Home Remedies and How to Take Care of Kidneys

The relations of the viscera and large 
vessels of the abdomen (Seen from behind, 
the last thoracic vertebra being well raised.)
The kidneys are colored.
Wikimedia Commons by Roxbury-de
Kidneys are the important organs of the body. A kidney in the shape of cashew nut weighs about 150 grams.It lies below the backbone and behind the waist on both sides of the body. They contain 140 miles long arteries and millions of filter pores. The arteries in kidneys reabsorb the minerals like sodium, potassium and calcium from the filtered liquid and drain out the discarded matter from the urine. The body has two kidneys and if anyone stops working then the other one works.

Kidneys remove the poisonous substances from blood. They are closely related with heart, lungs, liver and bile. The heart and kidneys work in close association. So in case of heart problem the working of kidneys also gets affected and the blood pressure increases when the kidneys get damaged and the person becomes weaker and weaker.

The Functions of Kidneys
1. They remove water and waste products from blood and clean the body of toxicity.
2. They maintain the balance of chemicals; regulate hormone release and control the blood pressure.
3. They help in synthesis of red blood cells.
4. They help in formation of vitamin D which makes the bones strong and healthy.
5. The formation of urine and removal of waste products from body is done by the kidneys.
6. The body becomes sick when the kidneys malfunction.

The Kidney problems are classified into two categories.  
1. Acute Renal Failure
In this situation the kidneys partially or completely stop functioning and slowly start working with treatment.
2. Chronic Renal Failure 
It happens when the kidney gets defective or stops functioning for the last three months. If not treated properly the chronic kidney problem arises. It has five stages and in the final stage the working of kidneys gets reduced to 15%.   The performance gets badly affected and the kidneys get damaged.

Reasons of Kidney Problems
The kidney problems are caused by several reasons. The most common risk factors are diabetes, stones and hypertension. The unhealthy lifestyle, high calorie diet, certain medicines, lots of soft drinks and sugar intake also damage the kidneys.
1. Regular intake of toxic foods and polluted water break the nefrons and cause kidney problems.
3. The intake of polluted, impure or stale fish, mutton, eggs, food and water cause kidney problems.
4. The chemical fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides, detergent soaps and industrial chemicals present in food cause severe problems for kidney, lever and lungs.
5. With increased levels of salt in the blood, the kidneys fail to remove toxic substances from the body.
6. It takes a very long time to detect the kidney problems and if pain persists in the back of waist, it is better to go for kidney test.

Symptoms of Kidney Disorder
The kidneys diseases can be silent killers as the symptom may not appear for a long and the situation becomes serious.The people of all ages are prone to it and it is important to recognize the symptoms as early as possible, because in most cases the damage is irrevocable.
To avoid this situation consult he doctor in case any of the following symptom appears as early detection leads to effective treatment.

1. Changes in Urination
The amount and frequency of urine outflow is the first symptom. It may increase or decrease especially at night. The urine problem like an urge to urinate but inability to do so and the dark color of urine are the other symptoms.

2. Pain and Difficulty in Urination
The urinary tract infections, the burning sensation and pressure or pain in urination are the next symptoms. The infections spread to the kidneys and may cause fever and back pain.

3. Blood in Urine
It may be due to other reasons, but this is a definite cause for concern and needs immediate medical attention.

4. Back and Side Pain 
The feeling of severe cramping chronic pain spreading from the lower back into the groin appears in kidney stones. The pain is also due to inherited poly-cystic kidney disease in which several fluid-filled cysts are formed in the kidneys, and in interstitial cystitis or chronic inflammation of the wall of bladder wall.

5. Swelling, Skin Rashes and Itching
Extra fluid builds up in the body when the kidneys fail to remove toxic wastes. These extra fluids build accumulate and cause swelling in hands, feet, ankles, face and especially under the eyes and toes.
The waste build-up in blood also causes severe itching and rashes in skin.

6. Indigestion, Nausea and Vomiting 
The kidney problem disturbs the digestion and the build-up of waste products in blood also causes the feeling of nausea and vomiting.

7. Weakness, Fatigue, Dizziness and Loss in Concentration 
The hormone erythropoietin, produced by the kidneys helps to make red blood cells which carry oxygen to cells in body. The kidney problem decreases the synthesis of this hormone and leads to anemia as the red blood cells get reduced. The decreased oxygen supply to cells also causes fatigue and weakness.
The anemia caused by kidney disorder also reduces the oxygen supply to the brain and leads to dizziness and loss in concentration.

