When it comes to kidney function, one of the best things you can do is drink plenty of water each day. However, some believe drinking vinegar -- apple cider vinegar to be specific -- can aid in kidney function and improve your health. Evidence indicating this is minimal at best. However, some experts believe vinegar can prevent a variety of kidney issues.
About the Kidneys
The kidneys are responsible for filtering the blood. They remove water and waste so your body can function properly. The water and waste filtered from urine is sent to your bladder, where it's kept until you urinate.
Infection Fighter
According to the Global Healing Center, vinegar may improve kidney function by preventing infection. Vinegar has a low pH level -- in other words, it is acidic -- which may prevent bacteria from clinging to the walls of the urinary tract. It's thought that the malic acid in apple cider vinegar is especially effective.
Kidney Stone Prevention
Consuming apple cider vinegar may also come in handy in the prevention of kidney stones. According to Dr. Theodore Baroody, author of "Alkalinize or Die," vinegar can alkalize urine, which prevents uric acid from solidifying and turning into kidney stones. Instead, uric acid will be eliminated in the urine. This may also prevent other conditions caused by the accumulation of uric acid, such as gout.
Precautions
Even though some evidence casts vinegar in a positive light for improving kidney function, it should never be used a substitute for any condition. If you have kidney stones or suspect you have a kidney infection, see a doctor immediately. Drinking apple cider vinegar could make the condition worse. When left untreated, kidney infections could lead to a widespread infection known as sepsis, which is life threatening.
