Kidneys and Kidney Stones
The kidneys are a pair of fist-sized organs whose wellbeing is essential for a healthy body.
Their role is quite a significant one as they are responsible for filtering waste products, excess water, removing toxins and other impurities from the body. Anything that can help them and keep them healthy is indispensable.
And among the many diseases and issues that can plague the kidney and affect its functions, kidney stones are the most common ones.
Once these stones begin the process of moving through the urinary tract, it causes debilitating pain to the patient, and that is why the results of the research funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China comes as a great relief.
They found that kidney crystal formation (aka kidney stone formation) and fibrosis can be attenuated by drinking alkaline mineral water. And that it is especially beneficial against uric acid stones, which are the type that only form in acidic environments.
Furthermore they also found that it reduces kidney injury, cell apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation.
Countries like Japan, Taiwan and even Egypt have conducted many studies on the benefits of alkaline water.
One such research explored the use of alkaline water for metabolic acidosis, a condition where your body makes too much acid, cannot remove enough acid from the blood, or both. For people with Chronic Kidney Disease, this can be life-threatening.
In the research they found that alkaline water can be considered as a major safe strategy in the management of metabolic acidosis secondary to renal failure or dialysis or urinary diversion.
This is incredibly helpful information since the complications that can come from untreated metabolic acidosis in the long-term are thinning of your bones (osteoporosis), muscle weakness and/or loss (sometimes referred to as “muscle wasting”), worsening of Chronic Kidney Disease, decreased growth in children and even potentially death.
The Multitude Of Benefits
There are more benefits of natural alkaline mineral water on kidney health, which are:
- It raises your urine's pH, which eases the kidney’s work by lowering the acid load it needs to excrete.
- It can potentially dissolve existing stones, making them easier to pass by altering the pH level of the urine.
- By creating a less acidic environment in the urinary tract, alkaline water inhibits the growth of bacteria and prevents the formation of mineral deposits that can lead to UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections) and bladder stones.
- In patients with end-stage renal disease, alkaline water has been shown to reduce adverse side-effects of hemodialysis, such as excessive free radical generation.
- By addressing underlying factors contributing to kidney disease progression, it helps preserve kidney function.
- It helps in the reduction and management of chronic inflammation that can otherwise exacerbate kidney damage and increase the risk of complications.
Overall, it helps maintain optimal urinary tract function and reduces the risk of kidney-related complications.
Other more generic benefits of natural alkaline mineral water are:
Hydration Support: Natural alkaline mineral water provides essential hydration, which is crucial for maintaining healthy kidney function. Proper hydration helps the kidneys flush out toxins and waste products more efficiently, reducing the risk of kidney stone formation and other urinary tract issues.
Electrolyte Balance: Alkaline mineral water contains essential electrolytes like calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which play a vital role in kidney health. These electrolytes help regulate fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions, promoting overall renal wellbeing.
Antioxidant Properties: Some natural alkaline mineral waters have antioxidant properties due to their high content of minerals like selenium and zinc. These antioxidants help combat oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and protecting kidney cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Alleviation of Kidney Fatigue: The kidneys work tirelessly to maintain internal balance and eliminate waste products from the body. Drinking alkaline mineral water can alleviate kidney fatigue by providing essential nutrients and supporting detoxification processes, allowing the kidneys to function optimally.
Enhanced Detoxification: Alkaline mineral water aids in detoxification by enhancing the elimination of toxins and metabolic by-products through urine. This helps reduce the burden on the kidneys and supports overall detoxification pathways in the body, promoting kidney health and wellbeing.
pH Balance: Maintaining a proper pH balance in the body is crucial for kidney health. Alkaline mineral water helps regulate the body's pH levels, preventing the acidity that can contribute to kidney stone formation and other renal complications.
Improved Blood Circulation: Adequate hydration with alkaline mineral water promotes better blood circulation, ensuring that the kidneys receive an adequate supply of oxygen and nutrients. Improved blood flow enhances kidney function and supports the efficient filtration of waste products from the bloodstream.
Long-Term Renal Support: Incorporating natural alkaline mineral water into your daily routine provides long-term support for kidney health. By addressing multiple aspects of kidney function, from pH balance to hydration and detoxification, alkaline water offers a holistic approach to maintaining renal wellbeing and reducing the risk of kidney-related complications.
Drink Hege, Drink Healthy
Incorporating natural alkaline mineral water into your daily routine can offer numerous benefits for kidney health, including the prevention of kidney stone formation, management of metabolic acidosis, reduction of inflammatory markers, and acceleration of toxin excretion. By supporting kidney function and reducing the risk of kidney-related complications, alkaline water plays a crucial role in maintaining overall kidney health and well-being.
And you know where you could get your hands on some good, unprocessed natural alkaline mineral water? Here. From Hege.
Remember to consult with a healthcare professional for personalised guidance on incorporating alkaline water into your diet, especially if you have pre-existing kidney issues.