Sipping a cup of warm ginger tea after dinner is a simple habit that helps replenish water, reduce inflammation and reduce filtering pressure on the kidneys.
The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that are small but undertake a huge amount of work, far beyond the normal function of excreting urine. Every hour, the kidneys work continuously to filter about half a cup of blood, eliminate toxins and balance water and electrolytes. This part also secretes hormones that regulate blood pressure, stimulate red blood cell production and protect bone health.
No single food or drink can provide comprehensive kidney protection. However, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and changing the habit of drinking water at night can make a big difference. Many familiar drinks after meals often contain a lot of alcohol or added sugar – factors that can easily cause kidney damage if consumed in excess.
Instead, nutrition experts suggest a cup of warm ginger tea after dinner thanks to the practical benefits below:
Keep your body hydrated
Drinking enough water is the most important rule for the kidneys to function smoothly.
According to nutritionist Melanie Betz (USA), enough water is the key to protecting the kidneys and preventing kidney stones. When the body lacks water, the concentration of waste in the blood increases, forcing the kidneys to work harder to eliminate them. Dehydration also activates the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system to retain water and sodium. As a result, blood pressure can increase, unintentionally creating an additional burden on the kidneys.
Drinking filtered water all day can easily cause boredom. Therefore, changing the taste with drinks that do not contain alcohol or sugar such as ginger tea will not only help you reach your water intake goal, but also maintain the habit of drinking water regularly to avoid dehydration.
Reduce inflammatory response
A cup of ginger tea at night not only provides water but also adds many valuable biological active ingredients.
Nutritionist Jen Hernandez said ginger contains gingerol – a compound with powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties (recorded in medical journals). Molecules year 2022). Chronic inflammation is a factor that promotes kidney diseases to become more severe.
Adding natural spices like ginger is a healthy solution that helps the body fight inflammation without overusing functional foods. You can combine this habit with a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods for long-term kidney protection.
Sipping a cup of warm ginger tea after dinner is a simple habit that helps replenish water, reduce inflammation and reduce filtering pressure on the kidneys. Image: Tell Tell
Friendly to the kidney’s filtering function
Besides good nutrients, ginger tea is safe for the kidneys thanks to the ingredients it does not contain.
According to Ms. Jen Hernandez, natural ginger contains very little potassium, phosphorus and sodium. This helps users easily include ginger tea in their daily menu without having to worry about calculations or strict abstinence like many other dishes.
However, consumers need to be careful with pre-packaged ginger tea. Experts recommend reading the ingredient list carefully and avoiding products containing licorice, potassium chloride or preservatives containing phosphates. For example, licorice root can disrupt sodium and potassium levels, which is very dangerous for people with kidney disease.
Instead of buying ready-made, you can make your own at home by slicing fresh ginger, washing it, peeling it, and steeping it in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. To enhance the flavor, you can squeeze in a few drops of fresh lemon and a little honey.
Some other notes to help keep your kidneys healthy
Besides drinking ginger tea, experts recommend that people maintain the following habits:
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Increase vegetable protein and fiber: Prioritize a diet rich in green vegetables, fresh fruit, whole grains, and healthy plant-based protein sources like beans, nuts, and lentils.
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Control your salt intake: Consuming more than the recommended 2,300 mg of sodium per day markedly increases the risk of high blood pressure, impaired kidney function, and kidney stones. Most excess salt comes from processed foods such as sausages, deli meats, canned goods, bottled sauces or restaurant food. Start by reducing seasoning in family meals.
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Periodic health check: Kidney disease in the early stages often progresses silently, without warning symptoms. Regular examination is the only way to help detect abnormalities early through checking blood pressure, testing albumin index in urine and measuring glomerular filtration rate (GFR).