If you’re searching for natural ways to prevent kidney disease in people and pets, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re dealing with early signs of kidney stress or simply want to support this essential organ system holistically, you’ll discover simple, effective, and cutting-edge strategies here—for both you and your four-legged companions.
Truth: Kidney dis-ease is more common than you think—not just in people, but in our fur babes, too. And, while you may think it only shows up later in life, many of the causes are sneaky, everyday things that we don’t even realize are harmful. Early prevention is key.
Take Lasix (furosemide) for example—a commonly prescribed diuretic for heart and pulmonary conditions. It does its job of moving fluid, but it also puts major stress on the kidneys over time. This was part of my pup, Sophie’s, heart dis-ease conventional protocol, and I complemented it to help support her kidneys with natural tools to reduce her dosage. It takes awareness and intention—but it’s absolutely possible.
What Your Kidneys Do (And Why They Deserve a Hug)
• Filter waste from your blood
• Regulate hydration and mineral balance
• Control blood pressure
• Convert vitamin D into its active, usable form
• Help make red blood cells (via erythropoietin)
• Maintain your pH balance
• Produce hormones that help regulate many of these systems
They do so much! And the same goes for your pets.
Early Signs of Kidney Stress or Dysfunction
It’s easy to miss the signs of early kidney dis-ease because symptoms are subtle. But tuning in to these early clues can help you catch imbalances before they become more serious.
👨⚕️ In People:
• Fatigue or weakness
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Swelling in hands, ankles, or feet (fluid retention)
• Changes in urination (frequency, color, or urgency)
• Muscle cramps, especially at night
• Persistent puffiness around the eyes
• Dry or itchy skin
🐾 In Pets:
• Increased thirst or urination
• Weight loss despite normal eating
• Vomiting or nausea
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy or decreased interest in play
• Bad breath (ammonia-like smell)
• Dull coat or dry, flaky skin
If you notice any of these signs, it doesn’t mean it’s too late—but it does mean it’s time to act. The good news is, prevention and support can go a long way.
Lesser-Known Causes of Kidney Stress (That Might Surprise You)
💧 Chronic dehydration — especially from dry food diets (kibble) for pets, or from people not drinking enough high-quality water.
💊 Medications — including NSAIDs for people and pets (like ibuprofen or Rimadyl). Long-term use without support can damage kidneys.
☠️ Environmental toxins — lawn chemicals, plastic bowls, synthetic vitamins, and more put a hidden burden on your (and your pet’s) detox organs.
🧆 Dry, processed foods — Kibble may be convenient, but it lacks the moisture kidneys need and the vitamins and minerals the body needs to stay healthy. Same goes for ultra-processed people foods.
🍽️ Imbalanced diets — High protein with low hydration can stress kidney filtration over time.
Let’s talk about kidney disease prevention, before there’s ever a problem
For You:
💧 Hydrogen-rich water — Neutralizes free radicals and helps reduce oxidative stress on kidneys. I have a hydrogen water machine I swear by. Total game changer.
🍄🟫 Cordyceps mushroom — A powerful kidney tonic in traditional Chinese medicine, and also an adaptogen (meaning it helps your body deal with stress).
🥥 Coconut water — Nature’s electrolyte drink. No synthetic additives, just pure hydration support.
💪🏻 Magnesium — Helps prevent kidney stone formation and supports overall fluid balance. Magnesium citrate or glycinate are both great forms.
For Your Pets:
🍉 Fresh fruits and veggies — Add moisture to meals and support healthy digestion and detox. Summer fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, berries are great antioxidants, too!
☕️ Dandelion root tea — A natural, gentle diuretic that supports kidney cleansing. I used this to help Sophie ease off high-dose diuretics. Also consider red clover, cornsilk, and parsley as safe options (under vet or practitioner guidance).
🐟 Omega-3s — Anti-inflammatory and protective of kidney tissue. Choose a quality source and store it properly to prevent rancidity.
💧 Add moisture to every meal—either through raw food, lightly cooked food, or simply by adding bone broth, raw goat’s milk or warm filtered water to their bowl.
It doesn’t take a lot to build kidney resilience. Small changes matter and do add up.
This is just a taste of what I dive into in my upcoming book:
THINK AND GROW YOUNG™:
The Life-Changing Program to Reverse Aging, Live Vibrantly, and Reclaim Your Youth
It’s packed with the tools, strategies, and insights that have helped me—at almost 70—feel sharper, more energized, and more alive than I did in my 40’s. Because health is holistic. It’s not just about food or supplements, it’s about the whole system working in harmony—mind, body, and spirit.
💛 So what’s one small change you can make today to support your kidneys (or your pet’s)?
To our best health ever!
