The role of the kidney
Dr Prakash Chandra Shetty, a urologist from Dr LH Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, Mumbai (India), said: “The kidneys are located below the rib cage on the other side of the spine and filter about 200 liters of blood every day to remove all toxins and excess fluid in the urine.
Balances electrolytes, maintains proper acid levels, and helps control blood pressure by managing blood volume, releasing a hormone called renin. The kidneys also produce several hormones that stimulate red blood cell production and the active form of vitamin D."
Stress affects kidney function
Stress, whether short-term or long-term, can affect your health, including your kidney health. When your body is under stress, hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released, which increase your heart rate and blood pressure, says Dr. Chandra.
If stress persists, this can lead to chronic high blood pressure, which damages blood vessels, including those in the kidneys. When blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, the kidneys' blood filtering function can be impaired, leading to serious health problems.
Manage stress for better kidney health
Dr Chandra recommends that activities such as yoga, meditation and breathing exercises should be at the top of your list of priorities for stress reduction. These activities not only help relax the mind but also improve blood circulation and balance hormones, supporting the body's recovery process.
A healthy diet also plays an important role in reducing stress. Avoiding processed foods and snacks that are high in sugar, salt and unhealthy fats helps maintain stable blood pressure, reducing pressure on the body's organs, especially the kidneys.
Foods rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, provide sustained energy for the body and support overall health.
