Are You Kidney’ing Me?

Happy Hump Day everyone!!! To continue with our theme of different cleanses for each part of the body, today, we would like to talk about the kidneys. What exactly is the importance of kidneys?

Well, for starters – they are two bean shaped organs that extract waste from blood, balance body fluids, form urine, regulate blood pressure and so much more! Where are they? They live against the back muscles in the upper part of your abdomen.

Since they ARE so important (and assist the body with more than you probably realized!), it’s vital that you understand the symptoms of kidney disease:

1. Changes in Urination

2. Swelling in Limbs

3. Fatigue

4. Skin Rash/Itching

5. Metallic Taste in Mouth

6. Nausea and Vomiting

7. Shortness of Breath

8. Feeling Cold

9. Dizziness or Trouble Concentrating

10. Leg Pain

Acute Renal Failure, Kidney Stones, Chronic Kidney Disease and Polycystic Kidney Disease are just a few of the different types of kidney diseases that are quite serious. We absolutely suggest making an appointment with your primary care physician or other healthcare provider if you are experiencing any of these symptoms; however, we have listed below several healthy food options that might help to “keep a lid” on kidney problems.

Red Bell Peppers

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Garlic

Onions

Apples

Cranberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Strawberries

Cherries

Red Grapes

Egg Whites

Fish

Olive Oil

Also, here are some ways that you can potentially help prevent kidney problems from ever occurring:

Hydrate

Eat Healthy Foods

Exercise Regularly

Quit Smoking

Receive Regular Kidney Function Screenings

Here are more wonderful links about kidney disease and ways to help prevent this!

http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-kidney-disease-basic-information

http://www.davita.com/kidney-disease/causes

http://www.davita.com/kidney-disease/diet-and-nutrition/lifestyle/top-15-healthy-foods-for-people-with-kidney-disease/e/5347

http://lifeoptions.org/kidneyinfo/ckdinfo.php?page=3

Gentle Wellness Center