Love Your Kidneys: Natural Ways to Detox and Thrive

Your kidneys are remarkable organs, tirelessly filtering toxins, balancing minerals, and maintaining your body's internal systems. However, in today's fast-paced world, factors like processed foods, dehydration, stress, and medication can place additional strain on them. March is National Kidney Month, and with World Kidney Day on March 13, 2025, it's an ideal time to discuss kidney health and natural ways to support it.

Why Kidney Health Matters

Your kidneys filter approximately 189 liters of blood daily, removing waste and excess fluids. They regulate electrolyte balance, produce hormones that control blood pressure, and support red blood cell production. When they aren't functioning properly, it can lead to fatigue, swelling, high blood pressure, and more severe conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Factors Increasing Kidney Problem Risks

• Dehydration (insufficient water intake)

• High salt and processed food consumption

• Uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension

• Chronic medication use (especially NSAIDs like ibuprofen)

• Alcohol and excessive caffeine intake

• Smoking and exposure to environmental toxins

Natural Ways to Support Kidney Health

The good news is that your kidneys are resilient, and simple lifestyle changes can significantly enhance their function.

1. Hydration is Key

   • Your kidneys need water to flush out toxins. Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water daily, depending on your activity level and climate. Herbal teas like dandelion root and nettle tea can also help cleanse the kidneys naturally.

2. Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet

   • Leafy greens, berries, and apples support kidney function with antioxidants.

   • Garlic and onions help reduce inflammation.

   • Turmeric and ginger have powerful anti-inflammatory and detoxifying properties.

   • Cranberries may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), which can impact kidney health.

   • Limit processed foods, excess sodium, and refined sugars, as these can strain your kidneys.

3. Medicinal Cannabis and Kidney Health

   • Cannabis has been studied for its potential role in managing chronic pain, inflammation, and kidney disease symptoms. While traditional pain relievers like NSAIDs can be harmful to kidneys, cannabis-based therapies offer an alternative without the same level of toxicity.

   • Potential benefits of cannabis for kidney health:

     • Pain management: Helps with chronic pain, a common symptom of kidney disease.

     • Inflammation reduction: Cannabinoids like CBD and THC have anti-inflammatory effects.

     • Nausea relief: Cannabis may help those with kidney disease manage nausea and appetite loss.

   • However, research is ongoing, and cannabis should be used cautiously if you have existing kidney disease. Always consult a healthcare professional before integrating it into your wellness routine.

4. Medicinal Mushrooms for Kidney Support

   • Medicinal mushrooms like Reishi, Cordyceps, and Chaga have been used in traditional medicine for centuries and are gaining scientific recognition for their potential kidney-supportive properties.

     • Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum): Known as the "mushroom of immortality," it has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects that may help protect kidneys from damage.

     • Cordyceps: Traditionally used in Chinese medicine for kidney health, it may support kidney function and improve energy levels.

     • Chaga: Packed with antioxidants, it helps combat oxidative stress, which is linked to kidney disease.

   • Look for high-quality mushroom extracts or teas from reputable sources to incorporate them into your routine.

5. Reduce Stress and Improve Sleep

   • Chronic stress and poor sleep increase cortisol levels, which can contribute to high blood pressure and kidney strain. Try meditation, deep breathing exercises, or yoga to support relaxation and improve sleep quality.

6. Exercise and Movement

   • Regular exercise helps regulate blood pressure, blood sugar, and circulation, all of which are essential for kidney function. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) most days of the week.

Resources for Kidney Health and Natural Healing

Want to dive deeper into kidney health and natural wellness? Here are some great resources:

• National Kidney Foundation (NKF): www.kidney.org

• World Kidney Day Official Site: www.worldkidneyday.org

Your kidneys work tirelessly to keep your body balanced and free of toxins, so it's only fair to support them with natural, healthy choices. Staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods, managing stress, and exploring natural remedies like cannabis and mushrooms can all contribute to better kidney function and overall wellness.

As always, consult your doctor before making any major changes, especially if you have existing kidney conditions. Your health is in your hands – take care of it naturally!

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.

