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The kidneys are among the most important organs in the human body. They are not only responsible for the Detoxification responsible, but also play a central role in the regulation of the fluid balance, the Blood pressure and hormone production. Despite their essential functions, kidney health is often neglected - and this can have fatal consequences. In many cases, kidney diseases remain undetected for a long time because they are often asymptomatic at first. This makes it all the more important to take preventative measures to protect the kidneys and have them checked regularly. In this article, you will find out how the kidneys work, what causes can lead to kidney damage and what measures you can take to keep your kidneys healthy in the long term.
Table of contents
- The tasks of the kidneys in the body
- Common causes of kidney damage
- Early symptoms of kidney disease
- Nutrition and kidney health
- Medicinal plants for your kidneys
- Influence of lifestyle on kidney health
- Screening examinations and early detection
- Treatment options for kidney diseases
- The role of high blood pressure in kidney disease
- FAQ: Questions about kidney health
1. the tasks of the kidneys in the body
The kidneys are true high-performance organs: every day they filter around 180 liters of blood to excrete waste products and excess fluids. These are drained from the body in the form of urine. But that is by no means all. The kidneys regulate the salt and electrolyte balance, produce hormones and control blood pressure.
The most important functions of the kidneys include
- Filtration of waste materials and toxins: The kidneys remove urea, excess creatinine and other metabolic breakdown products from the blood.
- Regulation of the fluid balance: The kidneys ensure that the body is supplied with exactly the right amount of fluid - neither too much nor too little.
- Blood pressure regulation: The kidneys influence blood pressure by producing the hormone renin. If blood pressure is too high, this can damage the kidneys in the long term.
- Production of hormones: The kidneys produce the hormone erythropoietin, which is responsible for the formation of red blood cells. They also contribute to the activation of vitamin D, which is important for healthy bones.
2. common causes of kidney damage
Kidney diseases can be caused by a variety of factors. In many cases, they develop gradually and go unnoticed for a long time. Here are the most common causes of kidney damage:
- Diabetes: One of the main factors for chronic kidney disease is diabetes mellitus. High blood sugar levels damage the kidneys in the long term as they impair the kidneys' filtering function. Diabetics have a significantly increased risk of developing kidney disease.
- High blood pressure: Hypertension is another common cause of kidney damage. The increased pressure in the blood vessels damages the fine capillaries in the kidneys, which impairs the kidneys' filtering function.
- Chronic use of painkillers: Long-term and regular use of painkillers such as ibuprofen or aspirin can put a lot of strain on the kidneys. Although these medications are effective against pain and inflammation, they can impair kidney function if used excessively.
- Genetic predisposition: In some cases, genetic factors also play a role. Anyone with a family history of kidney disease should pay particular attention to their kidneys and attend regular check-ups.
- Kidney infections: Repeated kidney infections, such as those caused by urinary tract infections, can lead to permanent damage if they are not treated in time.
3. early symptoms of kidney disease
Kidney disease is often asymptomatic until it has reached an advanced stage. Nevertheless, there are some signs that you should look out for in order to recognize kidney damage at an early stage:
- Changes in the urine: A change in the amount of urine, unusual colors or foaming can be signs of impaired kidney function.
- Swelling (edema): Swollen feet, ankles or hands can indicate impaired fluid excretion.
- Tiredness and concentration problems: If the kidneys no longer perform their detoxification function properly, this can manifest itself in the form of tiredness, exhaustion and difficulty concentrating.
- High blood pressure: Unexplained high blood pressure can be an early sign of kidney damage.
- Frequent urination, especially at night: Anyone who suddenly has to go to the toilet more often - especially at night - should have their kidneys checked.
4. nutrition and kidney health
A healthy diet is an essential part of preventing kidney disease. Certain foods can protect the kidneys, while others put a strain on them. Here are some dietary tips to keep your kidneys healthy:
Best foods for healthy kidneys:
- Green vegetables: Spinach, kale and broccoli are rich in vitamins and minerals that support the kidneys.
- Berries: Berries such as blueberries and strawberries contain antioxidants that can reduce inflammation and relieve the kidneys.
- Fatty fish: Omega-3 fatty acids in fish such as salmon or mackerel have an anti-inflammatory effect and can improve kidney function.
Foods that should be avoided:
- Processed food: These often contain high amounts of salt and preservatives, which put a strain on the kidneys.
- Red meat: Excessive consumption of red meat increases the production of uric acid, which can increase the risk of kidney stones.
- Sugary drinks: Soft drinks and other sugary drinks increase the risk of diabetes and therefore also kidney disease.
Role of hydration: Adequate fluid intake is crucial for kidney health. Water helps to flush waste from the body and prevent kidney stones. How much water you should drink depends on factors such as age, activity and climate, but 1.5 to 2 liters a day is a good guideline.
5. medicinal plants for your kidneys
Horsetail (Equisetum arvense), also known as horsetail, is a medicinal plant that is particularly valued for supporting kidney health. It has a diuretic effect, which promotes the elimination of excess fluid and waste products and relieves the kidneys. This diuretic effect can help prevent urinary tract infections and reduce the risk of kidney stones. Horsetail also contains valuable minerals such as silicon, which can strengthen the tissue and support the regeneration of kidney cells.
True meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a medicinal plant traditionally used to support kidney health. It has anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that help to eliminate excess fluids and waste from the body. By promoting diuresis, meadowsweet can relieve the kidneys and support their function, particularly in preventing urinary tract infections and kidney stones. It also contains salicylates, which have an analgesic effect and can be helpful for inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract.
