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.
The Important Role of Your Kidneys
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.
1. Cranberries
Cranberry is often used to prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can reach the bladder and kidneys if left untreated (5).
One way that cranberry juice helps prevent urinary tract infections is by making urine more acidic, which also prevents kidney stones. It even prevents bacteria from sticking to the walls of the bladder and the tissues inside the kidneys (6).
2. Grapes
Grape seed and skins can be used as a preventive measure against kidney disease in high risk or obese individuals. Its high antioxidant value protects the kidneys from free radical damage and toxins. 15 grapes a day can help keep your blood alkaline and keep your kidneys functioning properly (7,8).
3. Apples
This fruit contains quantities of potassium high enough to protect your heart but low enough to be appropriate for dialysis patients and others with kidney problems (9,10). An apple a day really does keep the doctor away!
4. Lemons
Citrus fruits contain high levels of citric acid, which prevents and dissolves some varieties of kidney stones. It works by breaking up stones that have already formed and preventing smalls stones from getting bigger by coating them and preventing materials from attaching and building unto them (11).
5. Turmeric
Turmeric relieves inflammation in diseased and overworked kidneys. It also prevents blood clots by preventing platelets from clumping together. Its antioxidants even protect your kidneys and liver from damage (12).
6. Ginger
Ginger promotes blood flow and helps cleanse the blood of toxins. Additionally, the little root helps heal back pain, which is often an early sign of kidney problems. It’s most well-known as a digestive tonic that relieves vomiting, nausea and stomach upset (13,14).
