Located in back of the abdomen and about the size of a fist, each of your kidneys are systemic workhorses that filter blood all day long. This, in-turn, enables waste removal as urine, control of fluid balance, and keeps electrolytes regulated. When these essential organs are compromised you can experience a multitude of symptoms or no symptoms at all, until damage has been done.
Take note of these 10 signs of kidney malfunction, 8 ways to damage your kidneys and 6 helpful foods so you can get a hold of how to prevent future kidney problems.
Signs of Kidney Malfunction
Always check with your doctor if you experience any of these continued symptoms which may be signs of possible kidney malfunction:
Common Habits that Could Be Damaging Your Kidneys
You could easily be forging through your day with little knowledge that you may be setting yourself up for a big fall. So many lifestyle habits that people take for granted are highly damaging on a variety of levels, particularly when it comes to kidney health.
Here are some habits that you may need to readjust:
Dehydration – It has already been established that 8 glasses of water per day is really a guess, but not a requirement. However, lacking in proper daily hydration could pose a kidney risk. Stay hydrated to perpetuate healthy elimination of toxins.
Over Salted – Salt weaves its way into almost every food you eat, even ice cream! Most people have too much sodium in their diet which can create great stress on the kidneys. Try to stick to no more than 5 grams of salt per day.
Go Pee – Withholding urine stresses the kidneys, may result in kidney stones and could cause incontinence (loss of bladder control). So go pee whenever you can.
Keep Off the Pop – Processed sugar is poison, plain and simple. Two soft drinks per day have been proven to eventually cause protein to leak into urine, a sure sign of the beginnings of kidney malfunction.
Easy on the Meat – Animal products are high in protein and, for some, are an every meal staple. Too much animal protein can increase the metabolic load on your kidneys which can lead to malfunction.
Repair at Night – If you don’t get enough sleep you are at risk for a variety of diseases and conditions. Do your best to get 7-8 hours so your body can go into tissue repair mode, particularly in the kidneys.
Joe it Down – Overconsumption of caffeine raises blood pressure, creates an acidic environment, kicks your central nervous system in the gut and stresses your kidneys.
Put Down the Sauce –Alcohol is a major contributor to kidney and liver disease. Imbibe responsibly.
Friendly Kidney Foods
Many foods are available to strengthen and detox your liver. Include some or all of these and do your kidneys good.
Watermelon – This fruit is rich in potassium which could break down phosphate and carbonate derived kidney stones. It also regulates urine acidity and enhances systemic hydration.
ACV with Honey – Apple cider vinegar with honey can detox the kidneys, break down fatty deposits, decrease mucous, as well as provide anti-bacterial assistance.
Aloe Vera Juice – The juice from the aloe vera plant contains anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and anti-viral properties, the perfect trifecta for kidney health.
A Pom a Day – Pomegranate is very hydrating as well as full of astringent properties that can prevent or treat the formation of kidney stones.
Lemon Aid – Fresh lemon juice mixed with fresh, filtered room temperature water should be consumed daily to cleanse and heal the kidneys.
Garlic – This go-to herb is a healing elixir worthy enough for the gods. For kidney health it is able to reduce excess sodium in the blood as well as act as a natural antibiotic.
These 10 signs of kidney malfunction, 8 ways to damage your kidneys and 6 helpful foods bring to light, yet again, the many ways to recognize and naturally repair health challenges.