Kidney Food Supplement

For athletes, kidney health is particularly important: the kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the body's water and electrolyte balance , as well as in eliminating waste products produced by physical exertion. A kidney supplement can therefore support this kidney function, especially during periods of stress or when the body is exposed to factors that can overload them.

Why take a kidney supplement?

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining our body’s internal balance by filtering waste and toxins from the blood, regulating electrolyte balance, and controlling blood pressure (1). Several factors (both biological and environmental) can disrupt kidney function and compromise its effectiveness: a diet high in salt, insufficient hydration, aging, certain medications, or exposure to environmental toxins. Certain times of the year, especially the summer months, can increase kidney health risks. Dehydration due to high temperatures or intense physical activity can overload the kidneys, causing them to filter waste less effectively. In addition, poor hydration in the winter (when we drink less due to cold temperatures) can also affect kidney function. In these situations, a kidney supplement can be particularly beneficial to support kidney function.

What is the role of the kidneys in your health?

The kidneys play a vital role in maintaining overall health, as they are responsible for filtering the blood and removing waste and toxins from the body. They are two bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine that act as natural filters to purify the blood. By removing excess waste, salt, and fluids, the kidneys help maintain electrolyte balance. But the kidneys don't just filter waste: they also play a key role in the production of certain vital hormones . For example, the kidneys produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates the production of red blood cells, which are essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body. They also produce renin (an enzyme that regulates blood pressure) and help activate vitamin D, which is needed for calcium absorption and bone health. By performing these functions, the kidneys help prevent deficiencies and imbalances. In addition, the kidneys play a crucial role in managing the body’s water balance . They adjust the amount of water retained in the body based on fluid intake and body needs, which helps prevent dehydration and excess fluid buildup. This function is especially important during extreme temperatures or intense physical exertion, when water balance is often challenged. For these reasons, protecting and maintaining kidney health with a kidney supplement is essential!

Athletes: the benefits of a dietary supplement for the kidney

Maintaining water and electrolyte balance

When an athlete trains intensely, he loses essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium or magnesium through sweat. The kidneys are responsible for regulating these electrolyte levels in the blood. A kidney supplement therefore helps maintain an optimal electrolyte balance in order to prevent muscle cramps and fatigue.

Detoxification support

Intense exercise produces metabolic wastes like lactic acid and ammonia, which the kidneys must filter and remove from the body. Some supplements may include ingredients like dandelion or cranberry, which are known to support kidney function and detoxification . These ingredients may help the kidneys eliminate toxins more efficiently to reduce the risk of kidney overload.

Prevention of kidney stones

Athletes who consume a lot of protein or do not hydrate enough are at increased risk of developing kidney stones . A kidney supplement may contain elements that promote good hydration and better management of calcium in the urine, with the aim of reducing the risk of stone formation (2).

Better recovery

After intense exercise, recovery involves not only the muscles, but also the kidneys, which must process accumulated waste. A kidney supplement that contains antioxidants such as vitamin C, could help protect kidney cells from oxidative stress, to promote better recovery.

Support for sustainable performance

Healthy kidneys are essential for maintaining optimal athletic performance over the long term. By ensuring proper fluid balance, the kidneys contribute to stable athletic performance . A healthy kidney supplement can therefore help you maintain your performance level while protecting your kidney health.

What vitamins and minerals work in synergy with a kidney supplement?

To support kidney function, certain vitamins and minerals can work synergistically with a kidney supplement:

• Magnesium : Magnesium is essential for many bodily functions, including regulating levels of calcium, a mineral involved in the formation of kidney stones.
• Potassium : Potassium is crucial for maintaining the body's fluid and electrolyte balance, functions in which the kidneys play a central role. A good potassium balance helps prevent fluid buildup, which takes pressure off the kidneys.
• Vitamin D : Vitamin D is important for the regulation of calcium and phosphorus in the body, which directly influences kidney function. It helps maintain optimal blood calcium levels.
• Zinc : Zinc is a mineral that plays an important role in tissue repair and supporting the immune system. Good immune function is essential for preventing kidney infections, while zinc also helps protect kidney cells from oxidative damage.
• Vitamin C : While vitamin C is known for its antioxidant properties, it is important to balance it properly for the kidneys. In synergy with other nutrients, it can help protect the kidneys from oxidative damage while supporting immune function.

These vitamins and minerals, when combined with a kidney supplement, support kidney function. These nutrients work synergistically to maintain kidney health , especially in people whose kidneys are stressed by physical activity or other stressors. However, it is essential to integrate these supplements into an overall health plan , and to consult a healthcare professional to ensure they meet your specific needs.

Sources:

(1) https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0515370016301732

(2) https://www.inserm.fr/dossier/ insufficiency-renale /