The kidneys are a paired organ of the urinary system. Their main function is the removal of toxic substances from the body, which are formed in the body or enter it from the outside. One kidney is
The kidneys are a paired organ of the urinary system. Their main function is the removal of toxic substances from the body, which are formed in the body or enter it from the outside.
One kidney is about 6 cm wide and 10-12 cm long. The weight of the whole organ in an adult is from 150 to 320 grams.
Passing through the kidneys, the blood leaves all the contaminants in the renal tubules. They then move to the renal pelvis, then to the ureter and head to the bladder.
How does the food we eat affect this important organ?
Foods good for the kidneys:
- To be healthy, you need to consume more products rich in vitamin A. This vitamin is synthesized in our body from carotene contained in carrots, peppers, sea buckthorn, asparagus, parsley.
- Pumpkin dishes are very useful for this body. For example: pumpkin porridge with millet, pumpkin juice, roasted pumpkin with dried fruit and others. All of them are extremely good food for the kidneys due to the presence of vitamin E in them.
- Apples and plums. These fruits contain a large amount of pectin, which is able to bind toxins and remove them from the body.
- Red cranberries. Due to their purifying properties, they prevent the formation of kidney stones.
- Herring and fever. They contain important fatty acids and vitamin D, which are especially necessary for the body during the cold season of the year, when the sun's rays are rare.
- Shipka. Rich in vitamin C.
- Bran. They contain B vitamins, which improve the blood supply to the kidneys.
Harmful to the kidneys:
- Sol. Retains water in the body, resulting in swelling and high blood pressure. Important! Salt should be limited, not completely excluded, because otherwise there is a risk of developing renal failure.
- Fatty meats, smoked foods and marinades. They all contain substances that cause renal vascular spasms.
- Alcohol. Leads to destruction of the renal tubules.
- Purine-rich products are prohibited. These are: canned fish and meat, offal and meat broths.
- Spicy soups and spices. Irritating to the kidneys.
- Spinach, sorrel. They contain oxalates, which can cause the formation of stones.
Signs of kidney problems
Since the kidneys are responsible for the proper functioning of all body systems, in order to diagnose a problem, the following symptoms are observed:
- rough skin and cracked heels;
- change in the color and smell of urine after eating beets and other vegetables rich in carotene;
- unpleasant body odor.
General recommendations
To have healthy kidneys for a long time, you need:
- eat separately so as not to burden the body with a large amount of waste products;
- try not to take products that irritate the renal tubules and lead to their destruction;
- avoid foods containing substances that cause the formation of stones;
- to limit the use of salt, products rich in purines and oxalic acid;
- the menu should include a sufficient amount of fruits, vegetables and dairy products;
- use the following culinary treatments of food: cooking, baking and light frying in butter.
More on the topic:
- Nutrition in kidney disease
- Nutrition in renal failure
- Nutrition in hydronephrosis
- How to cleanse your kidneys