Kidney failure is shocking and frustrating—especially when you feel like you’ve done everything “right” with your diet and life style. The truth is, while healthy eating is important, kidney health is influenced by many factors besides food.
What Else Can Damage Your Kidneys and You Don’t Even Know It
- High blood pressure and diabetes are the top two causes of kidney failure in the U.S., and they can harm the kidneys even in people who eat well.
- Autoimmune diseases (like lupus) can attack kidney tissue.
- Certain genetic disorders (like polycystic kidney disease) are inherited and can progress regardless of diet.
- Chronic dehydration (not drinking enough water over the years).
- Repeated urinary tract infections or untreated kidney stones.
- Prolonged use of some over-the-counter pain relievers (NSAIDs like ibuprofen or naproxen).
- Certain prescription drugs (like some antibiotics or chemotherapy) can harm the kidneys over time.
- Environmental toxins (heavy metals, pesticides) may cause gradual damage.
- Kidney function gradually decreases with age, and a sudden illness can sometimes push already-weakened kidneys into failure.
- Severe infections, sepsis, or shock can cause acute kidney injury.
- Blockages in the urinary tract (tumors, enlarged prostate in men) can back up and damage the kidneys.
- Aim for steady, moderate fluid intake, unless your doctor has instructed you to follow a fluid restriction.
- Choose water as your main drink. Avoid excessive soda, sugary drinks, or artificially colored beverages.
- Sodium can make your kidneys work harder and may raise your blood pressure.
- Limit fast foods, canned soups, deli meats, chips, and restaurant meals.
- Season with herbs, spices, lemon, or vinegar instead of salt.
- Excessive protein intake can overwhelm the kidneys’ ability to filter waste.
- Choose high-quality sources (such as fish, poultry, beans, and eggs) but in moderate portions.
- Your doctor or dietitian can provide you with a personalized protein target based on your stage of kidney disease.
- Keep blood pressure ideally below 120/80 (or your provider’s target).
- If you have diabetes, aim for stable blood sugar.
- Regular gentle exercise and stress reduction help both.
- Minimize or stop NSAID pain relievers (ibuprofen, naproxen) unless approved by your doctor.
- Be cautious with herbal supplements—some contain ingredients harmful to the kidneys (e.g., aristolochic acid, high-dose turmeric, certain teas).
- Berries, apples, cabbage, cauliflower, garlic, and olive oil are generally kidney-friendly.
- If you are restricted from consuming potassium or phosphorus, check with your care team before adding new foods.
- Get regular labs to monitor creatinine, eGFR, and electrolytes.
- See a nephrologist if you’re not already. Early medical intervention can preserve kidney function for years longer.
- Try Reflexology – Reflexology can support all glands and organs, including the kidneys, by encouraging toxins to filter through.
Reflexology can be a gentle, complementary way to support kidney function by improving circulation, reducing stress, and encouraging the body’s natural self-healing responses. While it’s not a cure for kidney disease, it may help reduce strain on the kidneys and promote overall wellness when used alongside medical care.
Here’s How Reflexology Can Support Your Kidney Functions
1. Stimulates blood flow to the kidney reflex points
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In reflexology, the kidney reflexes are located in the middle of the soles of the feet.
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Gentle pressure here may increase local circulation, helping the kidneys filter waste more effectively.
2. Encourages detoxification
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Reflexology sessions can support the lymphatic system, which helps remove cellular waste and reduce the body’s toxin load.
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This can ease the burden on the kidneys, especially when they’re under stress.
3. Balances the nervous system
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Chronic stress can raise blood pressure and worsen kidney strain.
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Reflexology helps shift the body into a parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) state, which is more supportive for kidney health.
4. Supports other kidney-related reflexes
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Reflexologists also work the adrenal gland reflexes, bladder reflexes, and urinary tract reflexes to encourage balanced hormone levels and healthy fluid regulation.
5. Promotes relaxation and pain relief
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Some kidney patients experience back pain or fatigue. Reflexology may ease discomfort and improve overall energy.
Reflexology Disclaimer
Reflexology does not replace traditional medicine. Please check with your doctor if you have any concerns about your kidney function. Reflexology can help achieve good health. Looking for an experienced and certified Reflexologist in your town and state.
About the Writer, Teacher, and Film Maker
Helen Chin Lui is a Certified Reflexologist, Certified Energy Medicine, and Reiki Practitioner. She is the owner of the Healing Place LLC and Healing Place Energy School LLC in Medfield, MA. She specializes in helping adults and children to find long-lasting relief from chronic pain, digestive issues, and heal hormonal imbalances naturally.
Healing Place LLC
Healing Place LLC specializes in helping people of all ages break the pain cycles of chronic pain and chronic digestive problems and balances hormones naturally. If you would like to learn how Reflexology can support your health, please schedule a FREE consultation on the HealingPlaceMedfield.com website or call us (508) 359-6463. Too far to come to Medfield, MA? Look for a Certified Reflexologist in your town and state.
Healing Place Energy School
Learn more in-depth hand and foot reflexology from the privacy of your home by going to HealingPlaceEnergySchool.com. We offer Reflexology, chakra, self care, meditation, reiki courses.
Helen Chin Lui’s Books
If you would like to learn more about personal energy flow, or Reflexology techniques, get copies of Helen’s Books Know Your Chakras: Introduction to Energy Medicine or Foot Reflexology to Promote Relaxation
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