The kidneys, two bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist, are located at the back of the abdominal cavity, beneath the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. The right kidney typically sits slightly lower than the left to accommodate the liver. Kidneys regulate fluid levels, electrolyte balance, and other factors to maintain a stable internal environment. They also filter waste products from the blood.
Maintaining healthy kidneys is crucial for overall health, and your daily diet plays a significant role. Here are three foods that offer numerous benefits for kidney health.
Cucumbers
Water helps the kidneys remove waste from the blood through urination and also helps keep blood vessels open. This allows blood to flow freely and deliver nutrients to the kidneys. Cucumbers are over 90% water, which aids the body in flushing out waste products like creatinine and uric acid. They are also rich in potassium, which supports nerve function, cell communication, muscle contraction, and healthy kidney function. Add cucumbers to salads, enjoy them as a snack, or create refreshing cucumber-infused water.
Lemons
Kidney stones are small, hard deposits that form when waste products crystallize and build up in the kidneys. They are a common ailment, often recurring. The citric acid in lemons increases urine volume and raises urine pH, creating an environment less conducive to stone formation. Regularly drinking lemon water can also help lower high uric acid levels, which can strain the kidneys. Adding fresh lemon juice to water or tea is a simple way to enjoy these benefits. Those with stomach issues should eat something before consuming lemon water to avoid irritation.
Parsley
This common herb also offers kidney-protective properties. The kidneys constantly filter blood, removing waste and excess water, which are then excreted as urine. Sometimes, when urine becomes concentrated, minerals can crystallize, leading to kidney stones.
Parsley has anti-inflammatory properties due to its high concentration of antioxidants, including flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin C. It also supports kidney health by helping to lower high blood pressure, a major risk factor for kidney disease. Nitrates, a vasodilator found in parsley, improve blood flow and lower blood pressure.
The anti-inflammatory properties of parsley, along with its ability to regulate urine pH and lower blood pressure, contribute to reducing the risk of kidney stone formation. This herb may also help prevent and manage kidney-related disorders, infections, and other chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Bao Bao (According to Healthline, WebMD, Times of India)
