Ten percent of Americans suffer from a chronic kidney disease of some kind, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. While the incidence of chronic kidney disease is only.05% in those under 65, the incidence of this is rising at the fastest rate in those over 65.
The most prevalent kidney problems have different causes and treatments.
-Polycystic Kidney Disease
-Chronic Kidney Disease
-Adult Nephrotic Syndrome
-Child Nephrotic Syndrome
-Acute Kidney Injury
-Hematuria
-Kidney Stones
-Proteinuria
Polycystic Kidney Disease
This is a kidney disease that people are born with. It is genetic and causes the kidneys damage with the growth of multiple cysts.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease is defined as lasting kidney damage that can eventually cause kidney failure. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common causes of chronic kidney failure are diabetes and high blood pressure.
Nephrotic Syndrome – Adults
This occurs when diabetes or hypertension causes there to be a presence of protein in the urine. This results in damage to the kidneys.
Nephrotic Syndrome – Children
While the complete cause is unknown, primary childhood nephrotic syndrome is most commonly caused by disease. Certain diseases and genetic changes have been linked to childhood nephrotic syndrome.
Secondary childhood nephrotic syndrome is caused by a separate and underlying infection or disease that affects the kidney function. Childhood nephrotic syndrome can also be caused by congenital diseases, which are present at birth.
Acute Kidney Injury
Accidental injury to the kidneys, in addition to resulting medication or blood loss, causes the chance of kidney failure.
Hematuria
This refers to blood in the urine, which can be caused by several factors. Exercise, kidney stones, urinary tract infections, urinary tract cancer, and kidney injury can cause Hematuria.
Kidney Stones
This refers to a small stone or rock that has formed in the kidney.
This is caused by certain chemicals sticking together in the body.
Oftentimes, kidney stones do not have one definite cause, but are due
more so to several factors.
Kidney stones are created when urine contains a high level of
crystal-forming substances, like calcium, uric acid, and oxalate, than
fluid in the urine is able to dilute. Stones can be passed through the
urinary tract or remain inside the kidney.
Proteinuria
Proteinuria refers to the presence of protein in urine. As kidneys prevent the loss of protein in the body, this kidney disease lets protein leak into the urine. This may also be referred to as albuminuria or microalbuminuria.
In our everyday lives, we encounter many toxins. Unhealthy foods and drinks create more waste and toxins in our body, which in turn creates more work for our kidneys. The kidneys are the last line of defense our bodies have to cleaning out of systems. Kidneys are constantly working to filter out harmful toxins. As the load of toxins increases, the functioning of the kidneys slows down, making people susceptible to kidney disease.
Diuretics
The most effective way to detox the kidneys is to drink a lot of clean water. According to the Mayo Clinic, men should drink 3 litres of water a day, and women should drink 2.2 litres per day. This will help to flush out the system. A good way to tell you are getting enough water is the passing of clear, weak smelling urine. Passing this clear urine is a good indication of a toxin-free, clean filtering system. To help aid in flushing the system of toxins, consuming natural diuretics helps to keep urine passing through the body. Some natural diuretics to add to a kidney-healthy diet include:
-Watermelon
-Grapes
-Cucumber
-Parsley
-Tomatoes
-Celery
Diet Changes
Potassium-rich fruits and vegetables help to cleanse the kidneys. Potassium-rich fruits include grapes, oranges, sweet lime, cantaloupes, kiwis, bananas, apricots and prunes. Yogurt and milk also provide a good source of potassium. Kidney function is kept at a high level with the inclusion of these foods because they maintain the level of electrolytes in the blood. Consuming a glass of 100% grape juice each day is also known to clear excess uric acid build-up in the kidneys.
Avoid alcohol, chocolate, processed foods, and caffeine. Because these foods can cause adverse reactions in the body, it is a good idea to avoid consuming these when working on detoxifying your body. However, protein can directly affect the kidneys. High protein foods are detrimental to the kidneys.
This is because their digestion and metabolism create a very high amount of the by-product of waste called creatinine. Creatinine levels increase as it can not be filtered throughout the kidneys, so it is important for kidney function to keep levels of creatinine down.
The Most Beneficial Foods for Kidney Detox
Including the most beneficial foods for your body is a great way to naturally detoxify your system. The best foods to benefit the kidneys are red pappers, cauliflower, cabbage, apples, garlic, onions, cherries, berries and cranberries. These foods are all nourishing for the kidneys. Develop meal plans to incorporate these foods into your everyday diet.
Alternative Medicine
Alternative medicines, such as dandelion, can benefit the kidneys by their richness in potassium and their diuretic-like actions. Alternative medicines can help clear away any excess water that is being stored in the body. Another natural remedy is uva ursi, otherwise known as Bear’s grape. Uva ursi is great in that it helps to repair inflammation and injury to the kidneys due to infections or stones. Uva ursi has anti-microbial properties in its arbutin, which also helps to treat urinary tract infections.Gokshura is an Ayurvedic supplement that boosts kidney function and health. It is very beneficial to people who often suffer from urinary tract infections and kidney stones. Gokshura helps to cool and soothe urinary membranes in addition to maintaining the flow of urine and relieving pain. Its antibiotic properties also aid bladder infections.
While the incidence of kidney problems is on the rise, there are ways to detox your body to help support your kidneys. Consuming the right foods and drinks will aid the kidneys in their vital function.