Kidney Structure
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs located on either side of the lower back. Most people have two kidneys. The internal structure of the kidney includes the renal cortex, renal medulla, and glomeruli, which are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood, maintaining internal balance. Each day, the kidneys filter about 150 liters of blood, producing 1-2 liters of urine.
Kidney Functions
Healthy kidney function is crucial for maintaining the body’s balance, and it performs several complex tasks:
- Waste Excretion: The kidneys filter metabolic byproducts, toxins, and excess fluid from the blood, forming urine and eliminating it from the body. The primary wastes excreted include urea (from protein metabolism) and creatinine (from muscle metabolism).
- Water and Electrolyte Balance Regulation: The kidneys help control the body’s water levels, preventing dehydration or edema. They also regulate sodium, potassium, and calcium levels to ensure proper cell function.
- Acid-Base Balance Regulation: The kidneys maintain blood pH between 7.35-7.45 by adjusting hydrogen ions and bicarbonate levels in urine.
- Blood Pressure Regulation: The kidneys release renin, a hormone crucial for blood pressure control, by regulating blood vessel contraction and sodium reabsorption.
- Production of Erythropoietin: The kidneys secrete erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, helping prevent anemia.
- Hormone Metabolism: The kidneys metabolize hormones like parathyroid hormone and insulin, helping regulate calcium-phosphorus balance and blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of Kidney Problems
Early kidney problems often go unnoticed, but some signals may indicate impaired kidney function:
- Urine Changes: Decreased or increased urine volume, dark-colored urine, or foamy urine may signal kidney issues. Blood in urine or dark yellow, reddish urine should prompt immediate medical attention.
- Swelling: When the kidneys can’t effectively remove excess fluid, it accumulates in the body, causing swelling in the eyelids, ankles, fingers, or legs.
- Fatigue and Weakness: Toxin buildup due to inefficient kidney filtration affects metabolism, leading to fatigue and weakness.
- Pain in the Lower Back or Abdomen: Inflammation, infection, or kidney stones may cause persistent pain in the lower back or abdomen, sometimes radiating elsewhere.
- Blood Pressure Fluctuations: Kidney damage impairs blood pressure regulation, leading to sudden spikes or instability.
- Loss of Appetite, Nausea: Inadequate waste filtration by the kidneys can cause toxin buildup, affecting the digestive system and leading to loss of appetite, nausea, or vomiting.
Common Kidney Diseases
- Nephritis: Inflammation of the kidneys, often caused by bacterial infections or immune responses, leading to abnormal urine, swelling, and high blood pressure. If untreated, it may progress to chronic kidney disease.
- Kidney Stones: Solid crystals formed by the accumulation of minerals and salts in urine can block the urinary tract, causing severe pain, sometimes accompanied by blood in the urine.
- Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A long-term condition in which kidney function gradually declines, often found in patients with high blood pressure or diabetes. Mild symptoms at first, but as the disease worsens, dialysis or kidney transplant may be required.
- Acute Kidney Failure: A sudden loss of kidney function, causing rapid accumulation of toxins in the body. It is usually caused by severe infections, drug toxicity, or acute kidney injury and requires immediate treatment.
How to Prevent and Protect Kidney Health
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking enough water daily (about 1.5-2 liters) helps remove waste from the body and reduces the risk of kidney stone formation.
- Control Salt Intake: Excess salt increases the burden on the kidneys, leading to high blood pressure and long-term kidney damage. Limit daily salt intake to 6 grams or less.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: A low-protein, low-fat diet benefits kidney health. Consume quality proteins (like fish and eggs) in moderation, but avoid high-protein diets to reduce metabolic stress on the kidneys.
- Manage Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure: Diabetes and hypertension are major risk factors for kidney disease. Maintaining healthy blood sugar and blood pressure levels helps reduce kidney damage.
- Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive drinking damage kidney blood vessels, increasing the risk of kidney disease. It’s recommended to quit smoking and reduce alcohol intake.
- Exercise Moderately: Regular aerobic exercise (like walking, jogging, or swimming) helps control blood pressure, improve circulation, and support kidney health.
Nutrients for Kidney Health
- Quality Proteins: Moderately consume quality proteins (such as lean meat, fish, and legumes). People with chronic kidney disease should control protein intake under medical advice.
