Protect Your Kidneys

Our kidneys are essential organs in the urinary system. 

Most people have two kidneys, located in the abdominal cavity just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. 

Human kidneys are bean-shaped, each about the size of a fist. 

The right kidney is slightly lower than the left kidney.

Nephron is the basic structural and functional unit of the kidneys. On average, each kidney is made up of about 1 million nephrons.  

The most important function of the kidneys is to filter blood. Cleaned blood and needed substances like proteins, minerals and nutrients are retained to nourish all parts of the body, while wastes, toxins and excess water are stored in the bladder and excreted as urine.

According to Traditional Eastern Medicine, kidneys belong to the Water element. Our true chi (vital energy, life force, life energy) comes from the kidneys. When the kidney chi is abundant, we tend to be healthy; when the kidney chi is deficient, we're prone to illnesses. 

The two kidneys, called kidney yin and kidney yang, support each other to maintain yin-yang balance for a healthy body and sexual vigor in both men and women.

Things that might not be good for kidney health:

1. Not drinking enough water.
   
2. Alcohol consumption.
   
3. Cigarette smoking.
   
4. Obesity, overweight.
   
5. Using pain medications casually.
   
6. Holding urination regularly.
   
7. Habitually eating salty foods.
   
8. Not getting enough sleep.
9. Often feeling fear.
   

Ways to protect your kidneys:

1. Drink enough water (about 2 liters a day, depending on your body and the weather).
2. Refrain from eating high-salt foods. Our body only needs about 0.5 gram of sodium to function properly. Health organizations suggest consuming no more than 2.3 grams sodium daily (about 1 teaspoon salt).
   
3. Eat adequate vegetables and fruits (not too sweet) every day.
4. Limit alcohol intake and cigarette smoking - all the better if you can quit.
5. Keep your weight in check. If currently overweight or obese, find healthy ways to lose excess weight as soon as possible.
6. Get enough sleep every day.
7. Reduce stress, train yourself to have a positive mentality.
8. Exercise properly, consistently and sufficiently.
9. Pay attention to have flexibility around the T12, L1 spinal vertebrae.

 

- Ly Binh Son, USA