8. Loss in Breath
Anemia associated with kidney disorder, and the build up of extra fluid in lungs reduces oxygen supply and leads to the problem of loss in breath.

9. Feeling of Cold 
The feeling of cold occurs all the time even in a warm surrounding due to anemia associated with kidney disorder. The fever with chills is caused due to pyelo-nephritis or kidney infection.

10. Metallic Taste and Ammonia Breath
Uremia, the increased level of urea in blood occurs in kidney failure. The saliva breaks down the urea to ammonia and causes ammonia breath or urine-like breath. Dysgeusia or an unpleasant metallic taste also appears in the mouth.

Kidney Tests
For both types of kidney problems it is advisable to get the tests of presence of urea, nitrogen and creatnine in blood.
The urine test also ascertains the functioning of kidneys.

Natural Treatment for Kidneys  
In nature cure the simple looking remedies are very effective and remove the ill effects of diseases.

1. The Kidney Wrap
Wrap a wet and wrung cotton cloth around the effective area or the waist and cover it completely with a woolen bandage. The cotton cloth should cover the entire stomach about 2 inches above the naval area taking about 3 rounds. The woolen bandage too should be of same length.
It is helpful in kidney problems, dysentery, colitis, stomach swelling, insomnia, fever and menstrual cramps. It could be wrapped 2 hours after taking the meals for 2-3 hours or for the whole night.

2. Hot – Cold Water Treatment
It is beneficial to warm the kidney area with a rubberized hot water bottle. Keep cold water aside and soak a towel in it. Give alternate hot and cold treatment for 3 and four minutes respectively. Instead of rubber bottle, the soaked towel too could be used.

3. Diet and Precautions
The diet can help in recovery of damaged kidney.

1. Regularly take lemon and always use clean water.

2. Eat potatoes as they contain sodium in excess and little potassium and is very helpful in kidney problems.

3. Those having kidney swelling should urinate immediately after taking the meals. It will alleviate the back pain, improve the lever functioning, increase male virility and save from several diseases.

4. Take 20- 30 ml of the juice of radish 2-3 times a day, if little urine comes due to kidney problem.

5. Carrot or cucumber or turnip juice is good for kidney swelling and iit also increases the flow of urine.

6. Bathua or The Pot Herb Chenopodium Album is very helpful in kidney problems. It is best for urine interruption and alleviates the swelling of kidneys.

7. The regular intake of 15-20 ml of the juice of the small and bitter fruits of makoy or solanum nigrum removes the choked flow of urine and alleviates the swelling in urine bladder and kidney.

8. Take the tea of five parts of the roots, stem, leaves, flowers and fruit of Boerhaavia diffusa or hog-weed or heracleum sphondylium is very helpful in kidney problems.

Preventive Measures
1. Avoid the excessive use of milk, cheese, butter, curd and milk products.
2. Avoid using meat, fish, chicken, chocolate, coffee, beer and wine.
3.  Avoid dry fruits, cake, pastry, salty snacks etc.
4. Avoid the use of pulses in foods and snacks for ever.
5. Avoid pollution, stress and tension.

Yoga is also good for kidney problems.


Cucumbers Decrease the Risk of Kidney Stones 

Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Stephen Ausmus 
The sowing of the crop of cucumber in the world comes first among the vegetables and fourth among others. 

It is a healthy and super food. 

It contains more than 90% water and saves the body from dehydration. 

The daily consumption of cucumber helps in constipation.

The water in it removes the toxins from the body and reduces the chances of stone formation in the kidneys.

The regular intake of it controls the insulin in the body and helps the body to fight against diabetes.

The vitamin A, B and C in cucumber fulfills the need of vitamins like a regular food. The vitamin B in it gives instant energy.

The sufficient amount of calcium contained in it strengthens the bones.

It helps to alleviate stress and helps in digestion.

It strengthens the immune system in the body.

It contains the high amounts of minerals like potassium, magnesium, silicon etc. that is why it is used in spas.

Kidney Cleaning by Coriander Leaves

Coriander Leaves
Photo Credit- Wikimedia Commons by Thamizhpparithi Maari
Throughout our lives the kidneys filter the blood by removing the toxic substances like salts, chemicals, poisons and other unwanted substances from the body. 

With the passage of time the cleaning strength of the kidneys decreases. So instead of using the medicines to strengthen the kidneys, there is a wonderful home remedy of coriander leaves.

