Your kidneys are vital organs about the size of your fist that are located in your abdomen. KidsHealth states that one of the primary jobs of your kidneys is to clear your blood of any metabolic waste products. Your kidneys are also responsible for maintaining proper mineral and fluid balance in your body. Certain dietary supplements may be beneficial for your kidneys; however, you should always talk with your health care practitioner before using these powerful natural substances.
Kidney Problems
There are many chronic, or long-term, kidney problems. According to KidsHealth, possible kidney problems include kidney infection and kidney inflammation, or nephritis. When your kidneys stop functioning, you experience kidney failure. Kidney failure usually leads to several serious health problems, as your body is not able to successfully void excess water and metabolic byproducts. Another possible cause of kidney problems is the blockage of urine outflow from your kidneys, which may be caused by a kidney stone or other obstruction.
Appropriate Supplements
Many herbal and non-herbal dietary supplements may be beneficial in treating your kidney problems or improving the health and function of your kidneys. Expert herbalist Ed Smith, author of "Therapeutic Herb Manual," reports that several herbal supplements -- juniper, bearberry, horsetail and goldenrod -- may help restore your kidney tone. Beneficial non-herbal supplements for your kidneys may include vitamin B6, multi-enzyme complex and zinc plus copper. More research evidence may be required to justify the use of certain dietary supplements for kidney problems.
A Powerful Supplement
Bearberry may be one of the most powerful supplements in treating kidney-related problems. William A. Mitchell Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," states that bearberry has historically been used in treating kidney stones and irritation of your genitourinary tract. This dietary supplement may also be helpful in treating urinary tract infections, especially E. coli infections. Extracts from the leaves of the bearberry plant are incorporated into dietary supplements.
Warning
Because there are numerous possible causes of kidney problems, you should always seek medical attention if you develop kidney-related symptoms. A licensed health care professional can assess your condition and make helpful treatment suggestions. All dietary supplements should be treated with the same degree of caution and respect as prescription medications. Discuss appropriate dosage, treatment duration and potential side effects of supplements with a health care professional specializing in clinical nutrition.
References
- KidsHealth: Your Kidneys
- KidsHealth: Chronic Kidney Conditions
- "Therapeutic Herb Manual"; Ed Smith; 2007
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
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