I am seeing an increase in kidney problems in patients coming to me. The kidneys get rid of waste and extra fluid in the body by filtering the blood to produce urine. They also keep electrolyte levels balanced and make hormones that influence blood pressure, bone strength and the production of red blood cells. When something interferes with the kidneys, they can’t do their job, so these functions can slow down or stop altogether.

I thought you might be interested in some things that cause kidney damage.

1. Diet high in protein. (I suggest keto and even paleo eaters get their kidneys tested at least twice a year.)

2. Salt, especially sodium chloride found in processed and fast food. If you have kidney problems, you will need to cut out all sodium.

3. Smoking.

4. Alcohol.

5. Soda pop, including diet.

6. Dehydration, not drinking enough water.

7. Medications.

NSAIDS, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, lead the list for drugs that induce kidney damage because of their widespread use. Examples of these over the counter pain meds include ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen sodium (Aleve), acetaminophen, etc. These can reduce the amount of blood flow to the kidneys, resulting in a higher risk for kidney damage or failure.

MANY other medications, especially diuretics, antibiotics, antivirals, iodinated contrast dyes, ACE inhibitors (for high blood pressure) and Zoledronic acid (Zometa, Reclast) usually prescribed for ostoporosis are all VERY hard on the kidneys.

An estimated 20-25% of cases of acute kidney failure are due to medications. Medications that can damage the kidneys are known as “nephrotoxic medications.” These drugs can cause direct toxicity to the kidneys. For people with even mild renal disease, you might want to think twice before you take these medications.

8. Illegal drugs.

9. Overtraining - Crazy, right!? Muscle breakdown due to overtraining is very hard on the kidneys.

10. Body-building steriods

11. Heartburn drugs, especially proton pump inhibitors. Examples:

• omeprazole (Prilosec, Prilosec OTC)
• aspirin and omeprazole (Yosprala)
• lansoprazole (Prevacid, Prevacid IV, Prevacid 24-Hour)
• dexlansoprazole (Dexilent, Dexilent Solutab)
• rabeprazole (Aciphex, Aciphex Sprinkle)
• pantoprazole (Protonix)
• esomeprazole (Nexium, Nexium IV, Nexium 24 HR)
• esomeprazole magnesium/naproxen (Vimovo)

12. High blood pressure

13. High blood sugar - creates free radicals that damage the tissues.

14. Strep throat. The antibodies produced to fight it cause inflammation in the kidneys.

In addition to addressing or finding healthier alternatives for the above list, there are many things that support the kidneys. herbs such as Cordyceps, Agaricus. COQ10, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Silymarin from Milk Thistle, Resveratrol and other antioxidants. Omega-3's are also potent and beneficial anti-inflammatory agents.

Contact me for for info, to place an order or to sign up for counseling.