13 Natural Remedies For Kidney Disease

Kidney disease can be challenging to manage, but incorporating several natural remedies into your treatment plan may offer additional support. 

Your kidneys are essential organs that constantly filter waste from your blood to produce urine.

They’re also essential for your water and electrolyte balance and for producing several hormones that control blood pressure and making red blood cells. 

Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, making dietary adjustments, and several other remedies backed by scientific research are among the ways you can preserve kidney function or slow disease progression. Keep reading to learn more. 

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1. Stay Hydrated 

Appropriate hydration is an important aspect of managing kidney disease.

Because the precise amount of fluid intake can vary widely among individuals, it’s important to adhere to your doctor’s recommendations. 

A recent study suggests that an optimal daily water intake for those with chronic kidney disease falls within one to two liters daily.

The study was clear that too little and too much water intake can increase the risk of disease progression and that further research is needed to confirm their findings.  

Consider carrying a refillable water bottle with you to help you drink the right amount of water daily.

Some bottles have measurement indications on the sides to help you see how much water you’ve drank, keeping you on track. 

2. Consume Antioxidant-Rich Foods 

The direct impact of antioxidants on kidney function in individuals with kidney disease remains an area of ongoing research, and some results are inconclusive. 

However, a review of scientific studies suggests antioxidants could play a role in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events and may improve kidney function. 

Another study found positive effects on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures how much the kidneys can filter each minute. 

Antioxidants are in various foods, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

They help combat oxidative stress (an imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals) and can contribute to overall health and wellness. 

3. Incorporate Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Scientific evidence evaluating how following an anti-inflammatory diet affects kidney function is limited. 

However, a review of scientific studies found that diets high in proinflammatory foods like saturated fats and cholesterol are associated with widespread inflammation and a decline in kidney health. 

Conversely, an anti-inflammatory diet prioritizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to reduce inflammation.

To incorporate an anti-inflammatory diet into your lifestyle, prioritize eating nutrient-dense foods and limit highly processed and sugary items. 

4. Reduce Salt Intake

Limiting salt intake is essential if you have kidney disease. Salt is primarily composed of sodium, a mineral that plays a key role in controlling fluid balance in your body. 

When kidneys are not functioning properly, they’re less able to regulate sodium, leading to fluid retention, swelling, and increased blood pressure, which can further damage the kidneys. 

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends limiting sodium intake to no more than 2,300 mg per day.

However, your medical provider or dietitian may vary your number based on your stage of kidney disease. It’s recommended to adhere to their advice. 

To limit your salt intake, avoid eating highly processed foods and processed meats, as these are typically high in salt.

Get in the habit of checking the sodium level on nutrition labels.

To enjoy flavorful meals without added salt, learn to cook with fresh foods and use a variety of herbs, spices, and other natural enhancers. Examples include:

• Use lemon juice or vinegar to add zest.
• Infuse meals with garlic or onion.
• Experiment with spices like turmeric or cumin.

These alternatives help maintain a proper fluid balance and contribute to a kidney-friendly diet. 

5. Herbal Supplements 

Here is a word of caution.

While you may hear recommendations to try herbal supplements, using them if you have kidney disease warrants caution due to the many potential risks. 

Unlike prescription medications, the Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate dietary supplements for dosage and purity, leading to possible inconsistencies and potential contaminants that may further harm your kidneys.

Certain herbal supplements and vitamins can also have detrimental effects on your kidneys, causing more damage or interacting negatively with your prescription medications.

It’s crucial for you to consult with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements or vitamins. 

6. Manage Stress Levels 

Experiencing severe stress from a life-altering event such as the loss of a loved one, natural disasters, violence, or a diagnosis of a severe illness has been associated with the increased risk of acute kidney injury and progression of chronic kidney disease.

While the exact mechanisms of how extreme stress impacts kidney function remain unclear, experts speculate it may be due to physiologic changes in how the body reacts to stress or unhealthy coping mechanisms, including the misuse of alcohol or drugs.

The following coping mechanisms are recommended to reduce stress's effects on the kidneys. 

• Eat a balanced diet.
• Engage in regular physical activity.
• Get adequate sleep.
• Reach out to friends and family for help.
• Seek professional help when necessary. 

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7. Get The Right Amount Of Sleep

Not getting enough sleep has the potential to affect your kidney function negatively. 

One study from China found that middle-aged and older adults with normal kidney function who slept less than six hours each night were at higher risk of developing chronic kidney disease. 

Another study from Japan suggests that too much sleep may also be harmful to the kidneys.

The researchers found that adults who slept less than five hours a night or more than eight hours a night had a higher risk of end-stage kidney disease. 

