
Do you know what happens when your kidneys deteriorate? As the kidneys are said to be silent organs, it takes many years to notice the problem, and by the time you notice it, it is often too late. If the situation becomes severe, your doctor will prescribe dialysis. This will lower your quality of life . Having to spend several hours a week on dialysis treatment makes it difficult to live your life as usual, including work, hobbies, travel, and time with your family.
In addition, during dialysis treatment, needles are inserted into the body to circulate blood, so the movement of the body is restricted for hours. Dietary and fluid restrictions are also required, so you may not be able to eat what you want freely. It is also said that the average life expectancy of dialysis patients is less than half that of the general population, and I cannot help but wonder whether this is really the right treatment.
Foods that are bad for your kidneys
1) Processed foods, especially processed meat
Processed meats such as ham, sausage and bacon are prime examples of foods that are bad for your kidneys.
Processed meat contains a large amount of salt and additives, which put a strain on the kidneys. In addition, the saturated fatty acids and inflammatory substances contained in processed meat are known to reduce kidney function. Excessive consumption of processed meat also increases the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease, so it is important to limit it.
In addition, the processed foods that you eat regularly contain various additives, such as preservatives, colorings, and chemical seasonings. Among them, phosphorus puts a strain on the kidneys. There are two types of phosphorus: organic phosphorus contained in natural foods is hardly absorbed by the body, while the phosphorus used in processed foods is inorganic phosphorus, which has a high absorption rate. It is known that excessive intake puts a strain on the kidneys. Processed foods are also known to be high in salt (refined salt). Excessive intake of refined salt can disrupt mineral balance and cause swelling and high blood pressure, so care should be taken.
②Foods containing trans fatty acids
Trans fatty acids are found in large amounts in processed fats such as margarine and shortening. They are a familiar part of our diet, such as in bread, cakes, and fried foods, but they are known to actually have a negative impact on health. Trans fatty acids cannot be digested and remain in the body for a long time. This is said to increase bad cholesterol, increase the risk of arteriosclerosis, and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Excessive intake of trans fatty acids also causes inflammation and has a negative effect on kidney function.
3) Refined grains and refined salt
Refined grains lose most of the nutrients that grains originally have. They are particularly lacking in dietary fiber, and are known to worsen the intestinal environment and put a strain on the kidneys. Refined grains also rapidly raise blood sugar levels, promoting insulin secretion and putting a strain on the body. In the long term, this increases the risk of obesity and diabetes and threatens kidney health. Refined salt is also made by removing minerals from natural sea salt. As a result, the sodium content is high and mineral balance is disrupted.
Excessive sodium intake can cause swelling and high blood pressure, and mineral imbalance can also affect the electrolyte balance in the body.
④Artificial sweeteners
Artificial sweeteners are often used as a substitute for sugar, but excessive intake is known to place a great burden on the kidneys. Artificial sweeteners in particular are difficult to break down in the body, and are said to place a great burden on the kidneys.
In addition, excessive intake of artificial sweeteners affects insulin secretion and leads to blood sugar imbalances. It is extremely dangerous to choose low-calorie foods, sweets, beer, and soft drinks, mistakenly thinking that they are good for your body.
Foods that are good for your kidneys
①Vegetables and fruits
Vegetables and fruits are essential foods for maintaining kidney health. Leafy vegetables and berries, in particular, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These nutrients protect kidney function and help excrete waste products. In addition, the dietary fiber contained in vegetables and fruits improves intestinal environment and reduces the burden on the kidneys. However, people with reduced kidney function should be cautious when consuming vegetables and fruits that are high in potassium.
②High-quality protein
High-quality protein plays an important role in maintaining kidney health. In particular, animal proteins such as fish, soy products, and eggs contain essential amino acids and help repair the body and maintain muscles. However, excessive intake can put a strain on the kidneys, so it is important to consume in moderation. It is also important to choose fresh meat instead of processed meat.
3) Whole grains
Unlike refined grains, whole grains retain the nutritious parts of the grain, such as the outer skin and germ. They are rich in dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and are helpful in maintaining kidney health. Whole grains also help to slow the rise in blood sugar levels, suppressing insulin secretion and reducing the burden on the kidneys.
④Water
Water is an essential drink for maintaining healthy kidneys. Adequate hydration is necessary to flush waste products from the body and maintain kidney function. It is recommended to drink 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day. However, people with impaired kidney function should adjust their fluid intake as instructed by their doctor.
Kidney-friendly lifestyle habits
① Moderate exercise
Moderate exercise helps maintain kidney health. Exercise improves blood flow and promotes the excretion of waste products. Exercise also lowers the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, and reduces the burden on the kidneys. However, excessive exercise puts a strain on the kidneys, so it is important to exercise within your own limits and in line with your physical strength.
② No smoking
Smoking has a negative effect on kidney health. The harmful substances contained in tobacco constrict blood vessels and reduce blood flow to the kidneys. Smoking also increases the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, and can lead to impaired kidney function. Quitting smoking is one of the lifestyle habits essential for maintaining kidney health.
3) Stress management
Chronic stress has a negative impact on kidney health. Stress stimulates the sympathetic nervous system and increases blood pressure. Long-term stress has been shown to cause kidney function decline and inflammation. To manage stress, it is important to get enough sleep and take time to relax.
Regular check-ups
Kidney disease is characterized by the fact that it is difficult to detect symptoms. Therefore, it is important to undergo regular checkups. During checkups, blood and urine tests are performed to check kidney function and whether there are any abnormalities. Early detection and treatment will help maintain kidney health.
summary
The kidneys are organs that play a vital role in our body.
To maintain healthy kidneys, it is important to avoid processed foods, trans fats, refined grains, and processed meats, and to actively consume vegetables, fruits, good quality proteins, whole grains, and water.
It is also important to pay attention to your lifestyle habits, such as moderate exercise, quitting smoking, managing stress, and getting regular checkups.
By maintaining healthy kidneys, you can maintain the health of your entire body and improve your quality of life!
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