Many people mistakenly believe that air pollution only harms the respiratory tract. However, recent medical studies indicate that ultra-fine PM2.5 dust, when deeply inhaled into the lungs, can penetrate the alveoli, enter capillaries, and circulate throughout the body via the bloodstream, causing damage to all five internal organs.

In the program "Doctor, that's right!" broadcast in Taiwan, China, experts discussed how air pollution not only triggers asthma attacks or lung diseases but also causes chronic inflammatory damage to the cardiovascular system and many other organs through the blood. Even the kidneys, organs responsible for detoxifying the body, cannot escape this harmful impact.

PM2.5 fine dust penetrates everywhere, damaging the entire body through the blood.

PM2.5 fine dust particles have an ultra-small diameter, only one-twentieth the width of a human hair, rendering nasal hairs and the respiratory tract's mucous membranes completely ineffective at blocking them. When these micro-dust particles, carrying toxic chemicals, enter the alveoli – the deepest part of the lungs – they directly penetrate the capillaries. From there, they enter the bloodstream, which is pumped by the left ventricle to nourish the entire body.

The kidneys continuously filter blood 24 hours a day. When faced with systemic chronic inflammation and vascular diseases caused by PM2.5, the burden on the kidneys significantly increases. Over time, this severely damages the filtering function of the glomeruli.

The cry for help from declining kidney function.

In its early stages, kidney disease often does not cause obvious pain. Therefore, we need to be vigilant and carefully observe even the smallest warning signs from the body. Clinically, doctors often use a five-word mantra to help people self-check their kidney health at home: "Foam - Swelling - High - Anemia - Fatigue."

Foam (foamy urine): Urine appears with a large, dense amount of foam that remains thick and does not dissipate after flushing or standing for 10 minutes (a sign of proteinuria).

Swelling (edema): The two lower limbs (feet, shins) or eyelids become swollen, leaving an indentation when pressed that does not immediately spring back.

High (high blood pressure): Blood pressure levels inexplicably rise.

Anemia (lack of blood): The kidneys cannot secrete enough erythropoietin (EPO) hormone to stimulate normal red blood cell production, leading to anemia, which in turn causes symptoms such as cold hands and feet and dizziness.

Fatigue (tiredness): The body constantly feels unusually tired, and one's spirit is sluggish throughout the day.

PM2.5 fine dust penetrates everywhere, damaging the entire body through the blood. Photo: Hoang Giang

Excessive feasting and over-nutrition: Accelerating kidney failure.

Faced with the threat of air pollution and daily fatigue, many people often fall into the mindset of "eating a hearty meal to nourish themselves," even blindly pursuing high-protein diets. However, this is precisely a hidden danger to the kidneys.

Excess protein, after metabolism in the body, produces a large amount of nitrogenous waste, which transforms into dangerous uremic toxins, dramatically increasing the overload on the kidneys.

Kidney specialists warn that to protect kidney health daily, people need to memorize the "two more, four less" principle: more exercise, more water; while reducing excessive consumption of sodium (salt), phosphorus, potassium, and protein. Absolutely do not easily trust traditional medicine or herbal remedies of unknown origin to extend the "lifespan" of kidney balance.

Vegetables that help the kidneys perform a "major cleanup."

During the program, nutritionist Zhao Hanying advised that in daily menus, we should prioritize foods rich in fiber and high in antioxidants to help the kidneys sweep away toxins every day.

Fiber-rich vegetables: Black fungus, broccoli, baby corn, and similar foods are rich in soluble fiber, which promotes bowel movements and aids in eliminating toxins from the body.

Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants: Cherries, berries (blueberries, strawberries), grapes, and similar foods contain abundant antioxidants, helping the kidneys eliminate free radicals in the body and maintain blood vessel elasticity.

Natural kidney-nourishing foods: Yam (hoai son) and sweet potatoes are also high-quality health-promoting ingredients in daily life, supporting kidney protection and regulating the body's metabolism.

During seasonal changes when air pollution is frequent, in addition to wearing masks correctly when outdoors and using air purifiers indoors to block harmful dust particles, we also need to drink enough water to flush out waste products.

Establishing a moderate lifestyle along with healthy eating habits is a proactive defense from within, helping the body avoid a kidney failure crisis.

My Y (According to EBC)