Your kidneys perform a number of essential functions. Removing waste products and excess fluids and helping to manage blood pressure and producing red blood cells are among their many important jobs, notes the National Kidney Foundation, or NKF. Certain lifestyle factors along with herbal remedies are suggested to help detoxify the kidneys and keep them in top working order. Always talk to your doctor about using herbs to treat medical conditions.
Considerations
Defective kidneys are unable to properly remove waste from the blood. Nearly 20 million people in the United States. have chronic kidney disease or CKD, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians or AAFP. CKD is defined as having some type of kidney problem for at least three months. People with high blood pressure, diabetes and heart disease are at a increased risk of developing CKD.
Prevention/Solution
Getting regular exercise can promote healthy kidney function by reducing blood pressure, lowering cholesterol and strengthening muscles, notes the National Kidney Foundation, or NKF. Aim for aerobic activities like lap swimming or brisk walking for 30 minutes or longer most days of the week.
Taking over-the-counter and prescription pain-relievers only when absolutely necessary is also important for kidney health. It's important to drink eight glasses of water daily when taking pain medications. Talk to your health care provider if you have chronic pain from conditions like arthritis that require the long-term use of pain relievers.
Herbal Remedies
Dandelion is an herbal diuretic that promotes urine production by encouraging the elimination of salts and water from the kidney. Historically dandelion has been used to treat liver and kidney diseases and is regarded by some as a kidney "tonic," according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Herbal diuretics also include birch, parsley and uva ursi. Birch tea, gravel root and yarrow are suggested to break up and clear kidney stones. Check with your health care provider before using herbs for medical conditions.
Detoxifcation Diets
Detoxification diets are suggested as means of eliminating toxins from the body. While the details may vary, detox diets usually involve an initial period of fasting followed by a diet consisting of fruits, vegetables and water. Some detox plans may incorporate various herbs into a diet regime.
Scant evidence exists to substantiate claims that detox diets will remove toxins from the body, reports the Mayo Clinic. Side effects may include fatigue, dehydration, nausea and dizziness.
Warning
People with CKD may lose interest in food. A nutritionist can help you create a healthy meal plan that can help you maintain your strength. Other symptoms of CKD include insomnia, fatigue, weakness and swelling of the feet and ankles, reports the AAFP.
Kidney failure can occur despite using herbs and other treatment. In such cases the buildup of waste can lead to vomiting, confusion and even coma. Dialysis is the ultimate kidney detoxification method used to treat kidney failure. Dialysis is a special machine used to cleanse the blood and clear away accumulated waste.
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