Copyright timesnownews
Your kidneys are among the most important organs that help your body function properly. Being extremely vital organs, apart from filtering out waste, balancing fluids, and helping regulate blood pressure, the kidneys are also instrumental in supporting overall metabolism. However, as most people now indulge in a sedentary lifestyle and eat junk and processed food, it only strains their kidneys, leading them to slow down their functions. And so, according to US-based Dr Eric Berg, there are three superfoods – which, if you add to your daily diet, can help in the proper functioning of your kidneys. Cucumbers Cucumbers are among the most nutritious vegetables that are available throughout the year. Not only do they hydrate naturally, but they also support your kidney health – mostly due to their high water content, which helps flush out toxins. Cucumbers are also packed with antioxidants that protect kidney cells. Being low in potassium also makes cucumbers extremely safe for everyone, including those who are battling kidney problems. However, cucumbers may not be able to help you get rid of kidney stones, and so, they should be consumed as part of a balanced diet, not as a treatment for kidney stones. Being extremely low in calories, cucumbers can be added to salads and soups. Sandwiches and even main course dishes. Lemons Lemons primarily prevent kidney stones and help in hydration. Since they are loaded with citric acid, lemons also prevent calcium from forming kidney stones. Doctors advise you to drink lemon and hot water daily, which is one of the ways you can increase your water intake, crucial for kidney health. Lemon is also packed with vitamin C, an antioxidant that protects the kidney cells from damage caused by oxidative stress. To incorporate lemon in the diet, apart from drinking lemon water, you can also drizzle some juice over salads, or vegetables, or even use it as a natural flavour for herbal teas. Regular consumption of lemon not only supports kidney function but also boosts hydration and contributes to overall digestive health. Parsley Parsley is a natural diuretic, which increases urine production – aiding the kidneys in flushing out toxins, excess fluids, and waste more efficiently. This diuretic effect helps prevent the accumulation of minerals that can form kidney stones. Parsley is also packed with antioxidants that support overall kidney health. Parsley is a powerful herb that has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce inflammation within the kidneys and protect against tissue damage. Being rich in nitrates, parsley also helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow, thereby lowering high blood pressure. Other ways to keep your kidneys in tip-top condition To help maintain healthy kidneys, you must make sure of the following: Keep active and fit by regularly exercising. Manage your optimal blood sugar levels Monitor blood pressure levels regularly, as it can lead to heart ailments Drink lots of fluids – at least eight glasses of water daily Do not smoke as smoking can damage your body’s blood vessels, leading to slower blood flow throughout your body and to your kidneys.
