These 14 Foods Will Improve Your Kidneys’ Ability To Detox Like Never Before! (courtecy-;-daily health post )-
These 14 Foods Will Improve Your Kidneys’ Ability To Detox Like Never Before! (courtecy-;-daily health post )-
Sometimes back pain can be a sign of a much more serious condition.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, more than 26 million Americans have kidney disease and 1 in 3 American adults is currently at risk for developing the disease. In the United States, kidney disease kills more people than breast or prostate cancer (1).
Major risk factors for kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of kidney failure and being 60 or older. Additional risk factors include kidney stones, smoking, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
Why Kidneys Are Important
Kidneys don’t just filter the blood of toxins, they also clear extra fluid from the body, manage electrolyte levels, regulates blood hormone levels, regulates blood pressure, makes new red blood cells and keeps your bones strong. Kidneys are so efficient that it’s possible to survive with just one (2).
The first signs of kidney failure include (3):
- Fatigue, weakness
- Difficult, painful urination
- Foamy urine
- Pink, dark urine (blood in urine)
- Increased need to urinate (especially at night)
- Puffy eyes
- Increased thirst
Perhaps one of the most dangerous side effects of unhealthy kidneys is edema, or water retention, characterized by swollen face, hands, abdomen, ankles and feet. This occurs when the kidneys can’t expel enough fluid or salt from the body. This can lead to diseases of the heart, liver, and other essential organs (4).
14 Kidney-Boosting Foods
Some of the herbs on this list are unsafe for pregnant women and may interfere with prescription medication. Consult with your doctor or naturopath before use.
20 Best Foods To Keep Your Kidneys Healthy
The kidneys are extremely important organs. These natural filters help remove extra water and toxins from the blood, stimulate RBC production, and control blood pressure (1). But sadly, most of us take these vital organs for granted. According to the National Kidney Foundation, millions of people are affected by kidney disease (2). Besides the high treatment cost, the excruciating pain your body and loved ones will go through is unimaginable. So, start taking care now. Here is a list of foods for a healthy kidney you should add to your diet. Swipe up!
20 Foods For Healthy Kidneys
1. Water
Cal – 0 Protein – 0 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 0g
Water is a miracle potion. It has the power to bring you back to health. But do not go overboard. The recommended amount of water to be consumed every day is 8 glasses for women and 13 for men. It is best to consult your doctor to understand how many glasses of water you should drink per day depending on the condition of your kidneys and daily activity.
2. Cabbage
Cal – 22 Protein – 1 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 5 g
Cabbage is a leafy vegetable that is packed with phytochemicals. The antioxidants present in it help scavenge the harmful free radicals in the body, thereby reducing the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and renal dysfunction. Cabbage is a rich source of vitamins and minerals, but not the ones that are potentially harmful to the kidneys.
3. Red Bell Pepper
Cal – 46.2 Protein – 1 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 9 g
Red bell peppers are good for kidney health as they are low in potassium. They also add color and taste to the dish, along with vitamins C, B6, A, folic acid, and fiber. Red bell peppers contain the antioxidant lycopene that offers protection against some types of cancer. You can add red bell peppers to tuna, chicken salad or just have them raw.
4. Onion
Cal – 64 Protein – 2 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 15 g
Onion breath might be a turn-off, but onions help keep your kidneys properly functioning. They contain flavonoids and quercetin that prevent the deposition of fatty material in the blood vessels. Quercetin is an antioxidant that can reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer. Onions are kidney-friendly and low in potassium. They also contain chromium that helps metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.
5. Asparagus
Cal – 27 Protein – 3 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 5 g
Asparagus is low-cal and loaded with vitamins A, K, and C. In hypertensive rats, asparagus had shown to preserve renal function (3). But it is a little on the higher side in minerals like potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. So, you must talk to your doctor before consuming asparagus. You can grill it or blanch with other kidney-friendly foods for dinner or lunch.
6. Garlic
Cal – 203 Protein – 9 g Fat – 1 g Carbs – 45 g
Like onions, garlic has a pungent smell. However, it is one of the most potent herbal medicines. Plus, it helps enhance the flavor of foods to which it is added. Researchers have found significant evidence that garlic juice, along with metformin (a drug prescribed for diabetes type 2 patients), showed renoprotective effects (4).
7. Cauliflower
Cal – 25 Protein – 2 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 5 g
Cauliflower is a kidney-friendly cruciferous superfood that is a rich source of vitamin C, folate, and fiber. It also contains compounds that are important for the liver and neutralize toxic substances in the body. Cauliflower can be consumed boiled, blanched, raw, as a dip, or in salads.
8. Apples
Cal – 65 Protein – 0 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 17 g
Apple is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that help reduce bad cholesterol, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes (5). Since diabetes is closely related to renal failure, consuming apples can help protect you from kidney problems. Apples can be eaten raw or cooked. You can also make a tasty beverage.
9. Cranberries
Cal – 51 Protein – 0 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 13 g
Cranberry juice is a popular home remedy for urinary tract infection (UTI). Due to its antioxidant properties, it is a great natural antibiotic that prevents any bacterial growth in the digestive tract or the kidneys. A research study showed that cranberries had the potential to treat calcium oxalate kidney stone (6). Always consume fresh cranberries or use fresh ones to make juice. However, do not drink too much of it to prevent overworking the kidneys.
10. Fatty Fish
Cal – 175 Protein – 19 g Fat – 10 g Carbs – 0 g
Fish is a high-quality source of protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Among the components of PUFA are omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for reducing inflammation, scavenging free oxygen radicals, preventing heart disease, lowering LDL cholesterol, and protecting the kidneys. Scientists have found that consuming fish PUFAs can slow down the progression of kidney disease (7). Research also suggests to avoid consuming blue bobo, parrot sand bass, and yellowedge, and instead consume yellowtail snapper, broomtail grouper, and southern flounder (8).
11. Pumpkin Seeds
Cal – 285 Protein – 12 g Fat – 12 g Carbs – 34 g
These bright green seeds are more than just pretty. Loaded with dietary fiber, vitamin E, zinc, protein, copper, and iron, they have been scientifically proven to lower the risk of bladder stones (9). Since the seeds are also high in phosphorus and might increase the potassium levels in your body, talk to your doctor before consuming them if you have renal issues.
12. Lemon Juice
Cal – 61 Protein – 1 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 21 g
Lemon juice has the potential to help treat kidney problems. The vitamin C and citric acid in it help maintain the internal pH, promoting better health and stronger immunity. Drink lemon juice in the morning or before lunch. Make sure to dilute it in a cup of water and refrain from adding refined sugar.
13. Raspberries
Cal – 140 Protein – 1 g Fat – 1 g Carbs – 15 g
Raspberries contain ellagic acid that neutralizes the harmful free radicals in the human body. Dr. Joan Brookhyser Hogan recommends raspberries for patients with kidney disease in Dialysis & Transplantation (10). The red color indicates that these berries contain anthocyanins, and they are also a good source of dietary fiber, vitamin C, manganese, and folate. Raspberries are also helpful in preventing cancer cell growth.
14. Purple Sweet Potato
Cal – 180 Protein – 2 g Fat – 1 g Carbs – 32 g
As mentioned earlier, kidney failure or disease is closely related to diabetes. And diabetes is connected to bad eating habits and obesity. So, if you are obese, your kidneys might get affected. In this context, scientists have conducted experiments by feeding obese laboratory mice with purple sweet potatoes and found that they helped reduce inflammation and body weight. This, in turn, could help prevent kidney dysfunction (11). However, you should talk to your doctor before consuming these as they are high in potassium.
15. Blueberries
Cal – 84 Protein – 1 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 21 g
Blueberries are packed with antioxidants that help cleanse the body of toxins. They are rich in nutrients that can help reduce inflammation. Researchers found that blueberries could help inhibit the signaling pathways that lead to renal failure in animals with metabolic syndrome (12). So, include them in your breakfast to lose weight and protect your kidneys.
16. Strawberries
Cal – 49 Protein – 1 g Fat – 0 g Carbs – 12 g
Strawberries are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamin C, manganese, and fiber. They have anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties and are a good choice for a healthy heart and kidneys. However, their contribution to better kidney health is contested. So, talk to your doctor before consuming them.
17. Cherries
Cal – 51 Protein – 1 g Fat – 0.3 g Carbs – 13 g
Cherries are a rich source of antioxidants and phytochemicals that help protect your heart and kidneys. Consuming them daily helps in reducing inflammation in the body, especially in the kidneys.
