Not just lungs, air pollution can also affect your kidneys: Eat these 5 foods to keep your organs healthy
- Researchers says you may be at risk of developing kidney disease if you’re living in areas with higher levels of air pollution
- Breathing in polluted air can lead to a wide range of ailments, including heart disease, stroke, respiratory problems, etc.
- Try adding these foods to your diet to minimise the harmful effects of pollution
New Delhi: As Delhi and its surrounding region continues to reel under severe air pollution, taking care of oneself is more important now than ever. Perhaps, eating well is one of the easiest ways to build immunity against diseases. A healthy, balanced diet loaded with antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables will also help you build resistance against the detrimental effects of pollution. Exposure to high levels of air pollution has been linked to adverse health outcomes, including heart disease, lung cancer, respiratory infections, etc. There’s also evidence that air pollution is a key risk factor for the development and progression of kidney disease.
For instance, a study published in the CJASN showed that breathing in polluted air can impacts kidneys, which act as filters for the blood. The kidneys are amazing little organs, which help in the smooth functioning of the human body. There are various factors that can expose the kidneys to toxins and if not removed timely, they may lead to exhaustion, stomach pain, headaches, water retention and other problems.
Importance of a kidney cleanse
Each kidney is made up of about a million filtering units called nephrons, which work through a two-step process: the glomerulus filters your blood, and the tubule returns needed substances to your blood and removes wastes.
The two-bean-shaped organs help in creating extra fluid in the body, regulating blood pressure and releasing hormones to make red blood cells when taken good care of. Cleansing of kidneys helps in better functioning and also reduces bloating. Maintaining an active and health conscious lifestyle can help the kidneys to perform better. Drinking the right amount of water is a key measure to keep your kidneys healthy.
Protecting your kidneys and lungs amid rising pollution levels
In India, many religious festivals are welcomed by burning fireworks that contain harmful chemicals which may lead to damage of not just kidneys but other organs too. Microscopic pieces of dust, dirt, smoke can affect eyesight, blood sugar levels, and increase respiratory problems. In order to lessen the air pollution, it is necessary to follow the guidelines that will help particularly the vulnerable groups - such as children and senior citizens - to breathe fresh air. Remember, just like it is necessary to consume fresh and healthy foods, it is also supremely essential to breathe fresh air. Dr Prashanth C Dheerendra, Consultant Nephrologist, Apollo Dialysis Clinics, tells us a few steps you can adopt to detox your kidneys, lungs and other vital organs as air quality worsens:
- Fresh fruits: Who doesn’t like consuming fresh and juicy fruits? One can take nourishments from berries, watermelon, cranberries, grapes, pomegranate as immunity boosters. They help in hydration and cleansing the kidneys further regulating the acidity of urine and preventing stone formation in the body. These antioxidant-rich foods can also help your lungs perform best.
- Omega 3-fatty acids: Omega-3 fatty acids consist of essential nutrients and also serve as energy for the heart, muscles and other organs. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids include walnut, flaxseed oil, shrimp, clams, light chunk tuna, catfish and more.
- Green leafy vegetables: They are a rich source of fibre, minerals, vitamins, iron, nutrients and more. They are necessary for good health and must be consumed on a daily basis to fulfill the required nutrients of the body.
- Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar improves blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity in a diabetic patient. It also prevents oxidative stress along with lowering the cholesterol level and controlling blood pressure. Frequent intake of apple cider vinegar helps to reduce weight and also flushes out toxins from the kidneys.
- Hydration is the key: The human body is composed of 70 per cent of water, which may be taken as a beverage and as part of a food. Right from the brain to the liver, every organ needs water to function properly. If it is not consumed at regular intervals it can cause kidney stones in the human body. Drinking plenty of water is one of the easiest ways to improve lung health. Hence, it is advisable to intake 2.5 to 3 litres of water daily.
Apart from following a healthy diet, making a few lifestyle changes such as working out, maintaining the right body weight, avoiding smoking and drinking, as well as monitoring cholesterol levels, and keeping blood pressure and sugar levels in check can help keep the kidneys, lungs and other vital organs in excellent shape.