Kidneys are wonderful little organs. From filtering waste products to regulating pH balance, a range of important functions are performed by kidneys. Every day, nearly 200 quarts of blood is processed by them. If kidneys stop eliminating toxins, how will your body function smoothly? Then you will face issues like exhaustion, headaches, stomach pain, and water retention. So, for overall well-being, it is mandatory to take good care of these vital organs. But how to improve kidney function?
In this blog, we will tell you simple yet amazing ways to reduce kidney problems and have strong kidneys.
Home Remedies to Keep Kidneys Healthy
If you have a healthy lifestyle and you are mindful of what you consume throughout the day, your kidneys will automatically be happy. Here are some tips to enhance kidney health.
1. Have NSAIDs in limitation
NSAIDs such as naproxen and ibuprofen are anti-inflammatory drugs. Although they are non-steroids, they aren’t completely safe for consumption. Studies have revealed that people who take then medicines for a prolonged period are more likely to suffer from kidney damage.
Additionally, relying on (PPIs) proton pump inhibitors for GERD/ ulcer for a long time might increase your chances of developing chronic kidney disease. Hence, for chronic kidney disease prevention, you should not take NSAIDs and PPIs frequently and always consult a doctor before taking them.
2. Take antibiotics in moderation
Do you have a habit of taking antibiotics for every small issue like headache, indigestion, cough and cold, etc.? Then you are doing your body more harm than good.
Although antibiotics provide quick relief from certain conditions, the bacteria-fighting drugs have the potential of damaging your kidneys. Some such medications are penicillin, cephalosporins, and sulfonamides that can have adverse effects on your kidneys if taken now and then.
So, instead of swallowing a pill for every little problem, you can try natural remedies to reduce headaches, mild fever, body ache, and common cold. However, there is some serious ailment, then you must take medications for a speedy recovery.
3. Eat healthy foods
Everything that you drink and eat are processed by your kidneys, even the foods that are bad for your system. So, if your diet comprises lots of sugar, salt, or fat, there will be too much burden on your kidneys.
Moreover, an unhealthy diet containing too much oily, processed, spicy, and deep-fried food will also affect other body parts, leading to obesity, diabetes, blood pressure, and heart ailment. According to healthcare professionals, these conditions can worsen your kidney function.
So, if you are wondering how to improve kidney health, the first thing that you need to do is consume nutrient-rich foods and beverages. Fresh vegetables, whole fruits, wholegrains, nuts, seeds, and berries are some excellent choices. Watermelon and pomegranate are two fruits you should have consistently for the overall health of your kidneys.
4. Have plenty of water
There’s a reason why your elders always advised you to drink water. That’s because they knew the importance of hydration for kidney function.
Water carries essential nutrients to the kidneys and move waste materials to the urinary bladder as urine. If you don’t keep yourself hydrated, you may end up having kidney stones which is a painful condition. So, whenever your urine is yellow, take it as a sign that your body is in dire need of water. The National Kidney Foundation states that drinking 3-4 liters water daily will be fabulous for your kidneys and prevent digestive and kidney diseases.
5. Stay physically active
Wondering what’s the connection between kidney function and physical activities? Like a balanced diet, working out will prevent conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. As explained already, these can cause kidney damage. So, despite having a busy schedule, you should exercise at least 30 minutes regularly for managing kidney disease.
Note that rigorous exercise can have a negative impact on kidneys. Hence, start slow, and receive the guidance a fitness expert or a gym trainer to understand how much exercise is right for your body. If you have underlying health issues, check with your physician to know the safest exercises for you.
6. Be careful with cigarettes and alcohol
Now that we have shared useful renal diet tips, let us also discuss how alcohol and cigarettes are affecting your kidneys.
A drink or two on special occasions won’t ruin your kidneys. Binge drinking, on the other hand, can have serious implications. There can be sudden and serious damage if you finish multiple drinks within a short period of time. Moreover, alcohol leaves the body dehydrated and causes obesity. Liver disease is also common in people who are alcohol lovers, and this too can put stress on kidneys.
Similarly, cigarettes can damage your blood vessels which slow down the blood flow to the kidneys. Smoking also doubles the risk of cancer in the kidneys. Hence, bidding adieu to cigarettes will be a wise decision.
7. Get screened
Even if you aren’t an alcoholic or a smoker, getting your kidneys from time to time is crucial (especially if your age is above 50). That’s because if some issues arise, the sooner it gets detected, the better. You should also go for annual check-ups if there is a history of high BP, diabetes, heart disease, or kidney failure in your family. Your doctor will perform kidney function test and some other tests to find out if your kidneys are functioning optimally.
Some kidney function supplements might be prescribed if your kidneys are found to be weak. You should take the supplement as per the suggestion of your healthcare provider.
8. Have kidney-friendly herbs
Did you know that some herbs can do wonders for your kidneys? Ginger, giloy, garlic, turmeric, dandelion root, red sage are the best herbs for kidney function. Giloy, for instance, contains alkaloids and can safeguard your kidneys. Turmeric is equally necessary for your kidneys as it betters plasma proteins and reduces creatinine levels and serum urea. The best part about these herbs is that some of them are already present in your kitchen.
Ayurvedic healers also use the wonderful trio of Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki to decrease the risk for kidney diseases. The combination of these three rejuvenating herbs is considered a miracle remedy and it will improve albumin and plasma protein, fortify the kidney tissues, and enhance renal functioning.
Early Signs of Kidney Problems
Besides knowing how to improve kidney function, you should also be able to identify the following warning symptoms and signs of kidney problems:
- You find it difficult to concentrate and you feel more fatigued than usual.
- You have sleep apnea and wake up multiple times at night.
- Your skin is itchy and dry.
- You notice blood in your urine.
- You have an urge to pee more often.
- There are excessive bubbles in your urine.
- Your eyes are puffy and your feet and ankles are swollen.
- Your muscles keep cramping.
- You do not feel hungry.
If you experience some or all of these symptoms, you must rush to an accomplished doctor. Even if there is some problem, don’t panic as there are advanced treatment options like dialysis and kidney transplant.
The Bottom Line
If you follow the above-mentioned tips, you won’t develop kidney sicknesses or other health conditions related to the kidneys. So, stay active, fill your tummy with kidney cleansing foods, and don’t miss the yearly check-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are some effective natural remedies to improve kidney function?
Consuming kidney detox foods, quitting smoking, keeping obesity at bay, exercising, and drinking sufficient water are the best natural remedies for kidney health.
Q. How can diet and lifestyle changes contribute to better kidney health?
Following a diet for healthy kidneys will protect your kidneys in the long-run. You should also make lifestyle changes like sleeping on time, managing stress, and minimizing the intake of alcohol to have a healthy set of kidneys.
