Healthy Kidneys, Healthy Life
Our last Community Wellness Talk was all about ageing well. There was so much we could have packed into that talk, but one of the most important topics that stood out was kidney health.
Our kidney function, like most things in the body, declines as we age. But don’t underestimate these bean-shaped organs — they play a pivotal role in many areas of our health, including blood pressure regulation, healthy blood production, waste removal, and more.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the kidneys are associated with the season of winter. So as the temperature drops, it seems like an opportune time to start loving on our kidneys, hey?
How Can You Check in on Your Kidney Health?
There are a number of markers on standard blood tests. A few include:
eGFR
This is a calculation using your blood results that indicates how well your kidneys are filtering waste. If you’re overweight, underweight, or carry extra muscle mass, standard reference ranges might not be entirely accurate. That’s why it’s important to track your results over time — comparing against your own historical numbers can provide a clearer picture than a one-off snapshot.
Creatinine
This is another indicator of kidney function as well as muscle mass and muscle wasting. A persons muscle mass; whether they take creatine supplements; how well hydrated they are, and the intensity of the exercise they are doing in the days prior to the test (especially if its heavy exercise), can all shift the levels on tests. It’s important to consider these factors along with your results. Creatinine reflects kidney health well as the kidneys are the only exit channel for this molecule from our body.
Did you know we can lose up to 90% of our kidney function before symptoms appear?
That’s because our kidneys are made up of millions of nephrons that support each other. They’re like humble little heroes – working quietly in the background, even when they’re struggling. That’s why it’s so important to become familiar with your blood test results and monitor them regularly.
What Do Our Kidneys Love?
Our kidneys love one thing most of all: a clean lifestyle. Plenty of vegetable matter, which gives you an abundance of kidney loving nutrition by way of minerals like potassium, citrates and fibre. Stay well hydrated with clean water and of course, avoid unnecessary toxic chemicals wherever possible.
There are many herbs and nutrients that can support kidney function — it’s worth diving into the research! And if you’re looking for extra support, please reach out to a naturopath. There’s SO much involved in this topic, but the goal of this short blog is simply to encourage you to start learning about your kidneys for better long-term health
Starting with Diet
Diet is your first line of defence when it comes to supporting kidney health. From there, you can optimise with the help of herbs and supplements.
Some supportive nutrients include:
Alkalising minerals – such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
When combined with citrate molecules (e.g. calcium citrate, magnesium citrate), these minerals provide a powerful alkalising effect.
💡 Note: Potassium is crucial for kidney health — it usually only becomes problematic in the end stages of kidney disease.
Nephroprotective Herbs (Kidney-Loving Botanicals)
Some readily available and kidney-supportive herbs include:
- Nettle
- Green tea
- Nigella / black seed
- Turmeric
This list doesn’t even scratch the surface — there’s so much more that could be added! But these are a great starting point, and many of them are available at your local grocery store. Try incorporating them through tea, or if you’re after something stronger, ask your naturopath about herbal tonics.
So folks — it’s time to start loving on your kidneys. For happier, healthier long-term health, tune in to your body and be proactive with your self-care. Everyone’s body and health journey is different, so always consult with your trusted healthcare providers.
Our kidneys work hard every day — show them some love!