Bean-shaped and fist-sized, your kidneys are two vital organs that sit beneath your rib cage on either side of your spine. These complex filters work to keep the blood clean and chemically balanced, sifting approximately 2 qt. of waste and excess water from your body daily. Help support these hard-working organs by practicing healthy habits and talk to your doctor about using herbal vitamins.
Horsetail
Since ancient Greek and Roman times, horsetail has been use das an herbal remedy for kidney problems. A potent diuretic, horsetail helps increase the volume of urine and aid the kidneys in flushing toxins from the body. Some physicians suggest horsetail as a treatment for kidney stones and urinary tract infections, although no scientific is lacking regarding the herb's efficacy, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Horsetail is available in tea, tincture and herbal vitamin forms. Talk to a trusted health care advisor about dosing and side effects.
Cranberry Extracts
Cranberries are the tart little jewels that belong to the same genus as blueberry. Growing as wild shrubs and on low vines, the fruit has a host of nutrients for general health and immune-system enhancement. They also contain a special structure that inhibits bacteria, such as E. coli, from adhering to the bladder walls, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. This action makes cranberry extract a beneficial vitamin for preventing bladder infections that may spread to the kidneys. Talk to your doctor about safety and dosages.
Schisandra
Schisandra is a fruit-bearing plant and ancient herbal remedy. Traditional Chinese herbalists use the herb to treat coughing, wheezing, diarrhea, influenza, asthma and indigestion. Schisandra supports kidney health and protects the liver from various toxins. Laboratory studies also show the herb has anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Consult your doctor before using schisandra for kidney health or other purposes.
Considerations
In addition to using herbal vitamins, support your kidneys by eating a balanced diet and by drinking plenty of fluids to avoid placing undue stress on your renal system. Avoid unhealthy habits, such as smoking and excessive drinking, and use over-the-counter medicines in moderation. Since using certain drugs regularly can poison the kidneys, the National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse recommends you talk to your doctor about the risk of using painkillers long-term.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Horsetail; Steven D. Ehrlich, NMD; March 2009
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Cranberry; July 2010
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; Schisandra; August 2011
- National Kidney & Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; The Kidneys and How They Work; September 2010
