World Kidney Day: importance of Kidneys

An article By Shivani Gadre

When talking about the organs of the human body, the heart and liver get a lot of importance and media coverage, while the kidneys are equally important, but many people don’t know how to take care of them or what to eat to keep them healthy. Here’s a little guide to spread awareness about the importance of and dos and don’ts for properly functioning kidneys.

Kidneys are not well understood; not many people know about this very important organ and the right diet to keep them healthy. The only time we acknowledge the importance of kidneys is when we suffer from the excruciating pain of kidney stones. The Kidneys play major role in our health. Their major function is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. Due to this, they purify the blood, control the body’s fluid balance, and maintain the right levels of electrolytes. Kidneys also produce multiple hormones like renin, angiotensin, aldosterone, prostaglandin, etc., which help the body regulate the water and salt levels in the body and also keep the blood pressure in check.

Maintaining good kidney health is very important, and it can be achieved by eating a balanced diet with a mix of all the nutrients. A kidney-friendly diet is well recommended to everyone to avoid diseases of the kidneys. However, if you’re suffering from kidney problems, it will be recommended that you avoid fruits, juices, dry fruits, and other food items that are rich in phosphorus. Dark-green leafy vegetables, sweet potatoes, berries, apples, and fatty fish are considered kidney-friendly, while legumes, nuts, dairy products, packaged products, and high-sugar products are advised to be avoided by kidney disease patients.

However, in today’s world, we have many options in food. Many people even opt for high-protein diets, but it is always recommended to opt for plant-based protein over animal protein. Diet plays a vital role in the maintenance of kidney health. Let us become aware of what we eat and how it affects our health to maintain our good health.