How To Strengthen Your Kidneys

Ways To Improve Kidney Health

Kidneys: How to improve your kidney function

Kidneys act as your bodys natural filter. A pair of healthy kidneys can filter about half a cup of blood per minute, removing waste and toxins from your body. Kidneys also serve to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in your body.

So, as you can imagine, it is important to take good care of your kidneys and keep them functioning correctly. Improving kidney health isnt as difficult as you might think. The following simple changes may help to keep your kidneys healthy and strong for years to come.

Food With Diuretic Properties

A diuretic is any compound that stimulates increased production of urine, which is helpful in flushing out your kidneys. Natural foods that display diuretic properties include celery, parsley, dandelion root, cucumber, asparagus, eggplant, watercress, artichokes and watermelon. Drinking more pure, filtered water is also very helpful for flushing out the genitourinary system and, to a lesser extent, the liver.

Smoking Causes Kidney Damage

Smoking has many harmful side effects, one of which is that the chemicals in cigarettes restrict and harden blood vessels. This makes it more difficult for blood to pass through, increasing blood pressure, risk of heart disease, and damage to your kidneys.

Smoking is most known for causing lung cancer in those who do it. However, there is also research that links it to kidney cancer. The harmful chemicals from cigarettes get into the bloodstream and can accumulate almost anywhere in the body.

If you are a smoker, the sooner you quit the better. Much of the damage smoking causes is reversible, but it takes many smoke-free years to get there.

Caring For Your Kidneys

Some methods to improve kidney health are supported by science. You may wish to consider them before trying a kidney cleanse:

Avoid smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine.
Maintain normal blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Keep your cholesterol under control.
Drink enough water and other fluids.
Maintain a healthy weight.

Although there is no evidence that a kidney cleanse can help prevent kidney stones, you may reduce your risk by drinking enough fluids and cutting back on sodium.

People with a history of kidney stones may want to avoid foods rich in oxalic acid, such as chocolate, okra, sweet potatoes, sesame seeds, greens, nuts, and spinach.

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Here Is Our List Of The Top Eight Super

1. TeaTea is widely considered to be beneficial for health, but evidence has shown that it may have benefits for the liver. A study based in Japan found that drinking 5-10 cups of green tea a day was associated with improved blood markers of liver health. This may be down to a compound known to assist liver function named catechin. Green tea is packed full of this plant antioxidant. Just be mindful of green tea extract as it can have a negative effect.

2. Cruciferous VegetablesThis includes, but is not limited to, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, cabbage and kale. These vegetables are a major source of glutathione, which triggers the toxin cleansing enzymes of the liver. Eating cruciferous vegetables will increase production of glucosinolate in your system, which helps flush out carcinogens and other toxins.

3. Turmeric In addition to its use as a spice and pigment, turmeric has been used in India for medicinal purposes for centuries. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric, and it has powerful biological properties. This spice helps the enzymes that flush out toxins and contains antioxidants that repair liver cells. It also assists the liver in detoxing metals, while boosting bile production.

7. WalnutsWalnuts are a good source of glutathione, omega-3 fatty acids, and the amino acid arginine, which supports normal liver cleansing actions, especially when detoxifying ammonia.

Want to learn how to take better care of your liver?

Reviewed by: Asha Hira/ BPharm

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Watch Out For Signs Of Kidney Disease

A person with kidney disease has progressive loss of function of their kidneys. Kidney disease is sometimes called a silent disease because it often doesnt cause symptoms until the disease has progressed significantly. Its not uncommon for people to have lost up to 90% of their kidney function before experiencing symptoms of kidney disease.

Keep an eye out for the below signs and symptoms of kidney disease, and if you have any concerns, see your doctor.

Signs of reduced kidney function can include:

high blood pressure
change in how often you need to go to the toilet and how much urine you produce
changes to your urine for example frothy or foaming urine
blood in your urine
increased puffiness around your legs, ankles or eyes
pain in the kidney area
tiredness and fatigue

Is Kidney Damage From Too Much Protein Reversible

Those who are unaware of their kidney disease and are adhering to a high-protein diet risk developing mild chronic kidney disease, which can lead to irreversible kidney failure.

Reducing Protein In Urine With Wate

Water consumption can help to reduce the amount of protein in the urine. Because urine has been diluted, this could be caused by a lack of protein, but this is not the result of decreased protein rather, it could be a result of a buildup of water. There is no evidence that drinking water has a negative effect on the amount of protein in other bodily fluids.

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What Not To Eat

1. Apricots: Great for fiber but full of potassium, apricots are not ideal for those with kidney disease. The potassium content is even higher in dried apricots, so those need to be avoided entirely as part of any renal diet.

2. Avocados: For a healthy individual, avocados are nutritious and beneficial, but for those with kidney problems, these fruits can be harmful. Avocados contain almost double the amount of potassium of bananas.

3. Bananas: Full of potassium, bananas can reduce kidney efficiency. Tropical fruits in general are high in potassium, but pineapples prove to be more kidney-friendly.

Keeping potassium levels low prevents hyperkalemia, a dangerous condition where your blood has too much potassium. When combined with renal failure, hyperkalemia can cause serious damage to your heart.

