Maintaining a nutrient-rich, well-balanced diet may help relieve or control symptoms of kidney failure. Kidney failure is a condition in which your kidneys fail to work properly. Healthy kidneys function to remove excess fluid and wastes from your blood, If your kidneys are damaged, waste is not removed and can build up in your body. This can lead to an increase in blood pressure, poor red blood cell formation, and a tendency to retain water. Certain herbs, vitamins, and natural lifestyle changes may help reduce or control the symptoms of kidney failure. You should speak to your doctor before adding any new herbs or vitamins to your diet as they may interfere with the medications you are taking.
Dandelion
Dandelion is rich in several vitamins and minerals. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this herb has been used to treat kidney disease. Dandelion is a diuretic that helps your body rid itself of water and salts from the kidney. This can help you remove excess waste that contributes to retaining water and toxicity. This herb can be found fresh or dried or in other forms including in teas, liquid extracts, tablets and capsules.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D may help reduce or manage symptoms related to kidney failure. According to MedlinePlus, vitamin D can be used to prevent bone loss and calcium loss in people with kidney failure. Vitamin D helps your body use calcium to prevent weakening of your bones that can lead to serious bone complications such as osteoporosis. This vitamin can be taken in supplement form or can be obtained from the sunlight. Dietary sources include sardines, tuna, mackerel and fortified products such as milk and breads.
Natural Lifestyle Alternatives
MayoClinic.com reports that you can take a natural approach to the treatment of kidney disease by altering your diet. They advise that you lower the amount of salt you consume in foods. Salt can cause you to retain water in the kidneys and worsen your symptoms. Products with high salt may include frozen dinners, canned soups and pastas, chips and processed cheeses and meats. They also suggest that consuming foods with a low potassium content may help control symptoms and stress on your kidneys. MayoClinic.com says that your body may not filter potassium properly and this can lead to heart conditions such as irregular heartbeat. Low potassium foods include apples, grapes, strawberries, cabbage and green beans. Foods to avoid that are higher in potassium include bananas, potatoes, tomatoes and oranges.