18. Red Grapes
Cal – 104 Protein – 1.1 g Fat – 0.2 g Carbs – 27 g
Red grapes are loaded with a natural polyphenolic compound known as resveratrol, which offers many health benefits like improving heart health and protecting the kidneys. Resveratrol helps ameliorate renal injuries, such as ischemia-perfusion injury, drug-induced injury, diabetic nephropathy, etc. (13). So, consume red grapes in adequate amounts to boost the health of your kidneys.
19. Kale
Cal – 33 Protein – 2.9 g Fat – 0.6 g Carbs – 6 g
Kale is a rich source of nutrients that regulate the postprandial blood sugar levels. Since, diabetes is closely related to kidney failure, consuming kale can help take care of both diabetes and diabetic nephropathy (14). However, you must talk to your doctor before consuming kale, especially if you are already suffering from kidney disease.
20. Watermelon
Cal – 46 Protein – 0.9 g Fat – 0.2 g Carbs – 11 g
Watermelon is loaded with a potent antioxidant – lycopene. It helps scavenge the harmful free oxygen radicals, thereby preventing renal injury (15). But do not to consume watermelon in huge quantities as that can backfire. Talk to your doctor before consuming it if you already are suffering from kidney disease.
This is the list of foods you can consume after consulting your doctor. Now, let me tell you which foods you must avoid at all costs.
Foods To Avoid
To keep your kidneys healthy, you must consider tweaking your lifestyle. Avoid consuming too many protein-loaded foods or foods that are, in general, not good for health. You should also go for walks or run to keep your body functioning properly. Finally, always keep your doctor informed about your food habits if you are suffering from kidney disease. We hope this list of foods for a healthy kidney has given you a better idea on where to begin. Remember, it’s not too late – start now! Good luck!
11 Signs of Kidney Cancer (and How to Manage it Naturally)
We may not hear a lot about kidney cancer but it is the twelfth most common cancer in the world. (1) Kidney cancer symptoms aren’t always straightforward, especially in the begining stages. This can make it difficult to diagnose. Kidney cancer includes cancer of the whole organ itself (renal cell carcinoma) and renal pelvis cancer, a rarer form that occurs in the center part of the kidney (the renal pelvis). Approximately 340,000 new cases of kidney cancer occur each year worldwide. The overall incidence of new cases of kidney cancer, however, has plateaued over the last several years. (2)
Research has found the following primary causes of kidney cancer:
- Cigarette smoking
- Hypertension
- Medications containing phenacitin and cyclophosphamide (3, 4, 5)
- Obesity – the World Cancer Research Fund International states:“…about 24% of kidney cancer cases could be prevented in the USA if everyone had a healthy weight. The estimate was about 19% for the UK, 13% for Brazil and 8% for China.” (6)
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Lifestyle – diet, lack of regular physical activity, occupational exposure to toxins (7):“RCC [renal cell cancer] may also be due, in part, to unhealthy lifestyle factors that have been on the increase over the past several decades,” write a 2001 study. (8)
How Your Kidneys Work
We have two kidneys, located just below the rib cage on either side of the spine. Each are about the size of a fist.
Their function is to filter waste and toxins out of the blood, turning them into urine. The urine then travels through the ureters to the bladder, which holds urine until passed out of the body through the urethra.
Every day, the kidneys filter 120-150 quarts of blood and another 50 quarts of other fluids. (9) Kidneys also regulate the amount of salt, potassium, and acids in the body. They also secrete hormones that regulate blood pressure and the metabolism of calcium, metabolize vitamin D from other body chemicals, and promote the creation of red blood cells. (10)
Each kidney contains approximately one million tiny filters called nephrons that contain even smaller filters that allow small liquid molecules to pass through but block larger molecules (such as blood cells and proteins) to return to the bloodstream. The liquids then pass through tubes that further filter the liquid, returning nutrients to the blood and sending waste down the line for processing as urine. (11)
Without your kidneys (you need one fully-functioning kidney to survive), your body cannot eliminate waste and it becomes septic.
11 Kidney Cancer Symptoms
Kidney cancer often goes undiagnosed because the signs of kidney cancer often don’t manifest until later stages. It’s common for a tumor to be found when examining for other illness or when certain seemingly separate conditions exist. (12) It’s important, therefore, to know the subtle kidney cancer symptoms so that if it occurs, it can be caught early and treated.