4. Brown Rice: Brown rice contains more potassium and phosphorus than white rice, so it can place unnecessary strain on already damaged kidneys. With portion control, some brown rice can be consumed as part of a balanced renal diet.

5. Canned Foods: Soups, as well as canned vegetables, are popular because of their convenience. The high sodium content is what gives these items a long shelf life but also makes them dangerous for impaired kidneys.

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Work With A Dietitian

Kidney & Bladder Health : How to Improve Kidney Function

Making changes to your diet can be hard. If youre struggling to stick to a healthy diet, a registered dietitian can help you to develop a meal plan thats tailored to your individual needs.

It can seem overwhelming to manage your diet, says Maruschak. An RD can help you to find foods that fit into your specific dietary requirements.

Foods That Are Good For Your Liver

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The liver is a powerhouse of an organ.

It performs a variety of essential tasks, ranging from producing proteins, cholesterol and bile to storing vitamins, minerals, and even carbohydrates.

It also breaks down toxins like alcohol, medications, and natural byproducts of metabolism. Keeping your liver in good shape is important for maintaining health.

This article lists the 11 best foods to eat to keep your liver healthy.

Diet And Lifestyle Changes

1Eat more vegetables and less meat. Increased creatinine and low GFR go hand-in-hand one issue generally wont be present without the other. Animal products contain creatine and creatinine, so you may need to restrict the amount of animal-based protein you consume.XResearch source

Plant-based sources of food, on the other hand, do not contain creatine or creatinine. Maintaining a largely vegetarian diet can also help reduce other risk factors of CKD, including diabetes and high blood pressure.

2Quit smoking. In addition to other health issues, smoking can also cause or aggravate high blood pressure. High blood pressure is linked to CKD, so maintaining healthy blood pressure can further improve your GFR.XResearch source

3Try a low salt diet. Damaged kidneys have difficulty excreting sodium, so diets high in salt can cause hypertension, aggravate your condition and cause your GFR to worsen.XResearch source

Eliminate salty foods from your diet and opt for low-sodium alternatives when offered. Try seasoning your food with other spices and herbs instead of relying strictly on salt.

4Consume less potassium and phosphorus. Both phosphorus and potassium are two other minerals your kidneys may have difficulty filtering, especially once theyve already been weakened or damaged. Stay away from foods high in either mineral and dont take any supplement that contains either mineral.

Check with your doctor to verify that nettle leaf tea is safe based on your specific medical history.

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How Are The Liver And Kidney Connected

Viscerally speaking, the upper pole of the right kidney is located just behind the liver.

Functionally, the liver and kidney are most notably connected via a series of reactions called the urea cycle, also known as the ornithine cycle, where:

The liver converts nitrogenous waste into a less toxic substance called urea

Urea is released from liver cells into the bloodstream and transported to the kidneys

The kidneys filter urea and other toxic waste from the blood to be excreted from the body as urine

Get Rid Of Sugary Drinks

Best Natural Remedies for Strengthen Kidney You Must need to Know ...

To improve liver function, get rid of sugary drinks.

What to do:

Getting rid of sugary sodas, juices with sugar added and energy drinks that are packed with sugar is a foregone conclusion.
Eliminate diet drinks with artificial sweeteners from your diet as well.
Use natural sweeteners like raw, cane sugar, honey, stevia and xylitol.

How it works:Fructose is a major contributor to Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and most artificial sweeteners are even worse.

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Whey Protein Side Effects Liver

Because whey protein can cause adverse effects on the liver when used in an incorrect manner and without exercise, the studyâs findings suggest that it can cause apoptotic signal increase in the short term and inflammatory marker increase in the long term.

Whey protein is a supplement that is derived from milk during the cheese-making process. Whey contains a high level of amino acids in addition to the amino acid cysteine and the amino acid branched chain. Consuming whey protein, which can be found in milk and yogurt, may improve glutathione levels in people with liver disease. It may also help obese people lose weight, as well as treat viral hepatitis. As an added benefit, whey protein may be beneficial to the treatment of osteoporosis and stress. Because whey protein is a component of dairy products, it is generally thought to be safe to take. If youâre allergic to dairy or milk, youâre more likely to experience an allergic reaction to whey protein.

Reduce Your Dairy Intake

Salt isnt the only food thats harmful to your kidneys. Milk and dairy products increase the amount of calcium removed from your body via urine. This can increase the risk of kidney stones, especially if you dont drink much water and have a genetic predisposition.

People who consume dairy products for the calcium should remember that calcium in dairy is not digested properly. It can damage your kidneys in the long term.

Be Careful With Alcohol

If youâre healthy, a drink or two isnât likely to hurt your kidneys. But binge drinking can cause sudden, serious damage and possibly lead to long-term problems. And alcohol often can dehydrate you, which can keep your kidneys from working well and lead to weight gain, liver disease, high blood pressure, and other conditions that put more stress on them.

