Introduction
Did you know that chronic kidney disease is the sixth fastest-growing cause of death globally and around 1.7 million people are estimated to die annually from it? A sedentary lifestyle, poor food habits and underlying heart issues result in weak kidneys.
A weak kidney is one that isn’t operating at its best as a result of illness or damage. Our kidneys keep a healthy balance of water, salts, and minerals in the body while eliminating waste fluid. A weak kidney is not immediately apparent until the renal function is severely impaired. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and renal disease can all impair one’s kidney function. The role of the kidneys steadily declines in cases of chronic renal disease.
The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located in the back of the abdomen. They play a critical role in filtering waste and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted as urine. Additionally, the kidneys regulate electrolyte balance, release hormones to regulate red blood cell production and control blood pressure, and maintain overall fluid balance in the body.
Let’s find out more about how kidneys become weak and what are some effective home remedies to improve kidney function.
Why do kidneys become weak?
There are several reasons why kidneys can become weak or damaged, which include:
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Long-term conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to progressive damage to the kidneys.
Acute Kidney Injury (AKI)
This can be caused by sudden and severe damage to the kidneys, such as a decrease in blood flow due to an injury, infection, or dehydration.
Genetic Kidney Diseases
Some kidney diseases are genetic and can weaken the kidneys over time.
Toxins and Medications
Exposure to certain chemicals, drugs, and other toxins can cause kidney damage.
Kidney Stones
These hard deposits can cause blockages in the urinary tract, leading to damage to the kidneys.
It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle and receive regular check-ups to help prevent and monitor kidney function. If you have any underlying conditions that could affect your kidneys, it’s important to work with your healthcare provider to manage and treat them.
Signs of weak kidneys
Some common signs and symptoms of weak kidneys include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
- Dry, itchy skin
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Confusion and trouble concentrating
- Muscle cramps at night
- Darker urine colour
- High blood pressure
Home remedies to improve weak kidneys
Eat foods high in vitamin C
These include citrate, a compound that prevents calcium stones from forming. Citrate can also fragment small stones, helping kidney stones dissolve easily and allowing them to pass easily with urine.
Vitamins and minerals are powerful antioxidants too.
Consume dates
When dates are ingested after soaking in water for a day, they are excellent at removing kidney stones. Fibres in dates aid to prevent kidney stones. Dates include a number of minerals, including magnesium, copper, manganese, and others that support kidney health.
Focus on hydration
Lack of water is the main factor that leads to weak kidneys or renal disorders. Take in a lot of water each day. Water aids in the removal of toxins from your body. Therefore, it is advised to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day to keep your kidneys healthy. However, if you have a renal illness, your doctor may advise you to drink less water.
Kidney beans help weak kidneys
Rajma, or kidney beans, are an excellent source of proteins. They support a healthy digestive tract because of the soluble and insoluble fibres they contain. Due to their low glycemic index, kidney beans are also beneficial for diabetes individuals. Kidney function is regulated and kidney stone removal is aided by the vitamin B found in kidney beans.
Eat foods with less potassium
It is believed by health experts that apples are good in managing acidity in urine and preventing the growth of bacteria inside the kidneys. Apples have anti-inflammatory properties that help in curing kidney issues or infections quite efficiently.
Final thoughts
Chronic kidney problems are a common health issue in the world. Until it is well advanced, kidney disease mostly remains undiagnosed. Unfortunately, this is when someone would require a transplant or dialysis.
It’s vital to note that kidney illness may not initially show any symptoms, making routine checkups to evaluate kidney function crucially. For a thorough assessment, it’s crucial to consult a doctor if you encounter any of these symptoms.
By following these easy home remedies you can make your weak kidneys strong and avoid related health ailments.
