Kidneys come in pairs, with the main job of these organs is to help remove waste from your blood. When gallstones occur, the kidney cannot function properly. Luckily, there is a selection of vitamins and supplements you can consume on a daily basis that help promote a healthy kidney and treat gallstones.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is essential for the growth and maintenance of body tissues. It contains antioxidant properties, which are essential for the prevention of unstable substances called free radicals -- compounds that naturally form when your body transfers food into energy. Free radicals can build up in your body and be harmful to your kidneys, causing tissue damage. People who do not get enough vitamin C in their daily diet may be at an increased risk of suffering from gallstones. Oranges are a rich source of vitamin C. Vitamin C exits through urination, as it is a water-soluble vitamin and is not stored in your body.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E, like vitamin C, is also an antioxidant vitamin that protects your body from free radicals. Vitamin E helps to promote healthy blood circulation and also assists in the formation of red blood cells. Low levels of vitamin E can cause a build-up of free radicals, damaging your kidneys by blocking the arteries and preventing blood flow to the filters in your kidneys. In addition, a deficiency in vitamin E can contribute to gallstone formation. Vitamin E can be found in corn and sunflower seeds.
Vitamin D
According to a 2008 issue of the "Medical News," vitamin D helps prevent rickets and osteoporosis, while also helping to prevent kidney disease. A study conducted at Rockefeller University Hospital examined patients with lack of kidney function and found that patients who suffered from kidney disease and had low vitamin D levels in their body were prone to an increased risk of death. Good sources of vitamin D include cheese, fish and oysters.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Gallstones
- Kids Health: Kidneys
- The Medical News: Vitamin D is the key to preventing rickets and osteoporosis, but Rockefeller University scientists suspect it may also play a role in heading off atherosclerosis in people with chronic kidney disease.
- Stop Cancer: Gallstones
- UMMC: Vitamin C
- MedlinePlus: Vitamin D
