Kidneys: What you really need to know?

Submitted by support on Tue, 04/24/2012 - 01:39

Kidneys – What do I really need to know? 

What do you want to know?

Kidneys:  what they do; what if they are comprimised - what should you do; what is beneficial and what to avoid (for more information, click here)

I have divided this article into the following:

  • What do my kidneys do
  • What causes kidney problems
  • How to solve the problem

Lets look at each one of these in a simple fashion. 

What do my kidneys do

Kidneys like all organs provide a wide variety of functions, but simply the kidneys:   

  • Filter your blood & create your urine (which effects blood pressure)
  • Create balance with salt and water
  • Create balance with electrolytes
  • Produce hormones: including calcitriol, rennin (involved with blood pressure), erythropoietin
  • Reabsorb: water, glucose, amino acids
  • Stimulate production of red blood cells

  • Along with the liver – create the active form of Vitamin D3

When the kidneys dysfunction, the following symptoms may occur: (Note, any all signs can be caused by a number of different dysfunctions.  It is important to have your health care professional perform the actual diagnosis).

Early signs

  • fatigue
  • feeling ill constantly
  • headaches
  • nausea
  • weight loss
  • itchy skin
  • frequent hiccups

Additional signs

  • chronic bad breath
  • emotional agitation
  • unexplained paleness
  • discoloured fingernails
  • loss of appetite
  • excessive night time urination

Later signs

  • blood in stool
  • decreased alertness
  • decreased sensation
  • seizures
  • muscle cramps
  • decreased urine flow
  • easy bruising

 What causes kidney problems

What typically causes kidney dysfunction:

  • Toxicity
  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Structural damage; injuries
  • Blockage:  obstruction, tumors, stone formation

Toxicity, infection and inflammation are all associated with glutathione deficiency. Glutathione is recognized as the body’s master anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory mechanism; it is a chelator (draws metal toxicity out of the blood); protects DNA from becoming cancerous; protects the mitochondria that produce the cell’s energy; and a huge number of other functions in the body.

With regard specifically to the kidney, glutathione helps the kidney to filter the blood and it helps to detoxify the kidney. Without sufficient glutathione the kidneys cannot function properly. 

How to solve the problem

  • A) Glutahtione
  • B) Detox the kidneys, liver and colon
  • C) Nutrient rules for the kidney
  • D) Supplements for the kidney
  • E) Herbs for the kidney

A) Glutahtione:

Most of what is now know about glutathione has been identified in the last 10 years. Most physicians only remember glutathione as a detox molecule. There are now over 95,000 peer review medical science articles on glutathione on PubMed. Why? Because there is not a disease, disorder or dysfunction known to man that is not associated with a glutathione deficiency.

Research reveals that low glutathione levels lead to poor liver & kidney function. The highest amount of glutathione is in the liver and part of the detoxing processes in the liver. When the liver cannot properly detox molecules; the burden shifts to the kidneys. An unnecessarily large amount of toxins, free radicals, and toxic metals begin circulating through the body continuously damaging individual cells and organs. Maintaining high levels of glutathione concentrations, aids in both preventing and eliminating diseases associated with toxicity.

Glutathione cannot be effectively taken using a food, drink or supplement, It has to be made within the cell. There are products that will help the cells make glutathione such as NAC (N-acetyl-cystiene). Or a large amount of whey protein (that has not been pasteurized, as most are). The best way is with a composition patent designed by Dr. Keller (oncologist, hematologist and internist) that allows for an average increase of glutathione 292% within 2 months!!!

Kidney Disease: “People with kidney failure or dialysis suffer from higher levels of oxidative stress and decreased glutathione levels. Raised glutathione levels helps prevent anemia. Source: Nephron 61: 404-408, 1992

B) Detox the kidney, liver and colon.

This is important. There are many detox programs available for purchase and many detox diets available on the website. Detoxing the body is like changing the oil filters in your car. It should be done regularly. Especially in this day and age: since the beginning of the industrial revolution, over 85,000 toxic chemicals have been released into our environment and over 80% can be found in the home. Even all the hygiene products are loaded with toxic chemicals.

