What Helps When Your Kidneys Hurt

Dandelion Tea To Relieve Kidney Pain

Dandelion herb has diuretic properties meaning it can increase your urine output. Thus it can flush your kidneys to relieve you of the pain as well as stone. Not only this, dandelion tea can also stimulate blood circulation in kidneys.

Make dandelion to get rid of kidney pain

Get this:

• Dried dandelion leaves herb- 1-2 tsp
• Hot water- 1 cup

• Place the watermelon seeds in a vessel.
• Pour the hot boiling water over the watermelon seeds.
• Allow the tea to cool down.
• Strain and drink the tea.
• Drink this tea once a day for three days a week.

Its recommended to make fresh watermelon seeds tea whenever you want to drink it.

Where Are Your Kidneys

Your kidneys are located below your ribs, which is why a problem with these organs can often be felt in your upper back or flank, or side area.

The kidneys perform several important functions for your body, including:

• Removing waste products, excess fluid, and drugs
• Regulating salt, potassium, and acid content
• Producing hormones that control red blood cell production, blood pressure, and more
• Providing vitamin D for bone health

Drink Plenty Of Liquids

Drinking plenty of liquids, particularly water, will help to wash bacteria from your bladder and urinary tract.

Drinking cranberry juice or taking cranberry extracts may also help prevent urinary tract infections .;However, you should;avoid cranberry juice or extracts if you’re taking warfarin, a medicine used to prevent blood clots.;Cranberry juice can make the effects of warfarin more potent, so there’s a risk of excessive bleeding.

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Types Of Kidney Stones

• Calcium stones are the most common type of kidney stones. They are usually made of calcium and oxalate , but are sometimes made of calcium and phosphate.
• Uric acid stones form when your urine is often too acidic. Uric acid can form stones by itself or with calcium.
• Struvite stones can happen when you have certain types of urinary tract infections in which bacteria make ammonia that builds up in your urine. Struvite stones are made of magnesium, ammonium and phosphate.
• Cystine stones are made of a chemical that your body makes naturally, called cystine. Cystine stones are very rare, and happen in people who have a genetic disorder that causes cystine to leak from the kidneys into the urine.

Kidney stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as largesometimes larger thana pearl. They can stay in your kidneys or travel through your ureters , and out of your body with your urine. When a kidney stone moves through your ureters and out your urethra with your urine, it is called passing a kidney stone. A kidney stone can also get stuck in your urinary tract and block urine from getting through. When you pass a kidney stone or a large kidney stone blocks the flow of your urine, it can be very painful.

Plaintain To Relieve Kidney Pain

Plantain, the common backyard herb, is often thought to be a useless weed but it is quite a healing herb and ancient people knew this. The Anglo-Saxons as early as 450 A.D. to 1066 A.D. had listed plantain as one of their 9 sacred herbs due to its great healing powers to get rid of worms, kidney disorders, and hemorrhoids. Native Americans also used plantain leaves to relieve the pain of bee stings and insect bites. They also used it for poison ivy itches as well as other allergic rashes. Chinese to use plantain to cure kidney problems. The antibacterial properties of this herb help in preventing infection while its anti-inflammatory properties help relieve pain, burning, and itching. It is a mild diuretic and laxative to and thus useful in kidney problems and urinary bladder issues.

Make plantain tea for kidney pain

Get this:

• You may sweeten the tea with honey or stevia if you so wish.
• Have one cup of plantain tea 4-5 times a day.

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What Causes Kidney Pain

Kidney pain is caused by infection, inflammation, injury or enlargement of your kidney or by conditions that block the flow of urine out of your kidney. Pyelonephritis and kidney stones are the most common causes of kidney pain. Many of the conditions that cause kidney enlargement develop gradually without much pain. Causes of kidney pain on the right side or left side of the body are the same. However, from a neurological condition may be felt in only the right or left side.

Be Aware Of The Amount Of Otc Pills You Take

If you regularly take over-the-counter pain medication, you may be causing kidney damage. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , including ibuprofen and naproxen, can damage your kidneys if you take them regularly for chronic pain, headaches, or arthritis.

People with no kidney issues who take the medicine occasionally are likely in the clear. However, if you use these medicines daily, you could be risking your kidneys health. Talk with your doctor about kidney-safe treatments if youre coping with pain.

If youre at high risk of kidney damage or kidney disease, its a good idea to have regular kidney function tests. The following people may benefit from regular screening:

• people who are over 60 years old
• people who were born at a low birth weight
• people who have cardiovascular disease or have family with it
• people who have or have a family history of high blood pressure
• people who are obese
• people who believe they may have kidney damage

A regular kidney function test is a great way to know your kidneys health and to check for possible changes. Getting ahead of any damage can help slow or prevent future damage.

