Your kidneys are essential twin organs that work to clean waste and excess fluid from your blood. Positioned on either side of your spine, these vital organs help control your blood pressure, keep your bones healthy and make red blood cells. Maintaining optimal kidney health requires limiting salt, alcohol and tobacco. Some people also use turmeric to boost overall health and prevent kidney-related complications. Talk to your doctor before using turmeric as a supplement.
About Turmeric
Turmeric's use dates back to the seventh century AD. An herb from the ginger family, turmeric grows throughout India, where it is also used as a main spice in curry. The root of the plant is a valuable medicine, which is still in use today as a diet supplement and treatment for multitudes of health complications.
Turmeric Uses
Turmeric's medicinal uses include treating and preventing cancer, stomach ulcers, gallstones, jaundice, loss of appetite, liver problems, menstrual complications and heartburn. Turmeric is also used to treat kidney problems, although insufficient evidence exists to prove its benefits, says MedlinePlus. Its anti-inflammatory characteristics make the herb a natural pain reliever and a remedy for headaches, rheumatoid arthritis, bronchitis, chronic skin conditions and kidney inflammation. Find turmeric over-the-counter in capsule, powder, tea or liquid extract forms.
Antioxidant Value
Turmeric contains the active component curcumin, a potent antioxidant. As such, the herb is useful for fighting free radicals, or cell-damaging molecules that contribute to age and disease. Some people use turmeric to boost health and lessen the chances of rejection after kidney transplant surgery. Researchers continue to study turmeric to determine whether the herb is indeed effective for this purpose, according to the American Cancer Society.
Potential Side Effects
Although turmeric is safe for most adults, long-term use or high doses of the herb can cause indigestion, diarrhea or nausea. Although no cases of liver damage are reported in humans, high doses can cause liver problems in animals, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. People with gallbladder disease should not use turmeric for kidney health, nor should people who use certain medications due to the blood-thinning action of turmeric. Talk to your doctor about the safety of the herb before using it as a kidney-health supplement, particularly if you're using other medications or herbs.
