The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs about the size of a fist. They are situated right below the rib cage on each side of your spine. Every minute, healthy kidneys filter almost half a cup of blood, eliminating waste and excess water to create urine. Urine passes from the kidneys to the bladder via two ureters, one on each side. It is stored in the bladder. Your kidneys, ureters, and bladder are all part of your urinary tract.
The kidneys are powerful chemical factories that perform the following functions:
The kidneys are vital organs that function as powerful chemical factories in the body. They perform several essential tasks, including:
- Filtering Waste and Toxins:
- Remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood through urine.
- Eliminate toxins and byproducts of metabolism, such as urea and creatinine.
- Remove waste products and excess fluids from the blood through urine.
- Regulating Blood Pressure:
- Control blood pressure by balancing fluid levels and releasing hormones like renin.
- Control blood pressure by balancing fluid levels and releasing hormones like renin.
- Balancing Electrolytes and pH:
- Maintain proper levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Help regulate the body’s acid-base (pH) balance.
- Maintain proper levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus.
- Producing Hormones and Enzymes:
- Secretes erythropoietin (EPO) to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
- Activate vitamin D to maintain strong bones and calcium balance.
- Secretes erythropoietin (EPO) to stimulate red blood cell production in the bone marrow.
- Controlling Fluid Balance:
- Regulate the amount of water retained or excreted, preventing dehydration or fluid overload.
- Regulate the amount of water retained or excreted, preventing dehydration or fluid overload.
- Removing Drugs and Toxins:
- Process and eliminate medications, chemicals, and toxins from the body.
- Process and eliminate medications, chemicals, and toxins from the body.
- Supporting Healthy Metabolism:
- Contributes to glucose metabolism and may play a role in glucose production during fasting.
- Contributes to glucose metabolism and may play a role in glucose production during fasting.
Maintaining kidney health is crucial for overall well-being, as these organs work tirelessly to stabilize the body’s internal environment.
How to Intake Protein Wisely
- Know Your Protein Requirement
- The ideal protein intake depends on individual health conditions.
- For people with kidney issues, dietitians often recommend 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day (lower than the usual 1.0 g/kg for healthy individuals).
- The ideal protein intake depends on individual health conditions.
- Balance Protein with Other Nutrients
- Combine proteins with fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats for balanced meals.
- Avoid excessive salt and processed foods, which can further burden the kidneys.
- Combine proteins with fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats for balanced meals.
- Choose Plant-Based Proteins More Often
- Replace some animal proteins with legumes, nuts, and whole grains to reduce the nitrogenous waste that kidneys need to filter.
- Limit phosphorus-rich plant proteins like soy in moderation, as high phosphorus can affect kidney function.
- Replace some animal proteins with legumes, nuts, and whole grains to reduce the nitrogenous waste that kidneys need to filter.
- Cook Smartly
- Grilling, steaming, or baking proteins instead of frying keeps them healthier.
- Reduce salt and processed sauces, which can increase kidney strain.
- Grilling, steaming, or baking proteins instead of frying keeps them healthier.
- Monitor Portion Sizes
- Instead of consuming large amounts in one meal, spread protein intake evenly throughout the day to ease the kidney workload.
- Instead of consuming large amounts in one meal, spread protein intake evenly throughout the day to ease the kidney workload.
- Stay Hydrated
- Drinking enough water supports kidney function and helps flush out excess protein waste. Consult for determining water intake as it might be restricted according to the grade of kidney disease.
- Drinking enough water supports kidney function and helps flush out excess protein waste. Consult for determining water intake as it might be restricted according to the grade of kidney disease.
Final Thoughts
Balancing protein intake is essential for protecting kidney health. While protein is necessary for bodily functions, excess consumption, especially from animal sources, can overwork the kidneys. By choosing high-quality, moderate-protein sources, incorporating plant-based options, and monitoring portion sizes, you can support your kidney function while maintaining overall well-being.
For personalized guidance, always consult a doctor or nutritionist to determine the right protein intake based on your specific kidney health needs. Consult Dietitian Anuradha to balance your life, be healthy and happy.
