Causes of Kidney Diseases

• Kidney stones, kidney failure and nephritis are the primary kidney disorders, but kidney disease is often a condition caused by other medical problems. The kidneys can be damaged by atherosclerosis, diabetes and hypertension. These diseases, among others, can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys. Urinary tract infections are common in pregnant women, while an enlarged prostate can make men susceptible to kidney infections. Kidney disorders can often be side effects from drugs like aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, calcium, acetaminophen and vitamin pills.
  
  

Foods and Herbs that Counter the Effects of Protein

• Complete proteins or high quality proteins that contain the essential amino acids leave the least amount of waste for the kidneys to deal with. These proteins are found in eggs, fish, poultry, meat and some dairy products; getting the majority of your nutritional protein from these sources will benefit the kidneys. Protein is utilized by the human body for tissue growth and repair. By-products are normally flushed from the body in urine. If the kidneys aren't functioning properly, the waste (urea) builds up in the bloodstream.
  
  

Foods and Herbs to Help Prevent Kidney Stones

• For people susceptible to kidney stones, drinking enough fluids to flush away the minerals that form the stones is an important preventive measure. It is believed that asparagus, with alkaline properties, can lower uric acid and act as a kidney flush.
  A delicate diet balance of phosphorus and calcium must be maintained to reduce the possibility of the formation of calcium phosphate kidney stones; restricting one of these elements may interfere with the actions of the other, so a dietitian should be consulted before any major diet modifications.
  
  

Nephritis

• Bacterial infections and drugs are among the causes of the inflammation of the kidney called nephritis. Herbs with diuretic properties can aid the kidneys in flushing the system to battle infections. Teas made from nettles, parsley and dandelion aid in the excretion of residual urine that can lead to infection. Although diet changes are usually not prescribed for nephritis, the system should be flushed with an increased intake of fluids. Cranberry juice will help to stop a recurrence of urinary tract infections.
  
  

Foods and Herbs in Cases of Kidney Failure

• Even natural herbs known to help kidney function, such as mulungai, chamomile and parsley, should not be used for healing during kidney failure unless first discussed with the health professional, because dietary needs during illness differ from patient to patient. Any diet changes, including the addition of herbs, supplements and vitamins, should be discussed with a doctor or dietitian.