The kidneys are one of the body’s most important filtration systems and are sometimes overlooked until there is an issue. In traditional Chinese medicine, the kidneys are often referred to as the “root of life,” and they play an important role in overall vitality, especially as we age. Let’s take a look at what the kidneys do and some simple ways to help support them in the important work that they do, and some simple lifestyle changes you can make to support your body with kidney disease or illness.

What Are the Kidneys?

The kidneys are two organs located in the lower back area under the ribcage, on either side of the spine. They are shaped like beans (think kidney beans), roughly the size of a large fist, and connected to the bladder through two tubes called ureters.

What Do the Kidneys Do?

As mentioned above, the kidneys act as a filtration system. More specifically, they filter the blood. All blood passes through the kidneys, and waste products like metabolites, toxins, excess water, and electrolytes are sent to the bladder to be eliminated. Filtered blood is then sent back into the circulatory system to be distributed throughout the body to organs and tissues where it is needed. The kidneys also work closely with the lungs to maintain the body’s pH balance, and they are involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a crucial hormonal process well known in the modulation of blood pressure. Also, RAAS regulates renal vasomotor activity, maintains optimal salt and water homeostasis, and controls tissue growth in the kidney.[1] RAAS is directly linked to the pathophysiology of kidney disease.[2]

How Do I Know if My Kidneys Are Working Well?

Since the kidneys are so closely linked to the bladder, one of the best indicators of kidney health is urination. Pay attention to things like the colour of your urine, how frequently you urinate in the day, and how much water you drink. Other indicators that something might be amiss with your kidneys are things like low-back pain, blood in the urine, or swelling of the feet and ankles. If kidney health is a concern, your naturopathic doctor might run some blood tests to assess how quickly and effectively your kidneys are filtering your blood.

How Can I Support My Kidneys?

Go for a Walk

In a world where many of us spend a large portion of our day sitting, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that exercise would be beneficial to our health, and specifically the health of our kidneys. In fact, several studies have shown that exercise can improve the function of the kidneys in filtering the blood in patients with chronic kidney disease. For example, a meta-analysis study found that exercise therapy in patients with chronic kidney disease resulted in an increased eGFR, which is a measure of how efficiently the kidneys are filtering the blood.[3] With all its benefits, not only on the kidneys, making exercise a part of your daily routine is a great idea. Don’t forget to drink enough water to stay hydrated, and find exercise that is right for you and your body.

Cook Your Own Food

Eating fresh, whole foods is a great way to support the kidneys. Many premade and processed foods contain high amounts of sodium chloride (also known as table salt) and other additives and preservatives that the kidneys will have to work harder to filter out of the blood. Try shopping at a local farmer’s market or, if you prefer the grocery store, try sticking to the perimeter of the store where all the fresh food is usually displayed and avoid the middle aisles where the processed or prepackaged food is usually displayed.

Try Some Herbal Teas

A few herbs can be particularly helpful when it comes to kidney support. Three of my favourites are parsley (Petroselinum spp.), dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) leaf, and nettle (Urtica dioica). It is also important to note that many of these herbs can have diuretic effects, meaning that they can cause you to urinate more frequently. While diuretic herbs can be helpful for supporting kidney function, it is important to note that their safety depends on the health of your kidneys; other conditions you may have, like diabetes or heart disease; as well as other medications, supplements, or herbal products you may be taking. It is important to chat with your naturopathic doctor or herbalist, pharmacist, or doctor before taking any herbal medicine.

Although large-scale clinical studies are lacking in the scientific literature on the use of these herbs for kidney support, many of them (especially parsley and nettle) have been traditionally used for many years.[4]

One botanical, however, has been researched to show its role in kidney support. It is a fungus/mushroom called cordyceps (Cordyceps sinensis). Some studies have found that cordyceps, taken by patients with chronic kidney disease, was able to improve the kidneys’ ability to clear metabolites such as creatinine as well as decrease the amount of protein found in the urine.[5] The studies suggest that cordyceps, as an adjuvant to medical therapy, is helpful for supporting kidney function and to help reduce complications. For therapeutic purpose, it is probably best taken as a hot-water standardized extract in the form of a capsule. And more for the pleasure of taste, you can eventually add cordyceps in a powder form to soups and stews.

Supplements

This is one to talk to your naturopathic doctor about. It is important to find out if there are nutrients, like vitamin D or any of the B vitamins, that you may be deficient in and may be hard to get in your regular diet. Nutrient deficiencies may be even more pronounced if you have impaired kidney function. Your naturopathic doctor can help you test for nutrient deficiencies and replenish, as necessary.

It has even been shown that B vitamins, such as vitamin B6, can help break down kidney stones.[6]

Another supplement studied for its role in kidney health is N‑acetylcysteine (NAC). The research was first evaluated on its effects from radio contrast (dye from imaging) induced nephropathy. Studies are confliction for its use in the prevention of contrast induced kidney changes;[7], [8] however, it did create an interest and a systematic review in adults for the use of NAC in chronic kidney is being investigated.[9]

Also, to be mentioned, coenzyme Q10 shows improvements in many of the laboratory parameters linked to kidney function.[10]

Meditation

Did you know meditation can help your body if you suffer from a kidney disease? In fact, a study found that mindfulness meditation helped reduce blood pressure and adrenaline in patients with chronic kidney disease.[11] In this study, mindfulness meditation involved listening to a guided meditation for 14 minutes. There are, however, so many ways to meditate and be mindful, and it is usually best to find what works for you. Mindfulness meditation simply involves taking time to notice and observe your present moment with acceptance. You can even practice mindfulness when doing usual daily tasks like washing the dishes, cleaning, eating, or showering. Just pay attention to what is happening in the moment without judgment.

Conclusion

Now you have five simple ways to support the kidneys and live a healthy life with kidney disease: Eat well, move, drink tea, use other herbal supports or supplements if needed, and meditate. What is your favourite way to support the kidneys?