Kidney health supplements can support function, especially if deficient, with common ones including B vitamins (B6, B12, Folic Acid) for energy/red blood cells, Vitamin D (crucial for kidney patients), Iron, and Omega-3s for inflammation, but always consult a doctor, as some herbs/vitamins (like high-dose Vitamin C, some ginsengs) can harm failing kidneys or interact negatively, and supplements aren't a cure.
Vitamins for Kidney Health
Excess potassium and phosphorus, common in some electrolyte supplements, can also harm kidneys. Additionally, some herbs like ginseng and licorice may have adverse effects on kidney health. It's important to consult a healthcare provider before starting supplements, especially if you have kidney concerns.
Maintain a balanced diet: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help reduce the strain on your kidneys. Control salt intake: High sodium levels can increase blood pressure, harming your kidneys. Limit your salt intake to no more than 5 grams per day.
More study is needed, but in general, no supplements have definitively been shown to help kidney function. SOURCES: American Kidney Fund: “Medicines to manage kidney disease.” Cleveland Clinic: “Supplements + OTCs May Hurt Your Kidneys.”
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors
These medications work by inhibiting the production of angiotensin II, a hormone that constricts blood vessels. ACE inhibitors contribute to the dilation of blood vessels, alleviating pressure on the kidneys and ultimately enhancing kidney health.
Vitamin B6, also referred to as pyridoxine, is a water-soluble vitamin that is good for kidney health. Vitamin B6 is beneficial for reducing urinary oxalate excretion, which is one of the risk factors for kidney stones caused by the buildup of calcium oxalate crystals.
Acute kidney failure can be caused by factors like severe dehydration, infections, or blockages. The good news is that with the right treatment, it's often possible to reverse kidney disease in these cases. Your kidneys can return to normal function after the underlying issue is resolved.
12 of the Best Drinks for Kidney Health
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Here's a breakdown of the six most common supplements people with CKD may need to support kidney health.
Over-the-counter NSAIDS
They are not safe to use when you have kidney disease. Ibuprofen, such as Advil™ and Motrin™. Naproxen, such as Aleve™ and Naprosyn™. Aspirin for pain relief.
Take action to prevent, delay, or manage CKD:
Beets and their juices contain Betaine which increases urine acidity, prevents build-up of struvite and calcium phosphate and reduces the chances of kidney stone formation. Other effective cleansing agents are coconut water, cucumber juice and cherries.
Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. (Family Leguminosae). It is one of the most widely used herbs in traditional Chinese medicine for treating kidney diseases.
Considering that phosphate overload causes kidney damage, magnesium might counteract the phosphate toxicity to the kidney, as in the case of vascular calcification. This hypothesis is supported by an in vitro observation that magnesium alleviates proximal tubular cell injury induced by high phosphate.
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, while also managing blood pressure and blood sugar to prevent damage.
Interestingly, treatment with APCV apparently enhanced the ability of the kidney to prevent creatinine accumulation in the blood by lowering the upsurge by 20.51%. This probably indicates that APCV protected rat kidneys against the damaging effects of CCl4.
Phenolic compounds found in ginger can also provide protection against kidney damage caused by renal ischemia/reperfusion and sepsis. Researches also indicate positive impacts in treating diabetic nephropathy and renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Nausea and vomiting, muscle cramps, loss of appetite, swelling via feet and ankles, dry, itchy skin, shortness of breath, trouble sleeping, urinating either too much or too little. However, these are usually in the later stages, but they can also happen in other disorders.
In the general population, approximately 38% of adults aged 70 or older have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, with most having moderate reductions in eGFR in the 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 range (1).
ProRenal+D 90-Day Supply Daily Kidney Multivitamin ProRenal +D is a complete daily multivitamin specially formulated to support the kidney health of people with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) or End Stage Renal Disease.
For instance, turmeric supplements may increase your risk of kidney stones, especially if this runs in your family. Curcumin supplements contain much higher concentrations of the compound than a person would consume by eating food flavored with the spice or by drinking turmeric tea.
Vitamin B12 supplements may help treat certain symptoms of kidney disease. They can assist in preventing anemia and may also treat vitamin B12 deficiencies, which are common in people with kidney disease. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin.