How can you keep your kidneys healthy? Your kidneys are vital organs that play an important part in your overall health. They filter waste from your blood, regulate fluid balance, and assist manage important electrolytes such as sodium and potassium. Given their importance, keeping your kidneys in good shape is vital for your well-being.
In this blog, we’ll look at some vital vitamins that can help you maintain good kidney function. From vitamins and minerals to specialty compounds, we’ll look at which supplements are worth taking and how they affect kidney health.
Discover how including the correct nutrients in your regimen can be a proactive step toward maintaining your kidneys’ health and performance.
The Kidneys
The kidneys are located inside the rib cage, on either side of your spine. They are fist-sized organs that look like beans and are reddish in color. They mainly filter toxins and blood that goes through them. The blood is separated into nutrients, water, and waste products. The essential nutrients and water are then absorbed by the body. The remaining dangerous waste is drained out, which may include any extra water and nutrients.
Healthy kidneys excrete waste, filter minerals for absorption, and produce essential hormones. They guarantee that water and other substances remain in balance inside the body.
They are involved in red blood cell production, blood pressure regulation, and control of the amount of potassium and salt in the body. The kidneys produce hormones that activate vitamin D activity, strengthening bones and controlling muscular function. They even ensure that the body is functioning at optimum pH levels.
National Kidney Foundation
The National Kidney Foundation is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate individuals about kidney disease with the goal of reducing cases or preventing it. They also aim to ensure that all those in need have access to therapies and care.
Kidney Disease
Early stages of kidney disease often show no symptoms. The effects do not become apparent until they are severe and, in many cases, permanent. This is because you can lose up to 75% of your kidney function before noticeable symptoms appear.
Kidney disease can lead to excess water in the blood and disrupt hormone production. Most of these diseases simultaneously affect both kidneys, damaging the nephrons and the filtering units. If not treated, this can result in impaired kidney function.
End-stage kidney diseases are incurable. However, early kidney disease can be considerably reduced if detected in time.
Ultimately, end-stage kidney failure will require constant dialysis. However, when that is no longer a viable option, a kidney transplant will be the final treatment option.
Kidney Transplant
This procedure can effectively replace lost kidney function and is often considered for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or severe chronic kidney disease (CKD) who are not responding well to other treatments like dialysis. While kidney transplants can greatly improve quality of life, there are risks such as rejection of the new kidney, infections, and side effects from immunosuppressive medications.
Types of Kidney Disease
Kidney Stones
Kidney stones develop when minerals and other substances in the blood accumulate in the kidneys and solidify. These solid formations, or stones, can cause significant pain as they are passed out of the body through the urine.
While kidney stones are typically painful but not harmful, they can sometimes lead to more serious complications. According to an article in Core Curriculum in Nephrology, kidney stones have the potential to cause acute kidney failure or acute kidney injury if left untreated.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition, which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and excess fluids from the blood due to nephron damage. This decline in kidney function occurs over months or years and can lead to serious health complications. CKD is often caused by conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and glomerulonephritis, which explains why it is often referred to as diabetic kidney disease.
Causes of Kidney Disease
Diet
Kidney disease can be triggered by an unhealthy diet, as the kidneys continuously filter substances from the blood. Excessive protein and sodium consumption can place added stress on these organs, potentially leading to damage over time. Additionally, a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats can contribute to kidney strain and exacerbate existing conditions.
Medication
Certain medications can lead to kidney damage, particularly those used to lower cholesterol, manage blood pressure, and control blood glucose levels.
Risk Factors for Kidney Disease
Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing kidney disease, including:
Age
People over the age of 60 are particularly vulnerable to kidney disease as their kidneys naturally begin to decline with age. If there are no other underlying issues, kidney disease may simply be a consequence of aging.
Heart Disease
If you have heart disease or a family history of cardiovascular conditions, you are at an increased risk of developing kidney disease. This is because heart disease and kidney disease often share common risk factors, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Additionally, poor cardiovascular health can impact kidney function by affecting blood flow and increasing the likelihood of kidney damage.
Family History of Kidney Failure
A family history of kidney failure increases your risk of developing kidney disease. Genetic mutations that are inherited from parents can make kidney disease a hereditary condition.
Diabetes
Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes can lead to kidney damage due to elevated blood glucose levels. Persistent high blood sugar forces the kidneys to work harder, which can cause long-term damage and eventual overuse.
High Blood Pressure
If you have high blood pressure or a family history of hypertension, you are at increased risk for kidney disease. Elevated blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter fluids and waste effectively. Over time, this damage can lead to reduced kidney function and contribute to kidney disease.
Over The Counter (OTC) Medication
Over-the-counter pain medications, such as those used for arthritis, chronic pain, and migraines, can damage the kidneys if used excessively. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like naproxen and ibuprofen, are particularly harmful to kidney health when taken frequently.
Weight Gain
Weight gain can lead to kidney damage by increasing the risk of conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which put additional strain on the kidneys. Excess body fat contributes to insulin resistance and inflammation, which can impair kidney function over time and potentially lead to chronic kidney disease.
Alcohol
The kidneys have to work harder to filter waste when there is a high concentration of toxins in the bloodstream, such as from excessive alcohol consumption. Therefore, avoiding alcohol, reduces unnecessary stress on your kidneys.
Natural Kidney Treatment Options
Dietary Changes
To improve kidney health, make healthy dietary changes by adopting a balanced or kidney-friendly diet. Eat a balanced diet incorporating kidney-friendly diet options like fresh vegetables and fruit, seeds, and nuts. Prioritize low-sodium foods to reduce salt intake, and choose plant-based proteins such as legumes, lentils, non-GMO soy products, and beans.
Natural Supplements
Natural supplements may assist in keeping your kidneys healthy. The following natural ingredients may assist with optimal kidney function:
Cranberry Extract: Studies have shown that cranberry supplementation reduces urinary tract infections and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on gut flora.
Astragalus Root: This plant-based remedy, which originated in Chinese medicine, supports kidney health and immune function. Studies have shown that it can lower kidney dysfunction in patients with chronic kidney disease.
Birch Leaf: These leaves have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that reduce kidney inflammation and promote kidney health from within.
Buchu Leaf: The healing properties of this healing remedy promote healthy urinary function.
Uva Ursi Leaf Powder: Also called bearberry, this powder contains the compounds hydroquinone and arbutin, which inhibit kidney infections.
Goldenrod Grass: Studies have shown that Goldenrod extract is an effective kidney stone prevention treatment.
Horsetail Powder: Filled with silica and antioxidants, horsetail powder maintains healthy kidney function and prevents kidney stone formation.
Well of Life Kidney Plus
The Well of Life Kidney Plus supplement assists the body in maintaining urinary tract health while enhancing kidney function and overall well-being. It contains all of the above natural ingredients for optimum kidney health.
Key Takeaways
To conclude, keeping your kidneys healthy is crucial for overall well-being and can be achieved through mindful dietary choices and the use of natural supplements. Including kidney-friendly foods in your diet and considering supplements such as cranberry extract, astragalus root, and buchu leaf can help support optimal kidney function and safeguard against potential damage
Never underestimate the importance of your kidneys. They play an important role in the healthy functioning of the body, performing crucial functions such as hormone production and blood filtration. This is why maintaining their health is a primary priority.
Kidney issues are preventable, so start today to ensure a fuller and healthier life! Prioritizing kidney health through these measures not only supports your kidneys but also contributes to a healthier, more vibrant life.
