Sodium bicarbonate’s effect on kidney health has been analyzed in recent years due to word of its benefits being propagated throughout many natural health and kidney health communities and publications. Although its benefits have been observed time and time again, as we’ll delve into a little further in the article, there are still some out there who doubt its viability as a potent treatment for kidney problems.
The rationale behind why the kidneys respond so well to sodium bicarbonate is rooted in its effect on the process of the acid build-up, a term denoting the kidneys’ inability to excrete acidic compounds from the body. This imbalance prevents the body from maintaining a more alkaline pH level, which is what it would do if the kidneys were not impaired. As this acid build-up ravages the body, it leads to further complications and even greater strain on an already weakened organ. Some further complications stemming from this include inflammation, muscle breakdown, and low blood pressure, among others.
When sodium bicarbonate is added to the mix, it helps counter acid build-up by creating a buffer against the acids which are not excreted, and over time, may help to stave off and reverse its very damaging effects on the kidneys.
The Proof Is In The Pros
• Muscle Strength & Better Acid Buffering: One study took a look at how oral sodium bicarbonate affected a group of 20 individuals with poor kidneys. The study found improved lower extremity muscle strength as well as more effective acid buffering within the body.
• Slower Creatinine Decline & Improved Nutritional Parameters: In this study, over 100 people with kidney problems were observed and found to exhibit a slower rate of creatinine decline and improved nutritional levels upon being treated with oral sodium bicarbonate therapy.
• Slower GFR Decline & Improved Kidney Health: In this study, which spanned five years, 120 subjects with kidney damage linked to high blood pressure were followed and each sub-group was treated with a different therapy. The sodium bicarbonate group was shown to exhibit a much slower rate of GFR decline and reduced levels of kidney damage.
Alongside the plethora of positive research results, there was also a study aimed at debunking the benefits of sodium bicarbonate and equating them with the benefits a person with bad kidneys would reap from following a diet richer in vegetables and fresh fruits. And the results? Sodium bicarbonate, which was administered to one sub-group, produced better results than just eating more fruits and veggies, alone. But can you imagine what doing both could do? Adding more fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet could not only help with a number of related issues, but it can also help to dramatically reduce dietary acid levels, which helps sodium bicarbonate perform its job that much better
The major gripe some people have with sodium bicarbonate therapy for kidney problems revolves around the relative lack of long-term studies connected to its use. Although this concern may be enough to drive some people with poor kidneys away, it’s largely rooted in the medical establishment’s lack of interest in testing natural remedies in clinical settings because, quite frankly, there’s not as much of a profit in it. It’s also important to note that kidney problems are a progressive illness and many sufferers are on a fixed time, searching for whatever means may be able to alleviate them of their pain as quickly as possible before the damage worsens. With the shorter-term studies pointing to positive outcomes, isn’t it worth it to give sodium bicarbonate a try? For an even more potent weapon in your battle against kidney problems, why not combine that sodium bicarbonate with a bunch of other scientifically-proven healthy kidney premium-quality probiotics?
