If your kidneys are sick, you need to see a doctor
It’s not for nothing that the kidneys are called the “second heart”, because their main job is to continuously filter the blood. Our colleagues from 59.RU said Doctor of Medical Sciences, Professor of the Department of Environmental Protection of the Perm Polytechnic University Larisa Volkova.
About 200 liters of blood pass through the kidneys per day, where it is cleansed of unnecessary substances. Thanks to the kidneys, excess fluid is removed from the body and the water-salt balance is normalized. In addition, they stabilize blood pressure and acid-base balance, the production of vitamin D and hormones.
What causes diseases?
Among the factors contributing to the development of kidney diseases, PNRPU expert Larisa Volkova notes constant lack of sleep, hypothermia, abuse of salty and protein foods, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentary lifestyle, and organ dysfunction.
Diseases can also occur due to high blood pressure, uncontrolled use of medications, bladder overflow and sudden weight loss. People who often suffer from sore throat, diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus and hypertension are predisposed to kidney disease.
With urolithiasis, sand and stones form in the urinary system. Over time, they can increase significantly in size. The main causes of the disease are a hereditary predisposition to pathology of the kidneys, endocrine system, congenital deficiency of enzyme systems, due to which there is a deficiency or excess of those hormones in the body. In adults, metabolism can be disrupted due to gout, porphyria, cystic fibrosis, hemochromatosis, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and others.
In addition, foods and drinks that increase the secretion of gastric juice, including alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks, spices, and spicy snacks, can contribute to the appearance of kidney stones. As well as salty foods that accelerate the removal of calcium from the body.
When to get checked?
Symptoms indicating that it is time to check your kidneys include: swelling of the face and legs, unexplained loss of appetite, increased temperature and blood pressure, difficulty or, conversely, involuntary urination, discomfort during bowel movements, the occurrence of cystitis, frequent urge to urinate, especially at night, the appearance of blood in the urine.
“To identify abnormalities in kidney function, you should take a general clinical urine test at least once a year, a blood test for glycated hemoglobin, thyroid hormones, HIV, hepatitis B, and syphilis,” advises Larisa Volkova.
What dietary restrictions do people with kidney disease have?
People with urolithiasis should avoid foods that cause increased excretion of oxalic acid salts in the urine – cocoa, chocolate, spinach, legumes. It is worth limiting the consumption of fats, sugar, potatoes, tomatoes. Offals, semi-finished products and ready-made canned food are prohibited.
Essential oils, broths, hot peppers, spices, mushrooms, radishes, onions, garlic, radishes, sorrel, spinach, salted, pickled and pickled vegetables, fatty snacks, smoked meats, caviar, meat, fish and mushroom sauces, pepper have a negative effect on the kidneys , mustard and horseradish. Strong coffee and mineral waters rich in sodium are contraindicated. You can add bay leaves, lightly fried onions, and cinnamon as a spice.
Why is water quality important?
Drinking water contains calcium, magnesium, fluorine, iodine, various salts and other useful substances. But if their concentration is too high, it is dangerous. For example, low-quality water most often contains excessive amounts of calcium compounds.
Calcium is actively involved in the processes of contraction of the heart muscle, the secretion of hormones by the adrenal glands, the secretory function of the liver and much more, but the body does not need a lot of calcium either. This is fraught with the deposition of salts in the kidneys and urinary tract, which leads to urolithiasis. An excess of this element is especially dangerous for children, as it can cause slower bone growth.
Why are vitamin complexes dangerous for the kidneys?
Often in the spring, people prescribe vitamin complexes to themselves. But in addition to solving the problem of deficiency of nutrients, this can lead to the development of pathologies. The body can cope with too much intake of water-soluble vitamins by excreting them in urine. Excess vitamin C can cause the deposition of oxalic acid salts, which provokes the formation of kidney stones.
– Another situation occurs when there is an excess of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E and K. They cause hypervitaminosis – an overdose. American researchers have proven that vitamin D and calcium supplements increase the incidence of urolithiasis. Vitamin D intoxication also leads to the development of acute renal failure. But its deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of albuminuria – the release of protein in the urine. This is one of the early signs of kidney damage,” explains Larisa Volkova.
What foods are good for the kidneys?
Fruits, vegetables, rice, nuts, seeds, and legumes provide good kidney function – they contain complex carbohydrates that support heart health, intestinal health and stable blood sugar levels, which has a beneficial effect on kidney health.
The best foods for the kidneys with a diuretic effect: cucumbers, lettuce, zucchini, pumpkin, tomatoes, carrots, beets, baked or boiled potatoes, cranberries, apples, pears, citrus fruits, watermelon, melon, parsley, dill. For drinks, choose fruit drinks, weak tea, and rosehip infusion.
Eating low-fat dairy products, lean meat, chicken, turkey, fish, seafood, eggs, and soy will be beneficial. It is worth adding foods rich in omega-3 to your diet: fatty fish, avocados, olives, walnuts and a variety of vegetable oils, except palm and coconut.
How to keep your kidneys healthy for a long time?
According to the scientist, there is no need to abuse salt and meat foods; it is necessary to limit the consumption of canned food, food concentrates, and instant foods as much as possible. It is important not to become overweight or lose weight suddenly. Do not smoke or abuse alcohol.
You should drink more fluid – 2-3 liters per day, especially in the hot season. This can be fresh water, green tea, natural fruit drinks, compotes, herbal teas. Regular physical exercise will help, if possible – 15-30 minutes a day or an hour three times a week. You should also avoid overexposure to the sun and avoid hypothermia in the lumbar region, pelvic organs, and legs.
It is important not to overdo it with painkillers: refuse or limit your intake to 1-2 tablets per month. Do not take diuretics without a doctor’s prescription, do not self-medicate, and do not get carried away with nutritional supplements. People predisposed to kidney disease need to monitor blood pressure, blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Organic solvents and heavy metals are dangerous. Therefore, when working with insecticides and fungicides – products against insects, fungi and parasites on plants, when repairing and servicing a car, it is necessary to use protective equipment – gloves and a respiratory mask.
Previously, the scientist said where is the best place to put your phone? at night, as well as about radiation from gadgets and household appliances.
2024-04-09 12:00:00
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