The Filter Chronicles

City-based nutritionist Dr Vandana Mathur says one of the most important things is to limit the load on the kidney. “Changes in diet help lower harmful toxins. This ensures that the kidney eliminates the harmful,waste ingredients from the blood and the body through urination. In the course of the day,the entire blood in the body gets strained more than 20-25 times. So,it’s crucial that you decrease the amount of work for the kidney,” says Mathur.

Emphasising what most doctors suggest,Mathur says the diet should include plenty of fluids. Even though the kidneys are more of filters than reservoirs,toxins can build up if there isn’t enough water to push them out of the body. “Eight to 10 glasses of water are important in a day for a healthy kidney. Along with it,cleansing foods such as fruits and vegetables help the kidneys remove excess acid from the body. Foods that contain antioxidants can help prevent damage to cells caused by free-radicals in the body,” she says.

Pointing that one of the major reasons for kidney-related ailments is the excessive intake of sodium and salt,Mathur explains that the body spends a lot of energy eliminating unnecessary things like excess protein,salt and even water. “Sodium is essential in maintaining fluid balance,but if it is consumed in excess,it can cause high blood pressure and may lead to heart attack and stroke. Kidney malfunction may also occur if it has to handle excess protein,” she says.

Mathur says that dark green vegetables,seeds,nuts and whole grains should be included in moderate quantities in the diet to help better functioning of the kidneys. “Anything in excess is bad. Even water. Drinking too much water when it’s not needed also puts extra stress on kidneys and can lead to renal damage. A moderate lifestyle can help keep the kidneys functioning well,” she adds.