1. Blood in Your Urine
Because the kidneys filter blood and other bodily fluids, forming urine from the waste, blood in the urine (hematuria) is one of the most obvious kidney cancer symptoms. However, other conditions can also result in blood in the urine, such as kidney stones or a urinary tract infection. (13) In fact, blood in the urine is most often caused by something other than kidney cancer. (
In fact, blood in the urine is most often caused by something other than kidney cancer. (14) If your urine is regularly red, pink, or brownish over the course of a week or two, however, it’s wise to see your healthcare provider to check it out.
2. Pain in Your Back and Sides
The kidneys sit next to your spine, so naturally, kidney disorders can cause back pain. In fact, pressure from a tumor can cause pain in the back and side(s) of the torso that doesn’t go away in a short period of time. (15)
3. Chronic Fatigue
There are many possible causes of fatigue. When it comes to cancer of all kinds, however:
When it comes to cancer of all kinds, however:
“Fatigue is one of the most common and debilitating symptoms experienced by patients with cancer. Cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is characterized by feelings of tiredness, weakness, and lack of energy, and is distinct from the “normal” drowsiness experienced by healthy individuals in that it is not relieved by rest or sleep.
It occurs both as a consequence of the cancer itself and as a side effect of cancer treatment…CRF may be an early symptom of malignant disease and is reported by as many as 40% of patients at diagnosis,” writes The Oncologist. (16)
4. Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss can be due to something as simple as stress or it can be a symptom of more serious illness. When cancer affects the digestive system (of which the kidneys are a part), the processing and elimination of waste are impacted. Appetite may decrease without you really noticing because you just don’t feel like eating. (18)
5. Odd Blood Work
As mentioned, kidney cancer symptoms don’t often appear at the genesis of the disease. Blood and other diagnostic tests (e.g., ultrasound) administered for other reasons may return suspect results that indicate further testing is required. A sign of kidney cancer is high calcium levels in the blood. (19)
6. A Lump in Your Side
A tumor in the kidney can push out muscle and connective tissue as it grows. A palpable lump that appears on either side around the base of your ribcage, in your mid-to-lower back, or in your abdomen can indicate a tumor. (20) The pressure caused by the tumor can translate to lower back or abdominal pain. (21)
7. A Fever that Just Won’t Quit
Fever is a natural indication that your immune system is working overtime to fight infection. Most fevers disappear after a couple of days, once the body has the infection under control. Persistent or recurrent fever isn’t necessarily a sign of kidney cancer but it is definitely one of the most apparent. (22) Whenever a fever occurs and lingers with no identifiable causal connection such as flu or infection, it’s time to seek professional attention.
8. Swelling of the Legs and Ankles
Edema is the accumulation of fluid in the body’s tissues, especially the extremities. Swelling caused by edema can be a tell-tale kidney cancer symptom, as impaired kidney function often means that sodium in the body isn’t adequately eliminated and builds up, causing you to retain water. (23)
9. High Blood Pressure
Medical research on kidney cancer symptoms has found a connection between hypertension (high blood pressure) and renal cell carcinoma. In a 2009 study, 79.3% of people with kidney cancer also experienced high blood pressure. Additionally, cardiovascular disease is a risk factor for kidney cancer; in this particular study, the data suggested that renal cell carcinoma can cause hypertension. (24)
10. Anemia
Because the kidneys play a role in the processes that create new red blood cells, the anemia can be one of the most common kidney cancer symptoms. It’s also a common symptom of kidney dysfunction. (25)
Anemia can mean either too few red blood cells or too little hemoglobin within them(26). In most cases, anemia treatment involves eating more iron-rich foods.
This condition is characterized by (27):
- persistent fatigue/lack of energy
- pale skin
- headaches
- light-headedness
- racing or irregular heartbeat
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- frequent infections
- skin rashes
- diarrhea
- smooth tongue
- dark urine
- abdominal pain
- edema
- jaundice
11. Loss of Appetite
In addition to feeling generally tired and crummy, kidney disease can cause uremia, the build-up of toxins in the blood. It’s very common to experience nausea and vomiting with uremia. (28) Stomach queasiness tends to make us not very hungry, so it’s normal to feel less hungry than usual.
Kidney Cancer Prognosis
The kidney cancer survival rate depends on the stage at which kidney cancer symptoms are recognized, the cancer is found and treatment is begun. It also depends on the general health of the individual.
