Filter 2: Kidneys, the blood balancers
Your kidneys are tireless. Every day they remove 2 quarts of waste and extra water from your blood. This process helps regulate blood pressure by extracting matter from your blood, which lowers your blood volume and, in turn, keeps the stress on your blood vessels and heart in check. The kidneys also balance the electrolytes in your body. Too much sodium, for instance, can lead to hypertension, and high potassium can cause abnormal heart rhythms, says Bryan Becker, M.D., a professor of internal medicine at the University of Wisconsin. Signs your kidneys may not be operating at peak performance include pinkish urine, foot or hand swelling, and persistent lower-back pain.
Keep them clear: Coming up short in the H2O department can lead to cell damage as the kidneys struggle to balance out the fluids in your body. Drink at least 3 quarts of water each day. A steady influx of water also helps to keep kidney stones from forming. These hard masses develop when calcium combines with either oxalate, phosphate, or other chemicals to form small crystals. If the crystals bind together, they can restrict the flow of fluids through your kidneys and cause severe—make that excruciating—pain. In addition to your 3-quart quota, add a glass of orange juice to your daily fluid intake. “Orange juice boosts citrate levels in your urine, reducing the crystallization and lowering the calcium available for binding,” says Clarita Odvina, M.D., an associate professor of internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Learn why you should have your OJ with oatmeal and discover 12 other health-boosting food pairings.
By Matthew Solan, Men’s Health