Healthy Nature

Seems like the only time you hear about kidneys is when someone you know gets kidney stones.

But they perform a vital function you couldn’t live without: filtering 130 quarts of blood, removing the waste, and then passing on the resulting 1-2 quarts of urine.

So of course, you naturally want them working at their best. Because if they’re not, and kidney stones form, you’re sure going to know about it.

Here’s some supplements you can take to improve their functioning so you never have to think about your kidneys:

1. Vitamin B-6

This vitamin works to prevent the formation of calcium oxalate. This mineral salt is the most common cause of kidney stones.

You won’t find vitamin B6 alone in a supplement though. You usually find it in immune system bundles, B-complex vitamins, or multivitamins. It’s a common B-vitamin, so finding it is not a challenge.

2. Vitamin C

If you’re going to take one vitamin for any reason, this one’s it. In regard to your kidneys, vitamin C also helps you keep from forming stones – and also to maintain the general health of your kidneys.

Besides that, it also helps prevent and treat the common cold, decreases your risk of UTIs, may play a role in preventing cardiovascular disease, increases bone density, improves mood and sex drive, and reduces wrinkles and age lines.

And it’s difficult to overdo it. The recommended dosage is 75-90 mg. The upper limit recommended is 2,000 mg. And the worst that happens is nausea and diarrhea if you do overdo it.

But to overdo it, you practically have to live on vitamin C all day long.

3. Lemon Juice

Can’t you just feel the sour taste in your mouth already?

While technically not an herbal supplement as you traditionally think of one, lemon juice is a natural substance that prevents the formation of uric acid crystals.

Uric acid can lead to gout and urate-based kidney stones.

Lemon juice’s potassium creates calcium carbonate, which helps neutralize acids.

Just add a few drops to a drink to make it go down easy.

4. L-Carnitine

Also simply called “carnitine,” this herbal supplement converts fat throughout your body (and especially in your kidneys) into energy.

In fact, a deficiency in carnitine is widely known to cause kidney-related diseases.

You only need to take 1 gram of carnitine daily to experience benefits. However, you get the maximum benefit with 2-3 grams.

If you take these supplements consistently, you’ll likely never have to think about your kidneys again.