Here’s How You Can Help Your Kidneys Detoxify Your Body
“The toxins that the kidneys filter every day include toxins that damage the heart, brain, eyes, bones, skin, pancreas, blood vessels, stomach, intestines, reproductive organs and the nerves”
In the early part of this millennium, when the fitness craze hit the globe and when fitness goals became difficult to achieve (primarily due to innate laziness) unqualified people started talking about detoxification of the body by ‘natural’ means. The most attractive part of this detoxification process is that the effort put in, is minimal. So, began the burgeoning demands for fat-burning foods, antioxidants, health foods, psychological manipulations, over-consumption of water, specialised health-centric spas and massages and other health fads. Thus, here we debunk some myths regarding the detoxification process and provide a scientific insight into this process.
The Main Detoxifying Organs In The Body
There are five main detoxifying organs in the body the skin, intestines, lungs, liver and kidneys. The skin detoxifies the body by removing toxins through it, in the form of sweat. The intestines remove toxins like bacteria, cholesterol, dead cells and damaged proteins in the form of stools. The lungs remove toxins (especially carbon dioxide and other gases) via breathing. The liver neutralises or breaks down toxins with the help of bile. But the main excreting agent of toxins are the kidneys.
The Kidneys Filter Toxins
Although the kidneys form just one per cent of the total body weight, they receive 25 per cent of the total blood flow pumped by the heart (the only organ that receives more, is the brain – which receives 40 per cent). The kidneys filter 180 litres of blood from toxins every single day! The toxins that the kidneys filter every day include toxins that damage the heart, brain, eyes, bones, skin, pancreas, blood vessels, stomach, intestines, reproductive organs and the nerves. In addition, they maintain haemoglobin, hormonal balance and psychological equilibrium.
Two Intricate Steps Of Detoxification
The kidneys perform this wondrous process of detoxifying the body by two intricate steps. First, the blood flowing into the kidneys gets filtered at the main filtration unit called the ‘glomerulus’, Second, the resultant filtrate is further modified by retaining the non-toxic products at the main absorption unit called the ‘tubule’, producing the final outcome which is excreted as urine. This double process renders the urine chockful of toxins and the blood as pure as possible. Each of the 1.3 million functional units of the kidney. called ‘nephrons,’ take an active part in this detoxifying procedure.
Help Your Kidneys Detoxify Your Body
Avoid Excess Salt
Though the kidneys are the most efficient detoxifying agents, we too can also assist them by lifestyle changes and discipline. The humble, commonly used salt is the most dangerous toxin, which damages the heart, the brain, the kidneys and the blood vessels. Salt requirement is only six grams a day, but most people end up consuming 10 to 15 grams per day. Some of the obvious high salt containing foods include pickles, pizzas, burgers, chips and papads. In addition to these, there are plenty of foods which have a surprisingly high salt content like bread, pastries, doughnuts, soup, ketchup, cheese, canned foods, processed food and take-away foods. Thus, these should be avoided.
Control Your Water And Sugar Intake
Water intake should be increased to dilute the toxins in the body and also increase urine output, so more toxins can be excreted. However, one should not go overboard and drink too much water, which would unnecessarily load the kidneys. The recommended daily water intake is two to three litres for a person with normal activity. Sugar too, is a toxin which can damage the kidneys, eyes, brain, heart and blood vessels. Additionally, if too much sugar is consumed, the kidneys focus on removing the extra sugar and ignore other toxins.
Adopt Healthy Lifestyle Habits
Exercise makes you sweat and this removes some toxins. Thus, the load on the kidney reduces, Also the metabolic rate increases, causing the cells to utilise more calories, producing less toxins. Regular exercise also decreases craving for sweets and salty foods.
Vegetables (especially greens) and fruits produce less toxins and should be included in the diet. Toxin producing foods like meat and coffee need to be minimised. Smoking and drinking causes more toxin generation and also damages the kidneys and thus should be avoided.
Also, most medications are excreted through the kidneys, causing kidney injury in the process, so unnecessary medications should be avoided. Besides, stress also causes injury to the kidneys, so try to lead a relaxed and stress-free life. Furthermore, blood flow to the kidneys increases during sleep. Hence, adequate sleep (six to eight hours daily) is essential for good kidney function.