When I see people in the wellness space talking about detoxing, organs, and more I definitely see the kidneys neglected, although I think they are one of the most important. They are the body's filtration system- and if i payed attention to the kidneys earlier in my journey I would have gotten rid of some symptoms sooner!
What are the kidneys?
The kidneys are vital organs in the human body, responsible for crucial physiological functions. Positioned on either side of the spine just below the ribcage, these bean-shaped structures function as the body's primary filtration system. The key role of the kidneys is to filter blood, removing waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes to produce urine. They contribute significantly to maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, regulating blood pressure, and ensuring proper pH levels in the body. Additionally, the kidneys play a pivotal role in the production of red blood cells, detoxification by filtering out toxins, and the activation of vitamin D for calcium metabolism. The kidneys are indispensable for sustaining internal equilibrium, and any disruption in their function can have profound implications on overall health.
What do the kidneys do?
Each person typically has two kidneys, located on either side of the spine, just below the ribcage.
The main functions of the kidneys include:
Filtration of Blood:
The kidneys filter the blood to remove waste products, excess fluids, and electrolytes, which are then excreted as urine.
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance:
The kidneys help regulate the balance of water and electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and chloride) in the body, maintaining a stable internal environment.
Acid-Base Balance:
By excreting hydrogen ions and reabsorbing bicarbonate, the kidneys help regulate the body's acid-base balance and maintain a relatively constant pH.
Blood Pressure Regulation:
The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by controlling the volume of blood and the concentration of certain ions. They release the enzyme renin, which is part of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
Erythropoiesis Regulation:
The kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow.
Detoxification:
The kidneys help eliminate various toxins and drugs from the body by filtering them from the bloodstream.
Metabolism of Vitamin D:
The kidneys convert inactive vitamin D into its active form, which is essential for calcium absorption in the intestines and bone health.
Glucose Regulation:
The kidneys play a role in glucose homeostasis by reabsorbing glucose as needed.
Symptoms of kidney issues:
Constipation
Tired but wired feeling
Frequent urination
Bad breath
Poor appetite
Swelling of ankles and feet
Dry & itchy skin
Puffiness under eyes
Shortness of breath
Dehydrated
Kidney stones or history of stones
Fatigue
Difficulty sleeping
Grief
Muscle cramps
Foam in urine
Inability to concentrate
Lower back pain
Gout
What stresses the kidneys?
Several factors can contribute to stress on the kidneys, potentially leading to kidney damage or dysfunction.
Mold:
Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin widely found in various foods and feeds that have a deleterious effect on humans and animals. It has been shown that OTA causes multiorgan toxicity, and the kidney is the main target of OTA among them. More molds and how they stress the kidneys below:
PMID: 34941686
Aspergillus is producing oxalate, and these oxalates find their way into general circulation and into the kidneys they could cause or contribute to kidney stones.
Mold may increase or decrease a-diuretic hormone (Vasopressin) affecting the balance of water and electrolytes in the body stimulating hormone, as a high-level influencer of other hormonal process, may be greatly suppressed. Which often leads to dehydration and causes stress on the kidneys.
Metals:
"Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr) and platinum (Pt) are a major environmental and occupational hazard. These non-essential elements are toxic at very low doses and non-biodegradable with a very long biological half-life. Thus, exposure to heavy metals is potentially harmful. Because of its ability to reabsorb and accumulate divalent metals, the kidney is the first target organ of heavy metal toxicity."
Mercury can induce oxidative stress in the kidneys. It generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are highly reactive molecules that can damage cell structures, including proteins, lipids, and DNA. Persistent oxidative stress can contribute to inflammation and cell damage in the kidneys. Did you know that mercury is primarly detoxed through bile? Support the gallbladder here with TUDCA and Golden Thread Supreme.
Dehydration:
Dehydration can stress the kidneys by reducing their ability to perform their essential functions. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the body, and when there is insufficient water intake, several physiological processes can be affected, leading to increased stress on the kidneys.
When the body is dehydrated, the kidneys adjust by producing concentrated urine to conserve water. While this is an adaptive response to water scarcity, it also means that the concentration of waste products in the urine increases. Over time, the concentration of these substances can potentially lead to kidney stress and damage.
Dehydration can result in an increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels. These are markers of kidney function, and elevated levels may indicate reduced kidney perfusion and impaired filtration.
Dehydration can disrupt the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, in the body. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the proper balance of these electrolytes, and dehydration can lead to imbalances, affecting various physiological processes and stressing the kidneys.
Drink clean quality water-at least your body weight in oz a day! Don't forget to add minerals.
Glyphosate:
Glyphosate can chelate (bind to) certain minerals, affecting their availability for absorption and utilization. This alteration in mineral homeostasis may influence kidney function, as the kidneys play a role in the regulation of electrolytes and minerals in the body.
Glyphosate inhibits the enzyme 5-enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSP synthase), which is involved in the synthesis of aromatic amino acids in plants. While humans and animals do not possess the EPSP synthase enzyme, the gut microbiota, which plays a crucial role in nutrient metabolism, does. Disruption of the gut microbiota and its metabolic processes could potentially influence kidney function indirectly.
Just another reason to reach for organic when you can! Add in something like Glyph-X Supreme as well.
Certain medications:
Keep in mind, you may need to use these short term- the concern is longterm use.
Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
Naproxen (Aleve)
Aspirin (in high doses)
Certain Antibiotics:
Aminoglycosides (e.g., gentamicin, tobramycin)
Cephalosporins (in some cases, especially in those with pre-existing kidney conditions)
Vancomycin (in high doses)
Diuretics (Water Pills):
Furosemide (Lasix)
Hydrochlorothiazide
Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitors:
Enalapril
Lisinopril
Ramipril
Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers (ARBs):
Losartan
Valsartan
Irbesartan
Immunosuppressive Drugs:
Cyclosporine
Tacrolimus
Chemotherapy Drugs:
Cisplatin
Methotrexate
Antiviral Medications:
Acyclovir
Indinavir
Contrast Agents Used in Imaging Studies:
Iodinated contrast agents (used in CT scans and angiography)
Certain Analgesics:
Acetaminophen (in high doses or prolonged use)
Parasites:
Schistosoma spp.:
Schistosoma parasites, including Schistosoma haematobium, can cause urogenital schistosomiasis. The eggs of these parasites can lodge in the urinary tract, leading to inflammation, bladder damage, and kidney involvement. Chronic infections may contribute to conditions like hydronephrosis and obstructive uropathy.
Plasmodium spp. (Malaria):
Severe cases of malaria, caused by Plasmodium falciparum, can lead to complications such as renal failure. Malarial parasites can directly affect kidney function, leading to conditions like malarial nephropathy.
Herbs: Melia aka Neem, Para 2, Sage
Leishmania spp.:
Leishmaniasis, caused by Leishmania parasites, can affect various organs, including the kidneys. The parasites may cause glomerulonephritis and tubulointerstitial nephritis.
Herbs: Clove, Tulsi AKA Holy basil, Para 2 and Para 3
Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas Disease):
Chagas disease, caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, can lead to chronic inflammatory changes in various organs, including the kidneys. This may result in Chagasic nephropathy.
Herbs: Para 3, Sage
Toxoplasma gondii:
Toxoplasmosis, caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, can affect multiple organs, including the kidneys. While kidney involvement is relatively rare, it can occur, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
Herbs: Black Walnut, Thyme, Para 3
Echinococcus spp.:
Echinococcus tapeworms, such as Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus multilocularis, can form cysts in various organs, including the kidneys. The presence of cysts may lead to organ damage and dysfunction.
Herbs: Vidanga
Fasciola hepatica (Liver Fluke):
Infections with the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica can lead to various complications, including ectopic locations of the fluke within the body, potentially affecting the kidneys.
Stress and emotions:
Chronic stress and certain emotional states can contribute to physiological changes in the body that may impact kidney health over time. Emotions that are associated with the kidneys are fear, criticism, dissapointment, failure, shame, reacting like a kid, and dread. Louise Hay says kidney stones are often lumps of undissolved anger. Holding destructive beliefs from the past.
What can do you? How to support the kidneys:
1.Hydration- drink plenty of clean water & minerals as well! I love Mountain Valley and RO water- I have this filter and get mountain valley delivered.
2. Kidney beans, fish, cranberries, leafy greens (I love arugula), cherries, berries
3. Parsley- is another fantastic herb to help prevent kidney stones because it is a diuretic. When studied against other substances, parsley reduced kidney stones the most.
4. Uva Ursa Supreme- my favorite
5. Kidney glandular
6. Reishi- I love it by supreme and organo (just switch to KING coffee already 😉)
7. Body Guard Supreme for kidney stones
8. Emotion code with Javier and Diane to release emotions.
9. Emotional release with Julie Otte to let go of emotions and situations around fear, dread, paralyzed will.
10. Vitamin C- it’s been shown to protect and shorten the duration of treatment after kidney damage caused by harmful substances. I perfect whole food like camu camu or arcerola cherry. (Supreme has great camu & aecerola. I also love perfect supplements arcerola powder)
11.DesBio Kidney drainage, Kidney bladder Meridian Opener, or Kidney bladder Support.
12.DesBio emotional tincture AnXious
13.Kidney/bladder mocktail! Book coming soon- check my kidney highlight on IG!
14. Find your root cause as to why you're experiencing kidney issues. Do you need to address mold, metals, parasites, ect!
15. CellCore- Para 1, Para 2, Para 3, and Para 4 can all hit different parasites that effect the kidneys. I like to rotate these. You can Register HEREÂ with my code: TZrKF1Mz
16. Eat organic as much as possible!
17. B-Vitamins: They play a crucial role in supporting overall health, and their functions extend to various organ systems, including the kidneys. The B-vitamin complex includes several water-soluble vitamins, such as B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), and B12 (cobalamin).
18. KL Support by CellCore You can Register HEREÂ with my code: TZrKF1Mz
Important notes:
So when I talk about what to do to support kidneys- this means adding 1-2 supplements to support them during your protocol! Parasite cleanse- support the kidneys with Uva Ursa or KL support. Working on foundations? Include Uva-Ursa in your foundations to support the kidneys. Suffering from kidney issues and supporitng them? Look at emotional release and emotional homeopathics. Add in foods that support kidneys during protocols.
Need more help? Send me a message on instagram or email holisticwellnesswithrain@gmail.com
XOXOXO
Rain
**This is not intended to treat or diagnose any disease. Please always contact your doctor befoe begining any new supplement protocols. Not medical advice- educational purposes only!**