By Elizabeth Herman┃Posted: April 9, 2019
You could be perfectly healthy. Yet, health needs to be well maintained. A few lifestyle changes will give strength and vitality to your body as a whole. However, it’s also essential to pay attention to the specific parts of our body. A small but essential pair of organs that require our attention is the kidneys. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), over 661,000 Americans have kidney disease.
Kidneys perform the vital function of purifying the blood by filtering waste. They also help in the functioning of the urinary system, secretion of hormones, and maintenance of the blood pressure level in the body. Kidneys also have the additional function of homeostasis, or maintaining the level of acid and bases in the body. Clearly, kidneys are among the most important organs in the body and should be cared for.
What do kidneys do?
- Remove metabolic waste
- Absorb essential nutrients
- Maintain homeostasis
- Help filter blood
- Produce hormones
Caring for your kidneys
Kidney-related diseases are more prevalent in developing nations, where a combination of insufficient nutrition, stress, and unhealthy lifestyle contributes to renal deterioration, according to a World Health Organization (WHO) research study. Moreover, high blood pressure and diabetes are known to worsen the situation.
Modern medicine and advanced medical equipment have helped doctors curb kidney damage. Apart from this, natural alternatives like yoga for kidney health are effective and simple.
Yoga is an ancient branch of holistic living that promotes a healthy lifestyle through asanas, meditation, and ayurveda. The best part about yoga is that it’s entirely natural and doesn’t have any side-effects.
Yoga for kidney health
Yoga poses stimulate and massage various organs that help bring the body to an optimal condition. Start off with these simple yoga poses to ensure the health of your kidneys. These poses affect other parts of the body as well. So, in your practice of yoga for kidney health, you are helping the entire body. Good health starts here.
1. Salamba Bhujangasana (Sphinx Pose)
The sphinx pose stretches and strengthens the abdominal organs. It also raises the immunity level of the body.
2. Ardha Matsyendrasana (Sitting Half Spinal Twist)
The sitting half spinal twist stimulates the kidneys and liver. It also improves the body’s immunity level.
The cobra pose also stimulates the abdominal organs and relieves the body of stress and fatigue. It’s also known to boost immunity.
4. Paschimottanasana (Two-Legged Forward Bend)
The two-legged forward bend stimulates the kidneys, improves digestion, and relieves menstrual discomfort.
5. Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose)
The bridge pose stimulates the abdominal organs. It also helps bring high blood pressure under control and relieves the body of stress.
The boat pose strengthens and stimulates the abdominal organs. It also helps improve digestion and alleviates stress.
How yoga for kidney health works
Yoga asanas are known to increase relaxation. They also assist in managing water retention in the body. This enables sound sleep. A well-rested body is better able to perform functions such as regulation of water in the body and stabilizing the heartbeat.
Yoga keeps the internal organs healthy, balances the various systems in the body, and effectively controls the effects of stress on the body and mind. Some of the yoga asanas and pranayamas facilitate internal cleansing rituals that ensure the flushing out of toxins from the body. This also ensures that blood flows to various parts of the body, keeping it fresh and energetic.
Tips to keep your kidneys healthier
Besides yoga postures for kidney health, there are a few lifestyle changes you can include:
- Consume home cooked food and avoid eating out as much.
- Include more fruits and green leafy vegetables in your diet.
- Avoid foods with high-potassium content and include more iron-rich food in your diet.
- Switch to an ayurvedic diet for more nutrition.
- Drink plenty of water and get 6-8 hours of sleep every night.
- Practice meditation regularly and rest well.
- A stress-free body responds more positively to therapy than a stressed one.
- Most importantly, stay positive and enjoy life to the fullest!
Practicing yoga helps develop the body and mind, yet isn’t a substitute for medicine. It’s essential to learn and practice yoga under the supervision of a trained yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga only after consulting your doctor and a Sri Sri Yoga teacher.
Find a Sri Sri Yoga program at an Art of Living center near you.
This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
With input from Art of Living, India.
By Elizabeth Herman - PhD in English, with concentrations in Rhetoric and Composition, and Literature, she offers writing support to clients, teaches locally, lives in Boone, NC, and volunteers for a better world.