Risks Of Kidney Damage

Three Exercises To Strengthen The Kidneys

While all of the symptoms mentioned above are a potential risk that comes with kidney damage, the long-term damage can be life-threatening. When your kidneys continue to go on a downward spiral with no intervention, you run the risk of having your kidneys fail, which is when your kidneys eventually stop working. This is life-threatening.

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Tips To Improve Kidney Health This Summer

The summer season is a time when many people enjoy vacations, picnics, and outdoor activities. During the summer, many people also enjoy taking the time to focus on their health. Whether its trying a new summer diet or going for a run in the park, people often want to improve their health during the warmer months.

While its necessary for everyone to take time to focus on their health, its particularly crucial for those with chronic kidney disease , especially when the weather is hot. However, even if you do not have CKD, finding ways to improve kidney health is still essential this summer.

What Is Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is an umbrella term for any condition resulting in kidney damage and reduced kidney function over time. CKD may progress through five stages over time, and can eventually lead to stage five, known as end-stage renal disease . ESRD is characterized by total kidney failure and requires dialysis treatment or a kidney transplant.

Do They Work Together

Yes, the liver and kidney work together in many ways, including waste removal, sodium regulation, calcium absorption and more. For detoxification and waste removal, the liver breaks down toxins into two substances: bile and urea. While bile is sent through the digestive tract, urea is transported through the bloodstream directly to the kidneys where it is then excreted from the body as urine along with other toxic waste.

The liver and kidney also work together with the adrenal glands in water and sodium regulation. High levels of salt in the blood can greatly hinder circulation. So, as the chain of commands go, when there is a reduction in blood flow the kidneys send an enzyme called renin to the liver, which assists the liver in producing a substance that is sent to the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are then cued to produce a hormone called aldosterone, which commands the kidneys to store salt and water.

In terms of calcium absorption, it all starts with the sun. When the sun hits your skin, its actually the liver that turns it into vitamin D. The vitamin D then travels through the bloodstream to the kidneys, where the kidneys turn it into calcitriol, a hormone that aids the intestines in absorbing calcium from food.

What Is A Kidney Transplant

A kidney transplant is a surgical procedure thats done to treat kidney failure. The kidneys filter waste from the blood and remove it from the body through your urine. They also help maintain your bodys fluid and electrolyte balance. If your kidneys stop working, waste builds up in your body and can make you very sick.

People whose kidneys have failed usually undergo a treatment called dialysis. This treatment mechanically filters waste that builds up in the bloodstream when the kidneys stop working.

Some people whose kidneys have failed may qualify for a kidney transplant. In this procedure, one or both kidneys are replaced with donor kidneys from a live or deceased person.

There are pros and cons to both dialysis and kidney transplants.

Undergoing dialysis takes time and is labor-intensive. Dialysis often requires making frequent trips to a dialysis center to receive treatment. At the dialysis center, your blood is cleansed using a dialysis machine.

If youre a candidate to have dialysis in your home, youll need to purchase dialysis supplies and learn how to use them.

A kidney transplant can free you from a long-term dependence on a dialysis machine and the strict schedule that goes with it. This can allow you to live a more active life. However, kidney transplants arent suitable for everyone. This includes people with active infections and those who are severely overweight.

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Protect And Strengthen Your Detox Organs

In order to detox your body, your detox organs need to be able to function.

Your kidneys need to be able to filter out toxicants, your liver needs to be able to transform fat-soluble toxics into water-soluble substances, your intestines need to be able to carry the toxics from your liver through twenty-five feet of intestine, your skin needs to be able to sweat out toxicants, and your lungs need to be able to breathe to exhale toxic gases.

All your detox organs need to be in optimum condition, but given the amount of toxic chemicals your body has been exposed to, they probably need some help.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to protect your detox organs from damage and strengthen each individual organ.

This is a very important step, because your body actually wont release the toxic chemicals from storage in fat, bones, and other places until your detox organs are in good enough shape to eliminate them.

Again, because each body is unique, you may need to try different detox support methods and products to find which work best for you.

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When Kidneys Require An Er Visit

Most chronic kidney ailments or congenital disabilities are detected in children by a Pediatrician. For adults, the protocol isnt as clear cut. Most symptoms of kidney distress signal our bodies as a symptom of another problem.

The most common reason we see patients in the ER for kidney distress is for kidney stones. Kidney stones are hard collections of salt and minerals often made up of calcium or uric acid. They form inside the kidney and can travel to other parts of the urinary tract.

Kidney stones cause severe pain of the abdomen, groin, or genitals, or side. You may also experience:

Blood in the urine.

Fever and chills.

Severe nausea or vomiting.

About 1 out of every 11 people in the United States will get a kidney stone. Stones are more common in men, people who are obese, and those who have diabetes .

Works Cited

Chronic Kidney Disease in the United States, 2019. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 11 Mar. 2019, www.cdc.gov/kidneydisease/publications-resources/2019-national-facts.html.

37 Million American Adults Now Estimated to Have Chronic Kidney Disease. National Kidney Foundation, 27 Sept. 2019, www.kidney.org/news/37-million-american-adults-now-estimated-to-have-chronic-kidney-disease

Choi, Justin. 8 Ways to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy. Healthline, 1 Feb. 2019, www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health.