Raise your hand that knows exactly what are the kidneys and what are they for? How many hands? One-two?
The kidneys are among the most valuable organs of our body, but often we don't realize it and we mistreat them drinking too much or too little, eating too much or too much salt proteins.
We learn to pamper our kidneys, starting with food: here it is the 10 best kidney foods.
10 best foods for kidney health
One of the factors that contribute most to the health (and therefore also to the disease) of the kidneys is l'Power supply.
There are foods that can damage them, but there are others that help strengthen them and keep them healthy.
Generally, have one low protein diet animals, low in salt and with the right amount of water it's a good start. We can continue with the foods that take care of our kidneys the most.
Here are the 10 best kidney foods, what they are and why.
1. Beetroot
Beetroot has diuretic and detoxifying properties, rich in potassium. We can enjoy it in a beet and carrot juice or add it to salads
2. Blueberries
Blueberries have a detoxifying effect on the kidneys and bladder cleansing, protect against infection because they prevent the development of bacteria. We can add them to fruit salads or drink cranberry juice, preferably on an empty stomach
3. Celery
Celery has diuretic properties, with draining action also on the liver and respiratory tract, which makes it useful in case of kidney stones and liver failure
4. Onion
Onion has a powerful antibacterial effect, diuretic and because it promotes the elimination of uric acid
5. Cliegie
Cherries prevent water retention, are diuretic, promote the elimination of toxins and are low in oxalates, elements that could interact with the correct functionality of the kidneys, risking creating stones
6. Strawberries
Strawberries have anti-inflammatory properties which protect both heart and kidney health. Useful in the presence of gravel or kidney stones. The strawberry rhizome can be associated with the grass for the preparation of an infusion
7. Orzo
Barley has a draining and purifying effect, useful to help the body in the elimination of waste and to lighten the work of the kidneys. The beneficial effects for the kidneys extend to its cooking water: let's drink half a glass a day for four days. The fresh juice made from barley grass is also excellent
8. Pineapple
Pineapple is rich in vitamins C., potassium and bromelain, so it helps fight infections and reduces the risk of kidney stones
9. Radishes
Radishes are rich in vitamin C, B vitamins, iron and sulfur. Their nutrients are essential for our body; have purifying effects on the angue. By combining radish juice with pineapple juice (in 2: 1 portions) and taking it for a whole month you get a detoxifying action. Remember that they can cause flatulence and irritation of the intestinal mucous membranes. Radishes are not suitable for gastritis or colitis and kidney stones
10. Cucumbers
Cucumbers contain many vitamins and just as many minerals. Cucumber is rich in water and potassium, therefore an excellent ally for hydration of the body, therefore for the health of the kidneys and bladder. Its regular consumption helps to counteract water retention. Cucumber avoids the formation of kidney stones and thanks to the low amounts of sodium and the high percentages of potassium can lower blood pressure
The kidneys: how and why
What are: the kidneys are symmetrical organs, we have two of them and they are located in the lumbar region next to the vertebral column; they have the shape of a bean and each of them is about 12-13 cm high, 6.5-7 cm wide and about 3 cm deep.
What are they doing: perform fundamental functions of drainage and purification of our body, with water recovery: they are important for the elimination of toxic substances from the metabolism; they keep the quantity of sodium, chlorine, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium present in our body constant; they keep the amount of water present in our body constant; they produce hormones (renin, erythropoietin) and activate vitamin D.
How do they do it: each kidney is made up of about one million units (nephrons): each nephron is made up of the glomerulus (formed by a dense network of blood capillaries) and the renal tubules that operate the reabsorption and excretion. The renal tubules flow into larger collecting tubules and flow into a space called the pelvis.
In the glomeruli the blood is filtered forming preurin, which passes through the renal tubules where it undergoes some changes in volume and composition, thus becoming urine. The urine, having reached the pelvis, is conveyed through the ureter canal to the bladder where it remains before urination. The bladder can hold up to approximately 500ml of urine.
Here are some tips for kidney health
To learn more:
> Where to find vegetable proteins?
