Your kidneys are the unsung heroes when it comes to detoxification. To celebrate World Kidney Day, in this article you’ll learn how to keep your kidneys happy.
Your kidneys work tirelessly for you every second of every day. They have an incredibly important role: they filter out harmful or unwanted waste products from your blood, emptying them into your urine. At the same time, they retain useful substances your body can utilise. Your kidneys are incredibly efficient – they can filter all of your body’s blood in less than an hour.
As well as helping with detoxification, your kidneys control the fluid balance in your body, conserving water so you don’t become dehydrated. They maintain a healthy balance of salts like sodium and potassium, regulating blood pressure. They also release hormones to control calcium levels in your blood and stimulate the formation of red blood cells. Finally, they help turn vitamin D into a form in which it can be used by your body.
If kidney function deteriorates, kidney disease may develop. This affects over three million people in the UK. Warning signs can include fatigue, nausea and appetite loss, shortness of breath, dry and itchy skin, and swelling of the feet, ankles or face. You may notice your urine looks different to normal, and you might urinate more frequently.
Kidney stones are hard deposits containing minerals which form inside the kidneys. Kidney infections can be painful and need prompt medical attention. Meanwhile, kidney cancer has increased by almost 90% since the 1980s, according to Cancer Research UK.
You take in toxins from your environment all the time. You inhale them in the air, they’re in food and water, and they’re absorbed through your skin. However clean a life you lead you simply can’t avoid toxins. Plus, your body creates some toxins during the natural process of producing energy from food.
But you can implement ways to reduce your toxic load. As well as eating organic produce wherever possible, filtering water and watching what you put on your skin, be aware that airborne particles emitted by moulds can be damaging to your kidneys. If you have black mould around your house, or your home is damp, make sure this is attended to.
There are a number of reasons for this as far as your kidneys are concerned. Firstly, the more effective your gut is at preventing toxins from entering your bloodstream, the less work your kidneys have to do. Second, your gut dictates your immune system health. The immune system can sometimes mistakenly attack the kidneys, either specifically or as part of a generalised attack on the body, such as in lupus. Good gut health makes it less likely your immune system will attack your kidneys and will reduce inflammation which might otherwise affect their function. Finally, certain types of bacteria living in your gut microbiome can inhibit kidney stone formation 1 as well as reduce the production of certain toxins that end up being processed by your kidneys.
Particularly in cold weather, it can be easy to forget to drink enough water. Because your fluid requirements will vary according to your metabolism and activity levels, use the colour of your urine as a guide. It should be very slightly yellow. Any darker and you’re not taking in enough water.
Squeeze some lemon juice into hot water first thing in the morning. Not only is this great at stimulating detoxification, but citric acid is known to inhibit kidney stone formation.
Beetroot contains substances helping prevent kidney stone formation and support kidney health. Blueberries and cabbage can reduce inflammation in the kidneys, in animal studies at least.
Green tea contains antioxidants known as polyphenols, linked to the prevention of kidney stones. Meanwhile, curcumin, a substance found in turmeric, may help protect the kidney from oxidative damage 2.
It.’s a good idea to avoid soft drinks containing a sweetener called high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), linked to kidney stones.
Magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin K in the correct balance help ensure calcium is deposited in your bones and not as kidney stones.
Herbs like uva ursi, horsetail and dandelion root have all been traditionally used to support the kidneys. Your practitioner can advise on the best herbs and nutrients for your particular circumstances.
Determining the causes of health issues is crucial to putting them right. Functional tests, including identifying the presence of toxic substances in your urine, can help determine whether your kidneys are struggling. Your practitioner will then recommend specific dietary and lifestyle measures to support your kidney health.
Would you like natural support for your kidney health? Then book a free 15-minute discovery call to see if Functional Medicine is for you.
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