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Fatigue Being Tired All Of The Time

Why this happens:

Healthy kidneys make a hormone called erythropoietin , or EPO, that tells your body to make oxygen-carrying red blood cells. As the kidneys fail, they make less EPO. With fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen, your muscles and brain tire very quickly. This is anemia, and it can be treated.

What patients said:

I was constantly exhausted and didn’t have any pep or anything.

I would sleep a lot. I’d come home from work and get right in that bed.

When Should Call A Doctor For Kidney Pain

Individuals should not postpone seeing a doctor about kidney pain or flank pain. Although flank pain is often seen in underlying problems with the kidney, there are many other diseases that can mimic kidney pain, and a physician can help with an accurate diagnosis of underlying problems that result in kidney or flank pain. Any acute onset of intense kidney or flank pain should be evaluated immediately.

Warning signs that kidney disease is present and may result in kidney pain or flank pain are the following:

• High blood pressure
• Swelling of the hands and feet and/or puffiness around the eyes
• Testing that shows an abnormal creatinine, blood urea nitrogen , or glomerular filtration rate less than 60

In addition, if an individual has diabetes or any of the congenital problems that lead to kidney dysfunction, the individual should be routinely checked for the onset of kidney dysfunction or kidney failure by their physician.

Also Check: Is Grape Juice Good For Kidney Stones

Is Turmeric Tea Good For Kidney Disease

Turmeric tea can be helpful for kidney disease patients as it might help the kidneys in expelling out the toxic wastes from the body.

Turmeric tea may also be helpful for people suffering from polycystic kidney disease as the studies show that curcumin inhibits the growth of cyst formation in patients with PKD .

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder that can lead to the development of numerous cysts in the kidneys. The cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can cause swelling in the abdomen.;

Evidence suggests that curcumin was able to demonstrate significant inhibition of the development of these fluid-filled cysts, which means it slowed down the cyst formation.

Again, a lot more further research is needed on this topic but the initial studies have indicated a positive result when it comes to turmeric and kidney diseases like PKD.;

Read Also: Is Pomegranate Juice Good For Your Kidneys

Can Turmeric Cause Kidney Problems

NO, dietary turmeric does not cause kidney problems. Consumption of turmeric in the diet is good for kidney health.

However, due to its oxalate content and the presence of certain minerals, high doses of turmeric spice should be avoided by those who are instructed to minimize dietary oxalate and potassium, etc.

Let us know more about the effect of turmeric on kidneys.

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For Urinary Tract Infections

Since three of the most common causes of kidney discomfort occur in the urinary tract, here are some remedies to relieve pain in the kidneys related to the urinary tract:

1. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key to relieving pain in the kidneys since water will help flush bacteria out of the body. Plus, staying hydrated will help clear out the urinary tract as a whole and work to eliminate any possible infections.;

Many specialists recommend the 8×8 rule, meaning you should drink eight 8 oz. glasses of water a day. However, water intake is highly dependant on you and your health, so take this article into consideration when determining your daily amount of water intake.;

2. Drink Cranberry Juice

While not scientifically proven, cranberry juice is known to be a remedy for urinary tract infections. If you choose to alternate between cranberry juice and water, be sure to choose a cranberry juice that isnt packed full of additional sweeteners. A cranberry supplement or pure cranberry juice is always the best way to go!;

3. Take Probiotics

Its no secret that probiotics are beneficial for you, especially when it comes to fighting bacteria and kidney pain. Studies show that probiotics can improve kidney function and assist in processing waste too.;

4. Drink Parsley Juice

You can also mix parsley into a smoothie to make drinking it more bearable. Check out these recipes for inspiration!;

5. Take a Warm Epsom Salt Bath

6. Apply Heat

7. Use Non-Aspirin Pain Killers

Feeling Faint Dizzy Or Weak

Why this happens:

Anemia related to kidney failure means that your brain is not getting enough oxygen. This can lead to feeling faint, dizzy, or weak.

What patients said:

I was always tired and dizzy.

It got to the point, like, I used to be at work, and all of the sudden I’d start getting dizzy. So I was thinking maybe it was my blood pressure or else diabetes was going bad. That’s what was on my mind.

Also Check: Kidney Failure Symptoms In Men

It Improves Liver Function

Turmeric has been getting attention recently because of its antioxidant abilities. The antioxidant effect of turmeric appears to be so powerful that it may your liver from being damaged by toxins. This could be good news for people who take strong drugs for diabetes or other health conditions that might hurt their liver with long-term use.

