/
/
/
What Are the Functions of the Kidney, and How Can Kidney Health Be Maintained?
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7
Connect with Ayurvedic doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
General Medicine
Question #14540
170 days ago
191

What Are the Functions of the Kidney, and How Can Kidney Health Be Maintained? - #14540

Andrew

I have been reading about kidney health, and I want to understand how the kidneys function, what diseases affect them, and how to maintain optimal kidney health. Some people say that kidney disease only happens to people with high blood pressure or diabetes, but I am unsure whether lifestyle habits also contribute to kidney problems. The kidneys filter waste, regulate electrolytes, balance fluids, and control blood pressure. Kidney problems like chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones, and infections can lead to toxicity buildup, swelling, and difficulty urinating. Many doctors recommend hydration, a low-sodium diet, and avoiding excessive painkiller use to protect kidney function. However, I want to know whether certain herbal teas or natural diuretics help in kidney detoxification. For those who focus on kidney health, what lifestyle changes helped in preventing kidney disease and improving filtration function? Would love insights into how to detect kidney problems early and whether hydration alone is enough for kidney detox.

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous
Get expert answers anytime,
completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image

Doctors’ responses

Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
170 days ago
4.83
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood, regulating fluid balance, controlling blood pressure, and managing electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Kidney diseases, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones, and infections, often stem from conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, but lifestyle factors also play a significant role. Poor diet, lack of hydration, excessive salt or processed foods, and overuse of painkillers can all contribute to kidney stress. Maintaining optimal kidney health involves staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. Some herbal remedies, like dandelion root tea or nettle leaf, are believed to have diuretic properties and support kidney function, but they should be used with caution, as excessive use may strain the kidneys. To protect kidney function and prevent disease, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and reducing sodium intake are crucial. Monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar regularly can help detect early signs of kidney problems. Early signs of kidney dysfunction include changes in urination, swelling in the legs or ankles, and fatigue. Hydration is important for flushing toxins, but it’s not a cure for kidney disease. A healthy diet, regular health check-ups, and avoiding nephrotoxic substances like excessive painkillers are also essential for maintaining kidney health.
13739 answered questions
68% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
The kidneys are vital organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood, regulating fluid balance, controlling blood pressure, and managing electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Kidney diseases, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), kidney stones, and infections, often stem from conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, but lifestyle factors also play a significant role. Poor diet, lack of hydration, excessive salt or processed foods, and overuse of painkillers can all contribute to kidney stress. Maintaining optimal kidney health involves staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, managing blood pressure and blood sugar, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol. Some herbal remedies, like dandelion root tea or nettle leaf, are believed to have diuretic properties and support kidney function, but they should be used with caution, as excessive use may strain the kidneys. To protect kidney function and prevent disease, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and reducing sodium intake are crucial. Monitoring blood pressure and blood sugar regularly can help detect early signs of kidney problems. Early signs of kidney dysfunction include changes in urination, swelling in the legs or ankles, and fatigue. Hydration is important for flushing toxins, but it’s not a cure for kidney disease. A healthy diet, regular health check-ups, and avoiding nephrotoxic substances like excessive painkillers are also essential for maintaining kidney health.
11913 answered questions
78% best answers

0 replies
You’ve got a pretty solid understanding of how the kidneys keep your body ticking. They’re crucial for filtering out waste, balancing electrolytes, and keeping your blood pressure in check. Definitely not just a problem for folks with high BP or diabetes – lifestyle habits matter too. Ayurveda offers some unique views here. Before diving in, understanding your dosha (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) would be super helpful since that shapes your approach. Say if you got a predominantly Pitta constitution, emphasis might be on cooling and soothing routines. For kidney health, hydration is vital – though not, like, mindlessly gulping down gallons of water. It’s about sipping lukewarm water throughout the day, possibly with a squeeze of lemon. This can support continuous kidney detox and help flush out those pesky toxins. Herbal teas could also offer support. Coriander seed tea or nettle tea are known for gentle detoxifying properties. Both can be sipped a couple times a day, just don't overdo it. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) is another herb that supports urinary health; might be found in supplement form. Always risky tho if not paired with proper medical advice. Keep an eye on your salt intake, which tends to be sneakily high in processed foods. Favor fresh ingredients and spices over pre-packaged stuff. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains keeps those filters sparkling clear too. Early signs of kidney issues could be subtle – like changes in urination, swelling, or fatigue. Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a strong agni (digestive fire). If your digestion’s sluggish, you risk toxin build-up (ama), affecting your kidneys. And trust your gut if anything feels off. Seek guidance from a healthcare professional or an Ayurvedic practitioner if you sense any imbalance. They can run tests, suggest tailored foods, treatments, and lifestyle changes fitting for you. Prevention's about balance, living in harmony with your environment and constitution. Keeping your kidneys ticking along isn’t only about hydration but a harmony between diet, lifestyle, and mindfulness.
26433 answered questions
18% best answers

0 replies
Speech bubble
FREE! Ask an Ayurvedic doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymous

600+ certified Ayurvedic experts. No sign-up.

About our doctors

Only qualified ayurvedic doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


Related questions