Kidney health: avoid these bad habits

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Extract from the article: The kidneys are vital organs in the body. They are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid, and eliminating them through urine. Despite the fact that this organ is essential to our well-being, many people are unaware of the habits t

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The kidneys are vital organs in the body. They are responsible for filtering waste products and excess fluid, and eliminating them through urine. Despite the fact that this organ is essential to our well-being, many people are unaware of the habits that can affect its functioning and health. 

Yasmine Zerbo, Nutritionist-Dietician and Specialist in Clinical Nutrition and Enteral and Parenteral Nutrition, points out that a person can lead a relatively normal life with only 20% of their kidney function functioning. So you might think you're in good health without knowing that your kidneys are gradually deteriorating. Good kidney health is synonymous with well-being. The nutritionist outlines some of the bad habits that destroy the kidneys.

Too much salt

One of the functions of the kidneys is to metabolise the sodium we ingest through food.The salt we add to our food is the main source of sodium, and almost all of it must be eliminated.When too much sodium is consumed, the kidneys have to work twice as hard and in the long term they are affected. Reduce salt consumption as much as possible.Opt for garlic, turmeric, pepper, cloves or ginger, like parsley.

Sweetened and carbonated drinks

Research carried out by Osaka University in Japan has shown that people who drink at least two fizzy drinks a day have a greater risk of suffering from kidney disease. They are also prone to proteinuria, the presence of a high concentration of protein in the urine, an early sign of kidney damage. Drink more water and homemade fruit and vegetable juices with no added sugar.

Too much caffeine

This ingredient can increase high blood pressure and therefore damage the kidneys. Drink coffee and tea in moderation, and avoid energy drinks. You can drink an energising juice or smoothie made from local fruit or vegetables, or eat fruit that provides energy.

Excessive alcohol consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is a habit that damages the kidneys in a short space of time.Alcohol contains toxins and chemical compounds that are harmful to the kidneys and liver.Be responsible when drinking alcohol.Instead of drinking this type of beverage, opt instead for water, natural juices or homemade teas.

Protein-rich foodsProteins are essential for the body to function properly, but not in excess. Excessive consumption of red meat and eggs causes the kidneys to work harder than the metabolic load they generate.Significantly limit or even avoid red meat.Include eggs in a balanced diet. Opt for plant-based proteins.

Holding back

When the need to urinate is urgent, it is very important to go to the toilet as soon as possible.Holding back is a very bad idea, as in the long term it can lead to kidney failure or incontinence.

Recipe to strengthen and cleanse the kidneys 

Recipe 1: ½ beetroot, 1 cucumber, 3 carrots. Mix all the ingredients in a blender. Add a beer glass of water. Filter and drink 1 glass on an empty stomach in the morning. Wait 20 minutes before eating.

Recipe 2: 1.25l water, 25g dried hibiscus flowers, 2 sugar cubes or 1 teaspoon sugar (or more for those who like it), you can add a few sprigs of fresh mint or ginger. Wash the flowers and place in a saucepan with the water and bring to the boil for 25 minutes.After 25 minutes, remove from the heat and add the mint leaves.Leave to cool completely.Pour the liquid through a sieve to separate the flowers from the juice. Add the sugar to the juice. Store the juice well

William O.