Kidneys are critical organs of the body. The major role of the kidney is to flush out excess fluid and toxins from the body. This way, it cleanses the body fluids and passes the waste through urine. Kidneys are the home of the adrenal gland and a vital part of the urinary tract. But some people face kidney issues like kidney stones and UTI. Urinary tract infection or UTI is a common bacterial infection that can arise due to poor kidney or urinary tract health. Many people find a cure in herbal remedies to fight kidney stones and UTI.
However, UTI being a common danger both for the kidneys and urinary tract demands special attention. This attention can further eliminate the risks of developing kidney stones. This article will enlighten you about the best herbs and natural supplements to treat kidney and urinary tract concerns efficiently.
Contents
Why Is It Vital to Maintain A Good Kidney and Urinary Tract Health?
The urinary tract is composed of four main organs, namely the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Kidneys perform the crucial task of filtering blood and cleanse it. The waste formed then is called urine. The uterus delivers this waste to the bladder. The bladder is like a bag that carries the urine till you release it out in the bathroom. If you do not take good care of your kidney and urinary tract health, this major crucial process for the body’s well-being gets hampered. And if that happens, you get prone to develop risks of internal infections and injuries. If you are looking for some natural ways that can sustain and boost kidneys and urinary tract performance, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered! Now, without any further delay, let us dive straight into understanding the best herbal supplements for kidneys and the urinary tract.
Best Herbal Supplements For Kidneys and UT Health
While kidney issues are common, UTI is more prevalent among women. Kidney problems like kidney stones are chronically painful and can cause further problems for kidney function. Similarly, a urinary tract infection can make patients consume a lot of antibiotics. Overuse of antibiotics can cause disruption to the urinary tract health, weaken the immune system, and make a person more susceptible to infections. That is why natural treatment can be a lot more efficient to keep infections and side effects at bay. Let us now discuss some of the most effective herbs and natural remedies for kidney and UT problems-
1. Ginger-
Ginger is a popular herb as a traditional remedy for infections. It is a home treatment for multiple medicinal concerns such as bacterial, fungal, and viral infections. Rich in sulfur, the herb has strong antibacterial properties that can fight UTI-building bacteria. However, the UTI treating profile of ginger demands requires more thorough research to solidify the facts and understand the ideal dosage. Many people consume raw ginger or ginger tea as a herbal remedy for UTI and Kidney problems.
Nowadays, garlic capsules and supplements are easily available in the market. However, if you have allergies or you take medicines such as blood thinners and HIV prescriptions, in that case, you must consult a healthcare professional before including ginger as your herbal remedy for UTI.
2. Cranberry-
It is another famous herb that helps treat UTI naturally. Dried cranberries and cranberry juices are popular choices for people dealing with UTI. In addition, chemical compounds such as D-mannose and hippuric acid make cranberry ideal to curb the spread of infection in the urinary tract. It then hampers the functions of the bacteria and restricts its growth.
However, some studies suggest that consuming cranberry may not be as effective as the D-mannose and the antibiotic fosfomycin treatments. In addition, the precautions of consuming cranberry for UTI involve stomach upset, high-calorie intake, and other kidney problems. So, it may cause weight gain and disturb some medical treatments. Thus, consult your doctor before relying on cranberries as a herbal solution for UTI.
3. Bearberry leaf or Uva Ursi-
For centuries now, traditional and folk medicine practices rely on this popular herb for kidney and UTI concerns. The herb is procured from a wildflower shrub that has berries on them. The leaves of the flower are popular for their medicinal properties. Though several compounds present in the plant exhibit powerful antimicrobial properties, the research for Uva Ursi curing UTI is still limited. While some say it is relatively safer than many other herbs, Uva Ursi should not be taken for a long period as it may harm the liver and kidneys if consumed for more than 2 weeks.
4. Green Tea-
Various traditional medicinal practices use green tea as a pharmacological solution for several ailments. The active compounds in green tea, known as Polyphenols and Epigallocatechin (EGC), are famous for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. They can certainly enhance the effectiveness of some antibiotic treatments used for UTI. However, because of the presence of caffeine, there is a risk of the physical symptoms of UTI getting worse. Thus, make sure you take low to moderate green tea supplements to treat UTI with it. It is always advisable to consult a health professional before adding green tea as a staple herbal supplement.
The Takeaway
Apart from the above given wonderful herbal remedies, you can also try therapeutic natural remedies such as D-mannose, chamomile, parsley, and mint teas. Kidney stones and UTI infections being one of the most common ailments, need diligent attention. Their regular treatment is done with antibiotics, but the fear of recurrence of the disease looms even after the cure. Also, overuse of antibiotics may lead to some other side effects. Herbal remedies and natural supplements can help avoid these harmful side effects of antibiotics.
Though the efficiency study for garlic, cranberry, uva ursi, and green tea are limited, they still remain popular choices to treat and prevent Kidney and UTI concerns naturally. However, it is wise not to adopt a herbal remedy as an infection treatment on your own. Because of a lack of proper medical knowledge, you need to consult a professional healthcare provider before starting with natural therapy.