- Vitamin D: Supports calcium absorption and prevents osteoporosis. Kidney disease patients often lack vitamin D, so they can supplement through diet (e.g., fish, egg yolk) or as prescribed by doctors.
- Potassium and Magnesium: These minerals maintain muscle and nerve function, but people with impaired kidney function should control potassium intake according to medical advice to avoid overconsumption.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Anti-inflammatory properties that help protect the kidneys. Omega-3-rich foods include fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
Daily Tips to Remember
- Regular Checkups: Especially for people with a family history or those with high blood pressure or diabetes, regular checkups help detect kidney problems early.
- Avoid Overuse of Medication: Long-term use of certain painkillers and antibiotics can damage the kidneys. Follow doctors’ advice when taking medications.
- Avoid Intense Exercise: Excessive exercise can cause muscle damage, producing large amounts of creatinine that increase the kidney burden. Adjust the intensity according to physical condition.
Nuewee Organic Sesamin Gold with Biotin
Nuewee Organic Sesamin Gold with Biotin contain a variety of organic components that provide different benefits to the kidneys. Some offer nutritional support, while others may possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and protective functions for kidney health. Here are the roles of each component:
| Ingredients | Functions |
| Organic Black Sesame | Kidney Protection: Black sesame is rich in antioxidants and healthy fats, helping to protect kidney cells from oxidative damage and delaying kidney aging. Kidney Tonic: In traditional Chinese medicine, black sesame is believed to have kidney-nourishing properties and is often used to improve kidney deficiency and hair quality. |
| Sesamin | Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory: Sesamin is the main active component in sesame, exhibiting strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce oxidative stress damage to the kidneys and help maintain kidney function. |
| Biotin (Vitamin B7) | Metabolism Support: Biotin aids in the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, indirectly supporting kidney function and helping to maintain overall metabolic balance. Cell Health Support: Beneficial for the health of hair and skin, it also helps in the regeneration and repair of kidney cells. |
| PolyGoni Multiflori (He Shou Wu) | Kidney Nourishment: In traditional Chinese medicine, He Shou Wu is widely used to replenish kidney essence and nourish liver blood. It is believed to enhance kidney function and delay kidney aging. Antioxidant Effect: He Shou Wu contains various antioxidant components that can reduce oxidative damage to the kidneys and may have preventive effects on chronic kidney disease. |
| Wolfberry (Goji berries) | Kidney Protection: Goji berries are known for their kidney-protecting properties and are particularly regarded in traditional Chinese medicine as a remedy for nourishing the kidneys and enhancing vision. They are rich in antioxidants, which help reduce oxidative stress on the kidneys. Immune Regulation: Goji berries can strengthen the immune system, helping the kidneys resist infections and other diseases. |
| Organic Black Rice | Rich in Antioxidants: Black rice is high in anthocyanins, which are potent antioxidants that can help alleviate oxidative damage to the kidneys and protect kidney function. Dietary Fiber: The fiber in black rice helps maintain healthy digestion overall, reducing the metabolic burden on the kidneys. |
| Pure Honey | Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial Properties: Honey contains natural anti-inflammatory and antibacterial components that help alleviate inflammation in the kidneys while promoting repair and recovery. Energy Metabolism Support: Honey is rich in natural sugars, providing energy to the body and reducing the burden on the kidneys during fatigue. |
| Organic Black Soybeans | Plant Protein Source: Black soybeans provide high-quality plant protein, which can lessen the burden on the kidneys from metabolizing animal protein while preventing protein deficiency. Antioxidant Protection: Black soybeans are rich in antioxidants that help prevent damage to kidney cells. |
| 18 types of Amino Acids | Supports Kidney Repair: Amino acids are the basic building blocks of proteins, promoting the repair and regeneration of kidney cells, which helps maintain healthy kidney function. Nutritional Support: Amino acids help enhance kidney metabolic function while providing essential nutrients to the body |
| Calcium | Maintaining Bone Health: Patients with impaired kidney function are prone to calcium loss, leading to osteoporosis. Calcium helps maintain bone health. Balancing Body Minerals: The kidneys are responsible for regulating the balance of calcium and phosphorus; adequate calcium intake helps prevent mineral imbalances in the body, protecting the kidneys from damage. |
Summary
Kidney health is crucial for the overall functioning of the body. Prevention is the key! Protect your kidneys by paying attention to daily details. Maintain good lifestyle habits and regularly monitor your health to build a solid foundation for your well-being.