1) Drink more water. The challenge is to make sure your water has a high pH level. Low pH level water has a higher molecular structure that can carry many toxins into the body. In addition, if the water molecule is large, it cannot cross the cellular membrane to help on a cellular level. Finally it ends up causing more harm to the kidneys.

a) If, however, you drink good alkaline water with minerals, it helps the kidneys by diluting the toxins; it helps all the enzymes in the body work more effectively; and it eliminates many infections and diseases.

2) Liver and Colon cleansing actually help the kidney as well. First, a healthy liver helps because the liver is responsible for most of the detoxing before the blood gets to the kidneys

a) Colon cleansing also helps. Over the years you build up excess residue in the colon, just like a car filter. When this happens you cannot absorb the minerals, vitamins, enzymes, proteins, omega 3s, etc that the body needs to repair itself. This depletes the liver, which then cannot detox the system; which then adds stress to the kidneys.

C) Nutrient rules for the Kidneys

1) Table salt vs other salts: 

Most people will tell you to eliminate salt. What they really mean is sodium chloride or table salt. Sea salt or rock salt is very good for you as it contains trace amounts of minerals that benefit the system. Table salt leads to issues like high blood pressure and kidney disease.

2) Start reading the labels on your foods.

Even the term “natural flavouring” can hide three pages of toxic chemicals. If you don’t know what it means – then don’t buy it. Further, you will find things salt and sodium and hi fructose corn syrup and all kinds of other damaging chemicals in your foods. A simple rule is to avoid the following:

  • Cured and smoked foods such as bacon, ham, and luncheon meats
  • Fast foods and snack foods
  • Pickled foods such as olives, sauerkraut, and pickles
  • Some canned or prepared foods
  • Soups and processed cheese

3) Eat the right foods:

People love to tell us to replace fast foods and fatty foods with whole foods. But even then, the soil doesn’t have the nutrient in it that it did 50 years ago. Further, the foods are sprayed with herbicides, pesticides, growth hormone, anti-biotics, etc and all that toxin is going into your body. The challenge is difficult, but here are some simple rules:

  • a) organic fruit
  • b) organic vegetables
  • c) organic meat and in particular bison; and if possible unpasturized whey protiens

4) Avoid high phosphorous foods

If you liver is weak, it will have to struggle to remove phosphorus from the blood. High blood phosphorus levels in turn can lead to calcium loss. Eating these foods less:

  • a. Dairy products such as cheese, milk, puddings, and yogurt
  • b. Legumes such as kidney beans, lentils, and split peas
  • c. Nuts and peanut butter
  • d. Beer, cocoa, and cola soft drinks

5) Eat less protein

Poor kidney function may make it necessary to reduce protein intake in order to avoid a buildup of urea – a waste product of protein. Again, avoid

  • a) Dairy products,
  • b) meat,
  • c) seafood Limit protein intake

  • d) but ensure you are eating an adequate amount by taking unpasturized whey proteins and other products with amino acids

D) Supplements for the Kidney

Some vitamins and minerals are affected by a loss of kidney functioning. Talk to your health care provider or dietician about supplementation that is not harmful to your kidneys.

  • B complex
  • Ester C
  • Vitamin D3
  • Magnesium (usually double the amount of Calcium)
  • (Iron only if recommended by a health care professional)

.

E) Herbs & foods for the kidney 

The following section is divided as follows: 

  • Herbs from your kitchen
  • Herbs & foods for a kidney cleanse
  • Herbs & foods, in general that are beneficial to the kidneys
  • Herb Tinctures
  • Herbs to avoid

  • Herbs to use with caution

Herbs from the kitchen:

Common every day herbs, for kidneys, found in your kitche:

Tumeric: even Harvard now recognizes tumeric: anti-inflammatory; anti-oxidant; anti-bacterial; anti-cholesterol  anti-tumor; also a bitter for the liver.  It is a terrifc aid to the kidneys if there is inflammation, infection, or dysfunction.

Garlic: huge numbers of studies have been done on garlic; benefits cardio as a blood thinner; an anti-oxidant; prevents H. Pylori; lowers blood pressure; increases immune function; anti-oxidant & anti-inflammatory; as such there are a number of benefits to the comprimised liver

Herbs and foods for a kidney cleanse

  • asparagus                             barley
  • blueberries                            cranberries
  • dandelion                              ginger
  • Grapes                                  millet
  • nettles                                  parsley
  • spinach                                 spirulina
  • string beans                          tofu  

Herbs & foods, in general that are beneficial to the kidneys

Grapes

Any variety of organically cultivated fresh grapes is suitable for cleansing the kidneys. Grapes are a rich source of potassium, and potassium has the ability to stimulate alkaline blood regulation, ensure that the kidneys function optimally and maintain heartbeat.