Health Benefits of Cannabis

20 Health benefits of cannabis that everyone should know.

Cannabis contains CBD which is a chemical that impacts the brain, making it function better without giving it a high along with THC which has pain relieving properties. Both substances can be extracted and enhanced for use through short path distillation. Users can get the following health benefits of cannabis:

Relief of chronic pain

There are hundreds of chemical compounds in cannabis, many of which are cannabinoids. Cannabinoids have been linked to providing relief of chronic pain due to their chemical makeup. Which is why cannabis’ by-product such as medical cannabis is commonly used for chronic pain relief.

Improves lung capacity

Unlike smoking cigarettes, when smoking cannabis in the form of cannabis your lungs aren’t harmed. In fact, a study found that cannabis actually helps increase the capacity of the lungs rather than cause any harm to it.

Help lose weight

If you look around, you will notice that the avid cannabis user is usually not overweight. That is because cannabis is linked to aiding your body in regulating insulin while managing caloric intake efficiently.

Regulate and prevent diabetes

With its impact on insulin, it only makes sense that cannabis can help regulate and prevent diabetes. Research conducted by the American Alliance for Medical Cannabis (AAMC) has linked cannabis to stabilize blood sugars, lower blood pressure, and improve blood circulation.

Fight cancer

One of the biggest medical benefits of cannabis is its link to fighting cancer. There is a good amount of evidence that shows cannabinoids can help fight cancer or at least certain types of it.

Helps treat depression

Depression is fairly widespread without most people even knowing they have it. The endocannabinoid compounds in cannabis can help in stabilizing moods which can ease depression.

Shows promise in autism treatment

Cannabis is known to calm users down and control their mood. It can help children with autism that experience frequent violent mood swings control it.

Regulate seizures

Research conducted on CBD has shown that it can help control seizures. There are ongoing studies to determine the effect cannabis has on individuals with epilepsy.

Mend bones

Cannabidiol has been linked to helping heal broken bones, quickening the process. According to Bone Research Laboratory in Tel Aviv, it also helps strengthen the bone in the process of healing. This makes it tougher for the bone to break in the future.

Helps with ADHD/ADD

Individuals with ADHD and ADD have trouble focusing on tasks at hand. They tend to have problems with cognitive performance and concentration. Cannabis has shown promise in promoting focus and helping individuals with ADHD/ADD. It is also considered a safer alternative to Adderall and Ritalin.

Treatment for glaucoma

Glaucoma leads to additional pressure on the eyeball which is painful for individuals with the disorder. Cannabis can help reduce the pressure applied on the eyeball providing some temporary relief to individuals with glaucoma.

Alleviate anxiety

While cannabis is commonly known to cause anxiety, there is a way around that. Taken in monitored dosage and in the proper way, cannabis can help alleviate anxiety and calm users down.

Slow development of Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is one of many that is caused by cognitive degeneration. As we age, cognitive degeneration is almost unavoidable. Cannabis’s endocannabinoid contains anti-inflammatories that fight the brain inflammation that leads to Alzheimer’s disease.

Deal with pain linked to arthritis

Cannabis is now commonly found as creams and balms which are used by individuals that have arthritis. Both THC and CBD help sufferers deal with the pain.

Helps with PTSD symptoms

PTSD doesn’t just affect veterans but any individual that goes through a trauma. As cannabis is legalised the impact it has on helping treat individuals with PTSD is being studied. Cannabis helps control the fight or flight response, preventing it from going into overdrive.

Helps provide relief to individuals with multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis can be painful, and cannabis is known to provide relief for it. Multiple sclerosis leads to painful muscle contractions and cannabis can help reduce that pain.

Reduces side effects linked to hepatitis C and increase the effectiveness of treatment

The treatment for hepatitis C has numerous side effects that include nausea, fatigue, depression, and muscle aches. These can last for months for some hepatitis C sufferers. Cannabis can help reduce the side effects caused by the treatment while making it more effective at the same time.

Treats inflammatory bowel diseases

Individuals with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis can find some relief with the use of cannabis. THC and cannabidiol are known to help enhance immune response while also interact with cells that play a vital role in the functioning of the gut. Cannabis helps block off bacteria and other compounds that cause inflammation in the intestines.

Helps with tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease

For those that have Parkinson’s disease cannabis can help reduce tremors and pain while also helping promote sleep. It has also shown to improve motor skills in patients.

Helps with alcoholism

Another one of the many health benefits of cannabis is that there is no doubt cannabis is much safer than alcohol. While it may not be 100% risk-free, it can be a smarter way to curb alcoholism by substituting it with cannabis.

Source: Medical Cannabis Network