Try the tips below to get better sleep:

• Establish a regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to regulate your body’s internal clock.
• Create a restful environment: Make your bedroom quiet, dark, and cool. Consider using blackout curtains, earplugs, or white noise machines.
• Limit screen time before bed: Turn off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime.
• Practice a relaxing bedtime routine: Engage in calming activities, such as reading, taking a warm bath, or completing relaxation stretching.
• Be mindful of your diet: Avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol close to bedtime.

8. Limit Alcohol Consumption 

Research on the impact of alcohol on kidney health has mixed results.

Some studies suggest that low to moderate alcohol intake could potentially have health benefits on kidney function.

However, they don’t suggest that non-drinkers should start consuming alcohol for its potential health benefits.

Other research warns that drinking alcohol may increase the risk of other conditions, such as cardiovascular disease, often associated with kidney disease.  

Given the conflicting findings, it’s recommended to limit alcohol intake or abstain altogether. 

9. Exercise Regularly

Researchers agree that exercise offers multiple benefits for kidney disease.

It helps lower blood pressure and improve heart health, which are both risks of kidney disease.

Exercise also aids in managing blood sugar levels and body weight, which are both important factors for those with diabetes and kidney disease. 

There are no specific recommendations regarding the type of exercise one should do; rather, any exercise offers benefits. 

Depending on your ability level, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevent suggests getting:

• 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly.
• Two days of muscle-strengthening activity.

10. Avoid Smoking

Smoking causes negative effects on your kidneys and may worsen the progression of your condition. 

Cigarette smoke contains harmful substances that decrease blood flow to the kidneys, which reduces their ability to work properly. 

Smoking is also a risk factor for developing high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, both of which are leading causes of kidney disease.

If you currently smoke, talk with your medical provider about help with smoking cessation.

11. Increase Vitamin D Intake

Vitamin D plays an important role in the normal functioning of your kidneys, and being deficient in it can cause further kidney dysfunction.

Vitamin D is also needed to maintain healthy bones, manage blood sugar levels, and remove toxins from the body.

To increase vitamin D intake, eat foods such as:

• Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and tuna).
• Fortified dairy and cereal products.
• Egg yolks.

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Talk with your medical provider or dietitian about the possibility of supplementing vitamin D.

12. Limit Processed and High-Fat Foods

Highly processed foods are often high in sodium, phosphorus, and added potassium, which can overload the kidneys and cause further damage to them and other essential organs. Instead, choose minimally processed foods or whole foods. 

Saturated fats and trans fats can cause cholesterol to build up in your blood vessels, increasing your risk of heart disease, a condition people with kidney disease are already at high risk for. 

Saturated fats come from animal products such as poultry, red meat, and butter and are usually solid at room temperature.

Trans fats include hydrogenated vegetable oils such as margarine and vegetable shortening, often used in fried foods and baked goods. 

Instead, learn to cook with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats such as canola, peanut, corn, and safflower oils.

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13. Eat More Whole Foods

Unlike highly processed foods, whole foods are naturally lower in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.

They also provide essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health. 

Examples of how to incorporate more whole foods include:

• Choosing fresh or frozen vegetables instead of canned.
• Opting for brown rice or barley over instant rice or pre-packaged flavored grains.
• Choosing to eat a lean protein source such as a chicken breast rather than red meat.
• Incorporating more fish into your diet.
• Snacking on veggie sticks with low-salt hummus instead of chips.
• Eating fresh fruits rather than a baked treat.

Takeaway

Managing kidney disease through natural remedies involves a holistic approach that includes lifestyle and dietary modifications. 

Be sure to keep yourself adequately hydrated without drinking too much water.

Check with your medical provider or dietitian to find out how much daily water is good for you. 

Learn to cook with whole foods and skip highly processed foods.

Whole foods are generally anti-inflammatory, high in antioxidants, and low in sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.

Ensuring sufficient vitamin D through diet or supplements is important due to its role in bone health and calcium absorption, a process often compromised in kidney disease.

Getting enough sleep at night and managing stress in healthy ways can help reduce progressive kidney damage.

Avoid using herbal supplements as these can have detrimental effects on your kidneys or interact with medications.

Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol can further prevent damage to the kidneys.

Regular exercise is essential for maintaining cardiovascular health and managing blood pressure, both of which are crucial for kidney health.

Adopting these healthy habits may slow disease progression and improve your quality of life by promoting overall kidney function.

How a Dietitian Can Help

A renal dietitian can provide personalized nutrition advice and be invaluable in helping you manage your kidney disease.

They thoroughly assess your dietary habits and stage of kidney disease to create a customized meal plan.

This plan will focus on helping you control your intake of certain nutrients, such as sodium, potassium, phosphorus, proteins, and fluids, which are critical for kidney function.

Your dietitian can also provide ongoing support in helping you make sustainable dietary changes and adjust your plan as needed. 

Find a dietitian who accepts insurance through Nourish. 

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