Cat's whiskers (Orthosiphon aristatus), also known as Java tea, is a medicinal plant that naturally supports kidney health. Its diuretic properties promote the elimination of fluids and waste products through the urine, which relieves the kidneys and cleanses the urinary tract. Cat's beard is often used to prevent urinary tract infections and to help treat kidney stones, as it stimulates urination and prevents the formation of deposits in the kidneys.
Natrium chloratum (also known as sodium chloride or common salt) is an important homeopathic remedy that can help regulate fluid balance in the body. In homeopathy, it is often used to support kidney health, especially in cases of water balance disorders such as edema or insufficient elimination of fluids. It is said to help the body eliminate excess fluid and waste more effectively, which relieves kidney function. By restoring the balance between salt and water, sodium chloratum contributes to general kidney health.
The White birch (Betula alba) is traditionally used to promote kidney health as it has a strong diuretic effect. Its leaves contain active ingredients that stimulate urine production, helping to eliminate excess fluids and waste from the body. This relieves the kidneys and can help prevent urinary tract infections and kidney stones. White birch also has anti-inflammatory properties that can help in the treatment of mild urinary tract disorders.
With natural methods, such as the individual spagyric mixtures from Zimply Natural, your complaints can be relieved naturally and sustainably.
6. influence of lifestyle on kidney health
A healthy lifestyle plays a key role when it comes to protecting your kidneys. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption make a decisive contribution to kidney health.
- Regular exercise: Sport improves blood circulation and helps, Hypertension which relieves the kidneys.
- Abstain from smoking: Smoking constricts the blood vessels and can impair kidney function.
- Moderate alcohol consumption: Too much alcohol can damage the kidneys and increase blood pressure, which increases the risk of kidney disease.
7. preventive medical check-ups and early detection
Regular check-ups are crucial for the early detection and treatment of kidney disease. Especially people with risk factors such as Diabetes, Hypertension or a family history of kidney disease should have their kidneys checked regularly.
- Blood tests: A simple blood test can measure the creatinine level, which provides information about kidney function.
- Urine samples: Protein or blood in the urine can indicate impaired kidney function. Urine tests are a simple and effective method for the early detection of kidney damage.
8. treatment options for kidney diseases
If kidney disease is not detected and treated early, it can have serious consequences. In advanced stages, kidney failure can occur, requiring dialysis or even a kidney transplant.
- Dialysis: During dialysis, a machine takes over the job of the kidneys and filters the blood.
- Kidney transplantation: In severe cases, a kidney transplant may be necessary to save the patient's life.
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Nevertheless, there are many ways to slow down the progression of kidney disease through early diagnosis and lifestyle changes.
9. the role of high blood pressure in kidney disease
Hypertension (hypertension) plays a significant role in the development and progression of kidney disease. It is both a cause and a consequence of kidney damage, which can create a dangerous vicious circle. When blood pressure is too high, the increased pressure damages the fine blood vessels in the kidneys that are responsible for filtering the blood. These tiny vessels lose their elasticity over time and are damaged by the constant pressure, causing the kidneys to increasingly lose their filtering function. As a result, waste products and excess fluid can no longer be effectively excreted from the body.
As kidney damage progresses, the kidneys' ability to regulate fluid and salt balance deteriorates, which in turn further increases blood pressure. This makes blood pressure even more difficult to control, causing further damage to the kidneys. What is particularly insidious is that Hypertension often shows no early symptoms, so that those affected may suffer unnoticed from high blood pressure for years until the first signs of kidney disease appear.
Controlling blood pressure is therefore of central importance in preventing kidney disease or slowing its progression. A healthy lifestyle, such as regular exercise, a low-salt diet and refraining from smoking, helps to keep blood pressure within the normal range. In addition, people with Hypertension have regular kidney examinations in order to detect and treat possible damage at an early stage.
10. FAQ: Questions about kidney health
What can I do to prevent kidney stones?
To prevent kidney stones, it is important to drink enough water - ideally 1.5 to 2 liters a day. This dilutes the urine and reduces the risk of stone formation. Also reduce your salt intake, as too much salt promotes calcium excretion in the urine and therefore encourages the formation of stones. Oxalate-rich foods such as spinach and nuts should only be eaten in moderation. A balanced calcium intake is also important, as too little calcium can paradoxically promote kidney stones. Avoid sugary drinks such as soft drinks, as these also increase the risk, and make sure you exercise regularly to support your metabolism and kidney function.
How often should I have my kidneys checked?
How often you should have your kidneys checked depends on your individual risk. People without known risk factors, such as Diabetes or Hypertensionshould have their kidney function checked approximately every two to three years. However, if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease, it is advisable to have your kidneys checked annually. Regular blood and urine tests help to detect problems early and prevent major damage.
Can poor kidney function lead to other health problems?
Yes, poor kidney function can lead to numerous health problems, as the kidneys play a central role in the body. If they no longer work properly, this can affect blood pressure and lead to Hypertension lead or existing Hypertension worsen. The kidneys also produce the hormone erythropoietin, which is responsible for the formation of red blood cells. Impaired kidney function can therefore lead to anemia, resulting in tiredness and weakness. Impaired kidney function also increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, as the impaired fluid and salt balance can put additional strain on blood pressure and the heart. Bone health is also affected because the kidneys contribute to the activation of vitamin D. If this does not work properly, it can lead to a deficiency that weakens the bones. Finally, poor kidney function often leads to fluid retention in the body as excess water is no longer excreted properly. This can lead to swelling, particularly in the legs, ankles or face.