When To See Your Urologist

While it would be nice to avoid the doctors office for kidney pain, its not always possible. Sometimes, the pain is not treatable using an at-home remedy and youll need to see your doctor or urologist to get relief. It should also be noted that just because you experience pain relief, doesnt mean that your infection is gone. To make sure that the infection doesnt spread to other parts of your body and cause further complications, you need to get a proper diagnosis and treat the problem. If you have a high fever, blood in your urine, vomiting, or chills, see your doctor immediately.1 If you experience back, groin, or abdominal pain, see your doctor.3 always better to seek medical treatment early to treat any serious infections and reduce the risks of complications or severe problems.

If you have kidney stones, but the pain is persistent and youre unable to pass them on your own, your urologist will recommend additional treatments. There are a number of different things that can be done to reduce the size of kidney stones and make them easier to pass naturally. Call your doctor if the pain persists and youre unable to pass kidney stones on your own.

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Uva Ursi To Relieve Kidney Pain

Uva ursi, also known as bearberry, is a herb that has been traditionally used by Native Americans to cure urinary problems like bladder infections which acts as a diuretic. Uva ursi is particularly beneficial for infections caused by E. coli, a bacterium found in the intestines causing bladder and kidney infections. If you decide to use this herb for your kidney diseases, consult a herbalist as it is indicated only for chronic conditions and is not meant to be used for longer periods.

Make Uva ursi tea for kidney pain

Get this:

• Add uva ursi leaves with water.
• Simmer the mixture for about 30-40 minutes till when it is reduced to one cup.
• Drink half cup of this tea twice a day.

Warning: Pregnant women should avoid taking uva ursi herb.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Turmeric

Turmeric can make it harder for your body to absorb iron. Tell your doctor if you are taking an iron supplement.

Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can also affect blood-clotting. This includes angelica , capsicum, clove, dandelion, danshen, evening primrose, garlic, ginger, ginkgo, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, poplar, red clover, saw palmetto, and willow.

Avoid using turmeric together with other herbal/health supplements that can lower blood sugar, such as alpha-lipoic acid, chromium, damiana, devilâs claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others.

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Infections Along The Urinary Tract

While most of these infections are simply referred to as a UTI, the location of the infection makes a difference. Lower urinary tract infections are very common and easy to treat, but as the infection travels upwards, it gets more difficult and more dangerous.

• Lower Urinary Tract Infection

  A lower urinary tract infection is what we commonly refer to as a UTI. It occurs when bacteria enters the urethra and causes a frequent urge to use the bathroom, burning sensations, dark urine, bladder discomfort, and kidney pain.2

• Bladder Infection

  Bladder infections occur when the lower UTI works its way into the bladder. Youll experience similar symptoms, oftentimes persisting for longer periods of time and with an increase in frequency or intensity.

• Kidney Infection

A kidney infection, also known as pyelonephritis, occurs when excess bacteria has built up in the urinary tract and reached the kidneys.1 It is considered an upper urinary tract infection and is much more serious than lower urinary tract infections.

Once the infection spreads to your kidneys, its more dangerous. Kidney infections can be very serious and may require hospitalization. If you think you have a kidney infection, dont hesitate to schedule an appointment with your urologists for a proper diagnosis. In addition to a urine culture, your doctor will need to order imaging tests, blood tests, or a combination of both to confirm the location of the infection.

How Is Kidney Pain Treated

Treatment of kidney pain depends on what condition is causing it. In order to pinpoint a cause, a number of tools are available to help your doctor make a diagnosis:

• Urinalysis: Checks for the presence of blood, excess white blood cells , proteins, and certain chemicals that are linked to various kidney disorders.
• Imaging tests:Ultrasound or a CT scan provides an image of the physical structure of the kidneys and urinary tract, sees if stones are present, and helps determine if blood flow is adequate.

Read Also: Constipation Kidney Stones

Food Tastes Like Metal

Why this happens:

A build-up of wastes in the blood can make food taste different and cause bad breath. You may also notice that you stop liking to eat meat, or that you are losing weight because you just don’t feel like eating.

What patients said:

Foul taste in your mouth. Almost like you’re drinking iron.

I don’t have the appetite I had before I started dialysis, I must have lost about 10 pounds.

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Is Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease A Type Of Pkd

Acquired cystic kidney disease is not a type of PKD. While ACKD does cause cysts to form inside the kidneys like PKD does, people with PKD are born with it and people with ACKD are not. Instead, ACKD is caused by chronic kidney disease or kidney failure/ESRD. ACKD is more common in people who have had kidney disease for a long time. ACKD happens most often in people who are on dialysis, but the cysts are not caused by dialysis treatments. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases has more information about ACKD.