How to boost your kidney function naturally

By: Krysten Brenlla

Our kidneys, characterized by their bean-like shape on each side of our bodies, are among the most essential organs for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. However, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2023, it was reported that approximately 37 million people in the United States have chronic kidney disease – and as many as nine in 10 adults do not know they have it. Overall, kidney disease is the eighth leading cause of death in the country.

As we recognize Donate Life Month in April, it is crucial to understand the vital roles our kidneys play, and learn how to sustain healthy kidney function.

Kidney Basics

The kidneys work to filter our blood, remove toxins from the body, produce red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body, and regulate blood pressure, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, and calcium), and blood glucose.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Symptoms of kidney disease, including those associated with diseases like diabetes and hypertension that can lead to kidney damage, are usually silent until they have progressed to the point of no return. Diabetes and hypertension are the two leading causes of kidney failure, with one in 10 Americans suffering from diabetes, which is equal to more than 37 million people. More than 760,000 Americans have end-stage renal disease, which means their kidneys have stopped functioning, and they now require dialysis or a kidney transplant.

“Usually, we see people having symptoms and feeling sick when kidney function has already dropped below 20 percent,” said Giselle Guerra, MD, medical director of the kidney transplant program at the Miami Transplant Institute (MTI), an affiliation between Jackson Health System and UHealth – University of Miami Health System. “Many people go years without seeing their doctors for regular checkups and blood work. Since kidney disease is usually silent, conditions go unnoticed. By the time treatment begins, sometimes irreversible damage has taken place, and survival is dependent on dialysis and/or transplantation.”

Treatment for Kidney Disease

There are different types of treatments for kidney disease, depending on what’s causing the disease and the severity of the kidney function. With acute kidney disease, inflammation, or kidney injury, treatment can look like recouping kidney function.

For chronic kidney disease – especially due to hypertension, diabetes, and inherited kidney disease – there is no cure. The only treatment is to slow the progression of the disease. Dialysis, which is a procedure that removes waste products and fluid from the body, is a common treatment for chronic kidney disease. However, it does not fully replace kidney function, and the treatment can lead to heart problems. The life span for someone on dialysis is approximately 10 years.

“The best treatment for chronic kidney disease is a kidney transplant,” Dr. Guerra said. MTI, the largest kidney transplant program in the country, offers both living and deceased kidney transplant options, as well as a paired kidney exchange program.

However, Dr. Guerra says that usually, the best option for kidney transplantation is a living kidney donor. “What makes MTI so unique is that we can work up living donors safely and quickly, which helps recipients have the most successful and immediate transplant outcomes,” she said. “Additionally, at Jackson, we can perform both the donor and recipient surgeries robotically, which is much less painful, and can help both the donor and recipient go home in as little as 24 hours.”

Foods for Healthy Kidneys

A balanced diet low in sodium, phosphorus, and potassium, while high in quality protein, is essential for healthy kidneys.

For example, red bell peppers are low in potassium (and high in flavor), which make them a great snack.

Additionally, cabbage and cauliflower provide anti-inflammatory effects, blood pressure regulation, and urine production support, making them a great side dish.

For fruits, try incorporating apples, which are high in fiber and anti-inflammatory compounds, and cranberries, which can protect against bladder infections by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall.

For proteins, incorporate fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and trout; and skinless poultry, such as chicken and turkey, which are easily processed by the kidneys; egg whites, which are known for their low phosphorus content and high-quality protein; and beans, a plant-based protein option that provides fiber and kidney-friendly benefits, are also great options.

Although these are examples of food choices that can help with kidney function, it is essential to maintain a balanced diet and to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Make sure to visit your physician or dietician regularly for personalized dietary recommendations – especially if you have kidney disease or other health conditions.

Maintaining Healthy Kidney Function through Lifestyle

It is essential for everyone to see their primary physician every year. Your primary physician can test you for kidney disease and perform regular checkups/blood work to check for signs of disease and begin treatments, if needed.

Additionally, exercise is key to supporting a healthy lifestyle. Adults are recommended to participate in at least 150 minutes of moderately intense activities/exercise per week – especially activities that increase heart rates. Even if you are a kidney transplant patient, exercise is crucial to maintaining a healthy kidney function and lifestyle.Giselle Guerra, MD, is the medical director of the kidney transplant program at MTI, where she treats patients with kidney disease and end-stage renal disease.

To schedule your appointment with a Jackson Medical Group primary care physician, call 305-585-4564 or visit https://medicalgroup.jacksonhealth.org/.

For more information on MTI or to request an appointment, visit miamitransplant.org.