Take a handful of fresh coriander leaves. Wash them with clean water and chop them into small pieces. 

Put them in a pan and boil them for 10- 15 minutes in clean water. Filter the cool extract in a clean bottle and refrigerate the contents. 

Take a glass of extract daily to flush out the toxins from the body. 

Soon one can notice that all accumulated salts and toxins start coming out of the kidneys by urination. This flushing out of toxins could be easily seen and felt.

The parsley or cilantro also cleans the kidneys. 


Backache and Kidney Problems

Muscles connecting the upper extremity to the vertebral column
Photo Credit - Wikimedia Commons by Mikael Häggström
It is a workplace related problem, and also occurs due to injury, wrong postures while sitting and walking, backbone problems etc.

Due to muscle-skeletal disorder in acute nephritis or inflammation of kidneys or in backache, the people become victims of renal or kidney failure, if they take analgesics or painkillers. 

Those undergoing dialysis and facing renal failure experience severe backache.
Consult the doctor immediately, if backache as a regular problem is affecting the normal life, or there is a feeling of sensation in heels, or weakness occurs, or before taking any painkiller. The painkillers damage the kidneys. Rush to medical advice if there is blood or any other problem in passing out stool or urine.

The tests will determine the treatment and in case of renal increase or cancer the doctor will refer the patient to urologist.

For health of kidneys remain fit and active. As a routine add physical exertion to daily life. Take care of blood pressure to reduce the negative effects on kidneys.

Check the blood sugar levels and keep them under control. Because half of diabetic patients are found to have kidney problems. 


The Indian Varuna for Kidney Stones

Crataeva magna or  Indian Varuna or Crataeva nurvala
Photo Credit- Wikimedis Commons by Vinayaraj 
The Indian Varuna or Crataeva nurvala (Latin), has distinctive mark of trifoliate leaves. The name Crataeva has been given in honor of Cratevas, a physician of the first century BC, who showed keen interest in these plants. The tree belongs to Capparidaceae family.

It is a small tree growing along the sub-Himalayan ranges. The tree grows in clusters and has an ochre colored bark with prominent knot formation and many branches on which leaves and seasonal flowers bloom. The leaves grow from the branches on long stalks.
The leaves tend to be oval shaped , tapering to a pointed end and having visible veins. The leaves fall with the onset of winter and return with spring, sprouting just before the flowers begin to form on twigs.

The flowers tend to spring from the end of branches with greenish white clusters.The flower sepals are small and oval with a pointed apex. The sepals are pale pink when young, and then turn yellow. The white petals also turn white with time. The stamens are longer than flowers and spread like spiky bristles, and are topped with anthers. The main stigma lies in between which later swells to form the fruit.

The seed is globular and woody in appearance containing numerous seeds. The flower appears in March and drops off in May.

The wood is moderately hard, grained and yellowish white.In Southern India It has been put to several uses. The drums, writing boards and planks are made from its wood. The fruit is eaten, while the the pulp of the fruit is used with mortar to produce a cement like substance. The rind is used for dying purposes.

The plant grows in any kind of soil, but it grows better besides river banks. Because the tree has tap like roots and it manages to accurately locate the underground water. It grows root suckers. The tree should be protected from frost, which hampers its growth especially during younger years.

The seed should be sown around the rainy season.The seeds sprout the next summer and are then transplanted, when they become 6 to 8 inches. The transplantation should be done when the rains substantially reduce the hardness of the subsoil.

The bark and roots too are used for medicinal purposes. Due to these properties the tree is also known as sacred varuna and is thus grown near temples.

Health Benefits

The concoctions prepared from leaves and fruits is used to treat the disorders of skin, bladder and stomach.

It is used in loss of appetite or indigestion and helps in the movements of the bowels.

The application of bark powder is used in skin ailments, inflammation, abscess, lymphadenopathy, kidney stones, painful or burning urination, bladder pains, thyroid or hypertrophy of prostate.

It is used in liver diseases, worms, purification of blood, and gout. It has anti-tumor properties, and helps in the movements of the bowels.

Home Remedies for Kidney Stones

1. Ripe jamun or Indian blackberry or black plum is the best to remove the kidney stones.

2. Grind equal amount of cumin seeds and sugar and take a spoonful of it thrice a day with cold water to remove the kidney stones.

3. Take of the powder of Indian gooseberry with radish to remove the kidney stones through urine. 
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