The kidneys are bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist and are essential for keeping our blood clean and chemically balanced. The kidneys produce urine that contains salts, toxins and water and are the by-products of our body's metabolism, explains KidsHealth.org. The bladder stores urine and is situated in the lower abdomen. When the bladder is full, nerve endings in its wall send impulses to the brain, and the bladder walls relax, the urine is then released out of the body via a tubelike structure called the urethra.
Patients with kidney and bladder conditions should consult their doctor before taking any supplements.
Magnesium and B6
Kidney stones are typically formed form when the urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallize and stick together. Kidney stones may contain various combinations of chemicals, explains the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The most common type of stone contains calcium in combination with either oxalate or phosphate. In a study published in the 1994 issue of Urological Research, researchers studied the effect of a combination of magnesium and B6 on patients who suffer from recurrent calcium oxalate kidney stones. The team found that 300 milligrams (mg) of magnesium oxide and 10 mg of B6 taken for 30 days helped to prevent the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Those suffering from kidney stones should consult their physicians.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with antioxidant properties. Reactive and volatile oxygen molecules, also known as free radicals, are caused by a number of factors including pollution, cigarette smoke and some bodily processes. Antioxidants help to protect the body from the damage that these oxygen molecules can cause.
In a study published in a 1999 issue of Pediatric Nephrology, researchers studied the effect of vitamin E on children with renal disorders, including glomerulosclerosis, a scarring of the kidneys' tiny blood vessels that filter urine from the blood. In the background to their study the team explained that excessive production of reactive oxygen molecules may contribute to renal injury but that antioxidants may help to prevent this damage. The team found reactive oxygen molecules may cause more damage in patients with glomerulosclerosis than in any other kidney disorder and that 200 IU of vitamin E twice a day may be a useful treatment.
In a study published in a 2002 issue of the American Journal of Epidemiology, the researchers examined the use of vitamin E in patients with bladder cancer. The team found that long-term use of vitamin E might help to reduce the risk of bladder cancer mortality. In all cases, however, patients should consult their physicians before beginning treatment.
L-Arginine
Interstitial cystitis is a long-term inflammation of the bladder wall, which causes symptoms such as discomfort, pressure, tenderness or intense pain in the bladder and pelvic area. L-arginine is an amino acid that helps the production of nitric oxide, which is important for the relaxation of smooth muscle. In a study published in a 1997 issue of the Journal of Urology, researches studied the effect of the L-arginine on patients with interstitial cystitis. In the background to their study the team explained that interstitial cystitis suffers have low levels of nitric oxide in their urine. The team found that 1,500 mg of L-arginine a day for six months increased nitric oxide in the urine of patients with interstitial cystitis, thereby helping to decrease interstitial cystitis related symptoms. Patients suffering from interstitial cystitis should consult their physicians before beginning any supplement.
References
- KidsHealth.org: Kidneys and the Urinary Tract
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Kidney Stones in Adults
- "Urological Research"; Effect of combined supplementation of magnesium oxide and pyridoxine in calcium-oxalate stone formers; Rattan V, Sidhu H, Vaidyanathan S; 1994.
- "Pediatric Nephrology"; Vitamin E treatment of focal segmental glomerulosclerosis: results of an open-label study; Tahzib M, Frank R, Gauthier B, et al; 1999
- "American Journal of Epidemiology"; Vitamin C and vitamin E supplement use and bladder cancer mortality in a large cohort of US men and women; Jacobs EJ, Henion AK, Briggs PJ, et al; 2002
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