Additionally, most cases of kidney cancer occur in people over the age of 65; at that time in life there may be other health issues that affect their kidney cancer prognosis.
“Survival rate” is defined as the number of years of life after diagnosis. It does not discount for other health factors, such as cardiovascular disease, which is common in the case of kidney cancer patients. Further, it is based on observed deaths, and not all cases are diagnosed or reported for inclusion.
Generally speaking, the advancement of cancer is divided into four stages by the American Joint Committee on Cancer. Stages are based on how much cancer is found in the body, where it’s located, how far it has spread, and the condition of the original tumor. The Stages range from 1-4: from most contained to most prevalent. (29, 30)
| Stage | 5-year
Survival Rate
|
| I | 81% |
| II | 74% |
| III | 53% |
| IV | 8% |
A separate system developed at the University of California at Los Angeles that’s specific to kidney cancer survival rates evaluates only deaths from kidney cancer and includes no other causes. It applies risk evaluations to its reporting into low-, medium-, and high-risk groups. The risk factors include evaluation of the cancer itself and the individual’s overall health. (31)
| Risk | 5-year
Survival Rate
|
| Low | 97% |
| Medium | 81% |
| High | 62% |
Once cancer has spread to the lymphatic system and/or other organs, kidney cancer prognosis drastically decreases:
| Risk | 5-year
Survival Rate
|
| Low | 41% |
| Medium | 18% |
| High | 8% |
Managing Cancer Naturally
Conventional treatment for kidney disease (including cancer) consists of radiation, surgery, toxic chemicals and, in the case of renal failure, dialysis.
“Treatment of advanced and metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) was, until recently, limited to cytokine-based therapies, which are associated with modest response rates and significant toxicity, including high rates of treatment-related fatigue,” writes a 2010 study. (32)
Side effects of these treatments are almost as bad as the disease:
- feeling and being sick
- indigestion
- high blood pressure
- sores in the mouth, hands, feet
- loss of appetite and weight loss
- exhaustion
- nausea
- pain
- constipation
- depression
- infertility
- skin rash
- diarrhea
- cough
- shortness of breath
- impaired thyroid function
Radiotherapy:
- fatigue
- feeling and being sick
- diarrhea
- reddening of the skin in the treatment area
- nausea and vomiting
- hair loss
First Steps
If you have kidney (or any other) cancer, it is possible to avoid the prescribed aggressive and toxic treatments.
Here’s what you need to do:
- Right off the top:
- Stop smoking cigarettes
- manage high blood pressure
- achieve and maintain a healthy weight
- cut out junk food and refined sugar
- regulate salt intake
- maintain or begin a regular exercise regimen (consult with your healthcare provider first)
- What you eat impacts every function of every cell in your body. Certain foods support kidney function:
- Kidney detoxifiers: cranberries, nettle, yarrow, turmeric, parsley, dandelion, ginger, parsley
- Nature’s cancer killers: soursop, cannabis, bitter melon, apricot kernels, broccoli and watercress, jackfruit, green tea, red grapes, tomatoes, spirulina, garlic, Brazil nuts, oregano, cacao, and many more. Try a smoothie or juice with a little bit of a lot of these for best results.
- Active cannabinoid receptors reside in the kidneys. Cannabinoid deficiency in the kidneys significantly reduces renal function. (36) Consider supplementing with cannabidiol (CBD) oil.
- Manage stress
- Homeopathic cancer treatments:
“…homeopathy has efficacy in treating cancer. However, regulatory agencies are not likely to recommend homeopathic treatment any time soon because the clinical evidence is still insufficient…homeopathic drugs have proven biological action in cancer; in vitro and in vivo, in animals and humans, in the lower, as well as in the higher potencies…Since most conventional treatments continue to be associated with severe adverse and sometimes fatal effects… it would seem plausible and worthwhile, even urgent, to step up the research on… homeopathic treatment of cancer and other diseases.” (37)
- Do some research. In addition to our suggestions, there is a vast body of knowledge available to those who seek it.
Parting Thoughts
Cancer is not a natural state of being. What works for one person may not work for another— but that doesn’t invalidate the approach. Monitor your kidney cancer symptoms, find a healthcare provider who supports and respects your position on alternative therapies. Don’t be bullied by conventional wisdom, as it is so often proven wrong.
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