Grapes also help in cleansing the liver and kidneys by flushing out waste products like uric acid. A tall glass of fresh grape juice without adding water and sugar, if taken in the morning or afternoon, will ensure adequate kidney functioning. One can also eat fresh grapes regularly if it is not possible to run these in the blender everyday. Either way, grapes included in the regular diet help in kidney cleansing and detox.

Cranberry

Cranberries are a rich source of quinine, which converts itself to another chemical constituent called hippuric acid in the liver. This hippuric acid helps in the elimination of toxins like urea and uric acid which have a tendency to accumulate and cause several disease conditions. A cup of cranberries run through the blender with an adequate amount of water and one spoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice will help work effectively as a kidney detox mechanism.

Avoid the whole fruit. The juice from cranberries, loganberries,lingonberries, huckleberries, blueberries are beneficial. Two (2) ounces of pure cranberry juice diluted with one ounce of mineral water is a very effective kidney herb. Avoid cranberry cocktail which contains sugar. If raw fresh cranberries are not available, frozen is a good substitute to juice. Northland brand cranberry juice 100% juice contains 17% cranberry juice. If you enjoy eating animal proteins, drink cranberry juice to convert the ammonia buffer to ammonium. This will also lessen possible resultant urinary tract infections. A few other plants claim the name "cranberry", including Vaccinium vitis-idaea, known to American botanists as Lingonberry, or mountain cranberry, but to the Swedes, it is cranberry. Cramp-bark, as it is most commonly known in the American market, Viburnum opulus, is sometimes listed as "highbush cranberry", but it is a "cranberry" in name only.

Ginger Root & Turmeric Tea

Ginger root is another extremely effective kidney detox and, for maximum benefit, one can add turmeric to the mix since turmeric has some excellent antiseptic properties too. Ginger root peeled and boiled with two to three pinches of turmeric powder, strained, filtered and consumed can work effectively in flushing toxins out from the kidneys. This tea can be consumed twice everyday post lunch and dinner since it is good for digestion, too.

Nettle & Dandelion

Nettle soup or dandelion herbbal teas are extremely effective in cleansing the kidneys and flushing out toxins. Herbal teas can be consumed two or three times per day.

Organic nonalcoholic nettle extract. It eliminates uric acid (high in gout and PKD) and is an effective alkalizer. Studies in Europe have shown increased urine flow and reduction in residual urine (residual urine can lead to chronic urinary tract infections). I use non - alcoholic nettle extract from time to time to give a boost of alkalinity as it is high in potassium, lowers uric acid, and a very effective alkalizing agent. Nettle root affects hormones and proteins that carry sex hormones (such as testosterone or estrogen) in the human body; this may explain why it helps benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Nettle leaf (1000 mg. daily) suppresses the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha and in this way might be useful for kidney health. Here is an article about stinging nettle extract lowering creatinine. I suspect the chief reason it does this is because stinging nettle is an affective alkalizer, a potassium rich alkalizer, and it diminishes uric acid. If any decide to take stinging nettle non-alcoholic extract be sure to get frequent checks of your serum potassium. High potassium can stop a heart's beating.

Parsley

Lowers blood pressure. Wonderful blood pressure regulator. Loaded with Chlorophyll which aids the body to detoxify. It is a mild diuretic but gentle in its effect on kidneys. It does not cause potassium depletion. I pull this up from my garden each morning and munch away. Parsley is also a source of alpha-linolenic acid, an important essential fatty acid. It is an adequate source of beta carotene, which the body needs for the correct use of protein. This nutrient will benefit the liver and also protect the lungs and colon. When tested in laboratory research, chlorophyll from parsley showed slight anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity. Parsley contains traces of B12 producing compounds. Fluorine abundantly found in parsley. Fluorine has an entirely different molecular structure from chemically-produced fluoride. Tooth decay results from a shortage of fluorine, not fluoride. It is the combination of calcium and fluorine which creates a very hard protective surface on teeth and bones. Fluorine also protects the body from infectious invasion, germs and viruses. Parsley is a source for vitamin C and iron.

