5 holistic tips for kidney health.
Holistic wellness integrates the mind body and soul to produce overall healing.
kidney function.
The kidney’s are our body’s filtration system by ridding our body of toxins and excess water. This vital organ also balances electrolytes and minerals in our body and help control blood pressure by balancing the blood to sodium ratio through renin. The kidneys also helps our body absorb active vitamin D which aids in bone health. They also stimulate red blood cell production through its creation of a hormone called erythropoietin.
Chronic kidney disease.
This disease is defined as the prolonged disfunction of the kidneys and can lead to them losing function altogether. According to the US CDC, there was 14% of the total population diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in 2023. 1 in 7 Americans may be affected with kidney disease and most don’t know they have it. Since the kidneys are the body’s main filtration system, CKD can cause fluid retention, an overload of waste in the blood and an imbalance of electrolyte presence. The inability to filter out waste from the blood can cause a range of issues for the entire body. For example, an overload of acids like uric acid can cause pain and swelling in the feet also known as gout. The overload of electrolytes like potassium can cause irregular heart rhythm known as Hyperkalemia. Usually when a person is diagnosed with CKD, they may already have diabetes or hypertension which are imbalances in blood sugar levels and blood sodium levels, respectively. With CKD being taken into consideration, it is imperative to understand how we can prevent this disease and maintain proper kidney health. If you are someone who has already been diagnosed with CKD you can also benefit from this article to gain insight on how you can reduce the progression of this disease.
the 5 holistic tips for kidney health.
be aware of regular sodium intake.
Sodium is an essential mineral to our body but when in consumed in excess (over 2300 mg per day) it causes the blood volume to raise due to water retention (higher sodium = higher water levels). This increase in blood volume is known as high blood pressure and this burdens the kidneys to filter the blood to try to get to a normal ratio again. Incorporating no salt or sodium seasonings like Mrs. Dash , which only contains a blend of dried herbs, is a great substitute from other seasonings that contain salt or MSG. You can also make your own blend of seasonings dried or fresh. Become more aware of food purchases in the stores as well. Foods in packages like deli meats, chips even soda ( which should not be consumed whatsoever) are very high in sodium. Instead opt for getting uncooked turkey breast to make your own deli meat home, cut out chips and swap the sodas for no sugar sparkling water or kombucha. Be sure to always read the food labels to ensure you are aware of the sodium content in each serving. Low sodium labels are usually always a good choice.
2. increase fruits and vegetables.
Most fruits and vegetables have a a high pH ( “potential for hydrogen” measures how alkaline or acidic a substance is) which creates an environment in the blood with low dietary acidic overload, specifically endogenous acid. A lifestyle low in fruits and vegetables can cause this acid and others to increase and stresses the kidneys to reduce it. Fruits and vegetables contain fiber and this nutrient helps the gut function to eliminate waste, this leads to a reduction of waste spilling into the blood and proper nutrient absorption. That leads to lower blood sugar levels and less items on the to-do list for the kidneys to clean. Let’s not forget the antioxidative properties that fruits and vegetables contain which helps reduce oxidative stress (cells going rouge and creating disease environments in the body) and creates an ease on our main filtration organ.
3. consider herbal support.
Some herbs that van be found growing in our own backyard or in our garden kike Dandelion and Parsley can be very helpful in supporting kidney health and preventing kidney disease. These humble herbs have diuretic properties which help flush out excess fluids and toxins. They mimic the role of the kidneys with this ability which could help detoxify our hardworking organ. Please consult with your physician first to see what herbal options are best for you.
4. activate the adrenal glands.
According to Dr. Yahki, an herbal holistic healer, the best support for the kidneys are to active adrenal glands. He states that if we compare our body to a fish tank, the water representing our blood and the fish as our cells, the kidneys are the filtration system we buy for the tank and the adrenal glands are the power source the filter gets plugged into. An activated adrenal gland sends out a hormone called aldosterone which helps the kidneys maintain a healthy balance of salt and water in the body. A primary way to activate the adrenal glands are to incorporate Rebounding exercises like jumping on a mini trampoline.
5. reduce stress.
Stress can not be underestimated when considering our kidney health. Increased stress can cause the release of cortisol (stress hormone)which activates our body’s “fight or flight” mode. In this state, the blood pressure raises and proper digestion decreases due to blood relocation. A continual state of stress could produce “stress induce kidney disease” because the kidneys are consistently trying to balance the blood environment. To help reduce stress activities like breath work has notably aided with stress reduction and obtaining overall health for the body. Creating a positive support system and prayer are also impactful ways to reduce stress as well as refreshing walks in nature.
Now these tips are a great start to supporting kidney health but are not exhaustive. There are more ways to support the kidneys that were not mentioned here but we at the Chosen Lot team believe these tips will certainly inspire you get started on that path. As previously stated, if you have been diagnosed with CKD, discuss these options with your healthcare provider to open the discussion on a holistic approach to kidney health.
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