For your kidneys to stay in the best condition possible, certain vitamins are essential. These vitamins are vitamin A, D, E, K, C, niacin, folic acid, B-complex vitamins, B5, and biotin. People with chronic kidney disorders can also take these vitamins to improve their health.
Eating for Liver and Kidney Health
Include vegetables and lean protein – like fish, eggs, poultry or legumes – at every meal, and limit your intake of saturated fat, sodium and sugar.
Vitamins that are typically recommended for CKD patients:
B1, B2, B6, B 12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, and biotin, as well as some vitamin C, are essential vitamins for people with CKD. Vitamin C may be suggested in low doses as large doses can cause a buildup of oxalate.
CoQ10, silymarin, resveratrol, and lipoic acid are also clinically supported, potent interventions. Omega-3 fatty acids help quell inflammation, contributing to enhanced kidney health. A host of additional nutrients complement these actions, including folic acid (folate) and vitamins C and E.
Drink plenty of fluids
Regular, consistent water intake is healthy for your kidneys. Water helps clear sodium and toxins from your kidneys. It also lowers your risk of chronic kidney disease. Aim for at least 1.5 to 2 liters in a day.
You may need to avoid some vitamins and minerals if you have kidney disease. Some of these include vitamins A, E and K. These vitamins are more likely to build up in your body and can cause harm if you have too much.
Fruit juices
Citrate, or citric acid, is found in lemons, oranges, apple cider vinegar, beet juice, and melon juices. These are also great for flushing your kidneys and to help increase your fluid intake. Citrate prevents calcium in the urine from forming kidney stones by binding to it.
While plain water is the best drink for your kidneys, other fluids are perfectly acceptable, including coffee, green tea, low-potassium juices, and infused water. Avoid sweetened, carbonated beverages and coconut water.
Bhumyamalaki and Katuki are cleansing herbs that support liver and kidney health, while Punarnava is a whole system rejuvenator.
Blood Tests. Because your kidneys remove waste, toxins, and extra fluid from the blood, a doctor will also use a blood test to check your kidney function. The blood tests will show how well your kidneys are doing their job and how quickly the waste is being removed.
Taking too much vitamin D can cause problems such as constipation and nausea and, in more serious cases, kidney stones and kidney damage.
Even more alarmingly, over-the-counter medicines, common prescriptions and nutritional supplements can have serious effects on kidney function. You are at higher risk if your kidneys aren't completely healthy to begin with, says nephrologist Robert Heyka, MD.
Kidney-friendly foods
Fruit: apples, cranberries, grapes, pineapple, and strawberries. Vegetables: cauliflower, lettuce, onions, peppers, and radishes.
Lemons contain citrate, which helps prevent calcium from building up and forming stones in your kidneys. Interestingly, the benefit doesn't seem to be present in oranges, making lemon a unique tool in kidney stone prevention.
The good news is that acute kidney failure can often be reversed. The kidneys usually start working again within several weeks to months after the underlying cause has been treated. Dialysis is needed until then.
Green tea and green tea extract have been linked to powerful liver-protective effects.