Herb Tinctures

  • Agropyron repens          Couch grass
  • Equisetun arvennse       Horsetail
  • Petroselinum crispum    Parsley
  • Urtica dioica                 Nettles
  • Uva Ursi                      Bearberry
  • Zea mays                    Corn silk

Agriopyron repens (Couch grass)

Couch grass is a diuretic and the mucilage helps soothe an inflamed and irritated urinary tract. It also helps heal the urinary tract.

Couch grass increases the amount of urine by the osmotic process. It has some active constituents with an antibiotic effect, and can be used in gout and rheumatism. It is also used in cystitis, prostatitis, nephritis, calculus (stones), urethritis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Equisetun arvennse (Horsetail)

 

Horsetail is high in silica, and is used as an astringent in the genito-urinary tract. It is also a diuretic. It has been found to reduce the levels of lead in the body, and there is "evidence of an anti-rheumatic effect and a positive effect on lipid [fat] metabolism". (Fisher and Painter)

The increased volume of urine helps flush out irritants and infectious agents. The astringent action may help with bladder tone and the reduction of prostate enlargement. The high levels of silica help with tissue repair.

Horsetail is used in cystitis, prostatitis, prostatic enlargement, incontinence, edema with menopause or arthritis, and urethritis. It helps prevent damage to the ureters, bladder, and urethra, and the prostate.

 

Petroselinum crispum (Parsley)

Parsley is an excellent diuretic and as such it is used for edema and urinary stones. It is believed to increase the elimination of waste products like urea, and other acidic metabolites, and thus used for gout and arthritis. Parsley should not be used in pregnancy, nor is it recommended in painful menstrual periods. It is fine for nursing mothers, however, and is believed to encourage milk production. Fresh parsley is very nutritious.

Urtica dioica (Nettles)

Nettle is highly nutritious, with vitamins and minerals including chlorophyll and beta carotene, vitamins A, B2, C and E, calcium, potassium, and iron.

Nettle has been proven to increase the elimination of the waste product, uric acid. It is a diuretic, and has been found successful in managing the symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy, particularly in combination with saw palmetto.

Nettle has an antibacterial effect, and has been found to be effective against staphylococci and other bacteria. It is useful in arthritis and rheumatic problems because it helps get rid of metabolic wastes. It is also used in chronic cystitis.

Uva Ursi (Bearberry)

Uva ursi is a urinary antiseptic, and an astringent herb. It has an antibacterial effect on the kidney, that is effective against e. coli, proteus, klebsiella, staphyloccocus, and pseudomonas. The antibacterial effect is at its strongest 3 to 4 hours after taking the herb, as some of the active constituents are converted in the kidneys to activate the antiseptic effect.

Uva ursi is used in cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis and dysuria. But it is not to be used in kidney diseases, or if the infection has progressed up the urinary tract.

Zea mays (Corn Silk)

Corn silk has a lot of vitamin K and potassium. It is used for acute or chronic inflammation of the urinary tract, cystitis, prostatitis, night time urination, and urethritis. Corn silk is not a well studied herb, but it is a diuretic. In China, it is used for edema. It also has antiseptic properties, and is soothing to the urinary tract.

NEPHRITIC HERBS: herbs that are used in healing kidney problems. Herbs with nephritic properties include buchu leaves, couch grass root, goldenseal, horsetail, hydrangea, juniper berries, Oregon grape and queen of the meadow root

HERBS TO AVOID

  • Alfalfa sprouts                         
  • Black cohash
  • Chaparrel tea
  • Ginkgo
  • Ginseng
  • Horse chestnut
  • Kola nut
  • Licorice
  • Noni
  • Star fruit
  • Willow bark

Alfalfa sprouts produce a process in the sprouting that can create difficulties for kidneys. Alfalfa sprouts contain l-canavanine, an unusual amino acid that has been known to result in some toxicity and joint stiffness in humans. Alfalfa sprouts are best avoided. For an added zip to salads, try broccoli sprouts, bean sprouts, radish sprouts, or sunflower seed sprouts. To learn more about sprouting your own, try Sproutman.

Avoid black cohosh: Unknown if it might cause kidney and liver cyst enlargement

Chaparral tea : Modern research has revealed that Chaparral contains nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) has potent anti-inflammatory activity. Chaparral - Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) is likely the ingredient which is toxic to cystic kidneys

Ginkgo biloba is contraindicated in patients who are known to have risk factors for intracranial hemorrhage. Ginkgo is a PAF antagonist which by its action decreases blood flow to the kidneys. Decreased kidney blood flow was the first symptom that PKD cystic kidneys were diminishing in their functioning, according to the CRISP study on PKD. A decreased blood flow to the kidneys is what causes renin to be released in Polycystic Kidneys. Renin causes the blood pressure to rise.

Ginseng: can trigger severe migraine headaches, can effect bleeding times, can effect blood pressure, can effect blood sugar levels.

Horse Chestnut: Avoid horse chestnut if you have liver or kidney disease

Kola nut: raises blood pressure. Contains caffeine which increases cyclic AMP. This causes kidney cysts to increase in size. similar to other xanthine-containing herbs like cocoa, tea, coffee, guarana and yerba mate. Kola nut has stimulant effect on the central nervous system and heart. Animal experiments indicate that kola nuts have analeptic and lipolytic (fat-burning) properties, and stimulate the secretion of gastric juices. Human studies show kola nuts have positive chronotropic and weak diuretic effects. Autonomic changes include increased body temperature, increased blood pressure and increased respiratory rate. Effects may last up to 6 hours after ingestion.

Licorice: Excessive amounts may raise blood pressure and cause fluid retention. Should be avoided during pregnancy and by anyone with high blood pressure, heart or kidney ailments. Many Celestial Seasonings herbal teas contain licorice. It wasn't until a friend pointed this out, that I discovered the reason for blood pressure spikes.

Noni has had some cases of harm to kidneys according to the growers of noni juice. They suggested that individuals with kidney or liver disease, avoid noni. Noni is very high in potassium and has been a cause of dangerously high potassium levels. Lemon juice is a great flush, low in potassium, easier to obtain, and makes one alkaline. There are several cases in the literature that link noni to inflamed livers (hepatitis). It is a liver toxin.

Star fruit a known kidney toxin that can cause rapid sudden diminished kidney functioning. In the past I have enjoyed star fruit and mango, a traditional combination. Then I discovered that starfruit is a known kidney toxin. I stopped it right away. Star fruit originated in Southeast Asia and is readily available in Taiwan. Star fruit causes several symptoms in patients with chronic renal failure or end-stage renal disease. The symptoms vary and include insomnia, intractable hiccups, agitation, muscle weakness, confusion, consciousness disturbances of various degrees, seizures, and cardiorespiratory arrest. The various star fruit subspecies contain different toxins, including a powerful neurotoxin that is suspected to accumulate in blood, cross the blood-brain barrier in chronic renal failure patients, and eventually cause irreversible damage.

Willow Bark: Put aside for two weeks prior to any surgery. Willow bark, is the predecessor to aspirin like herb. Willow bark can decrease kidney functioning. The use of willow bark dates back to the time of Hippocrates (400 BC) when patients were advised to chew on the bark to reduce fever and inflammation. Willow bark has been used throughout the centuries in China and Europe, and continues to be used today for the treatment of pain (particularly low back pain and osteoarthritis), headache, and inflammatory conditions such as bursitis and tendinitis. The bark of white willow contains salicin, which is a chemical similar to aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) is best avoided with PKD polycystic kidney disease.

Herbs to use with caution

Chilies: There maybe something in chilies that is not of benefit to the kidneys. It is a member of the nightshade family it contains high amounts of solanine which interferes with calcium absorption. From time to time, I indulge in a hot chili or two to spice up guacamole. I sometimes experience kidney and liver ache following this. If you have liver cysts, it is a vegetable high in estrogens, as are all the nightshade family of vegetables.

Stevia If used very sparingly, 4-5 grains stevia can be an effective sweetening agent. If used in great quantities, it is harmful to the kidneys. May induce kidney toxicity specifically at the proximal convoluted tubules. This herb to be used with great CAUTION in kidney disease and only in very very tiny amounts. Also known as sweet leaf tea.

http://www.pkdiet.com/herb.htm

More on Kidney herbs

http://www.vitaminstohealth.com/her...

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More on Uva-ursi

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/...

Kidney Warning Signs

http://www.aakp.org/aakp-library/Wa...

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/027211_herbs_green_tea_health.html#ixzz1GFLyYbPZ

References:

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