Mailbag! How to SAVE Your Kidneys (Diabetics Only)
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted May 18, 2021
I’m diabetic and very concerned about my kidney health. What supplements or other treatments would you suggest?
–Pete in St. Paul, Minnesota
Hi Pete,
You are right to be concerned about your kidneys: they’re essential for detoxification and good health.
And unfortunately, diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease, striking about 30 percent of adults with diabetes.
You probably know that your kidneys’ primary job is to filter waste and balance water. If you have too much water, your kidneys get rid of it. If you don’t have enough water, they hold on to it.
In other words, keeping your kidneys healthy is all about balance.
So why are diabetes patients at risk for kidney damage?
High blood sugar causes oxidative damage, which breaks down the blood vessels throughout your body… including your kidneys. And as you may know, the “filter” part of your kidney is just a network of blood vessels.
Couple this with high blood pressure, which many diabetics suffer from, and suddenly you could be looking at kidney failure.
The truth is, only way to protect your kidneys is to lower your blood sugar and keep your blood pressure under control.
Thankfully, it’s pretty easy.
Dr. Scott’ Anti-Diabetes Program:
- Start with your diet. Cut out as much sugar as you can. Yes, this means tossing the soda and sweets into the trash. Instead, base your diet around quality proteins and vegetables.
- Find easy ways to exercise. Take the stairs, walk to your errands, stand during television commercials… find something fun and stick with it. Exercise is proven to help control blood sugar.
- Weight control. The best way to control diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight. There are many ways to lose weight, but I prefer getting blood sugar under control first and giving your metabolism a kick.
- Try a cinnamon supplement. This savory baking spice is super-concentrated, and a powerful weapon against high blood sugar. It’s easy to find in supplement form… and it’s dirt cheap.
- Eat more turmeric. This spice is naturally anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory. Turmeric helps to reduce insulin resistance, allowing glucose to enter your cells effectively. You can add more turmeric to your diet or get it as a supplement.
- Olive leaf extract. This compound is known for keeping blood sugar under control, and it’s one I’ve spent years recommending.
- Avoid NSAIDs whenever possible. Ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are at the top of the list of kidney-harming drugs. Though it’s ok to take them once in a while, avoid taking them too frequently.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Plant Compound SLASHES A1c Levels in 12 Weeks
Diabetes is skyrocketing in the United States. And the trend shows no sign of slowing down. The projected number of adults with diabetes is expected to increase from 22.3 million (9.1 percent) in 2014 to 39.7 million (13.9 percent) in 2030, and further to 60.6 million (17.9 percent) by 2060. That’s a massive 165 percent...
Two-Week Diet Switch Transforms Your Health
You know how you feel sluggish and “off” after a vacation filled with fast foods and processed snacks? Well, it’s not all in your head (or merely guilt). When you switch to an unhealthy Western-style diet, there are physical consequences—and they kick in faster than you might think… The Western diet is characterized by ultra-processed...
WARNING—Your Water Bottle Is Hiding a Disgusting Secret
Recently, a few people have asked me if it’s true that their water bottle has more germs than a toilet seat. It’s a shocking comparison that’ll make you think twice about everyday objects you use without much thought. So, is this claim true? Well, I must warn you that you might not like the answer…...
Research Reveals 3-for-1 Brain Protection "Checklist"
Age-related brain diseases—including stroke, dementia, and depression—threaten our quality of life. They can take the shine right out of your Golden Years. But you don’t have to take these threats lying down. While there are no guarantees in life, there are steps you can take to turn the odds in your favor—especially when it comes...
Mailbag: Your “Healthy Diet” Might Leave You Running on Empty
“Do supplements really work?” Hopeful Skeptic Hi Hopeful, That’s a fantastic question! It gets straight to the heart of a vital fact about human biology. Our bodies are incredible machines. But they don’t work in a vacuum. They require outside help to function. For example, they can’t manufacture most vitamins and minerals on their own....
Forgotten 80s Superfood Reemerges as Artery Superstar
Do you remember when vitamin E was the talk of the town? This common nutrient had a surge of popularity in the 80s and 90s. But now I can’t remember the last time I had a patient ask me about it. Well, it turns out this forgotten 80s superfood deserves another moment in the spotlight....
Strokes CAN Strike Twice—This Simple Fix Cuts Your Risk 20%
They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place. But that old adage couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to strokes. If you’ve had a stroke, you might think you’re out of the woods once you recover. But the reality is far different… A comprehensive study published in JAMA revealed the...
Can Your Diet Defend Your Brain From Aging?
Our brains work hard every day, helping us solve problems, create memories, and connect with loved ones. But as we age, they face new challenges that can quietly chip away at our vitality. One of those challenges? The buildup of iron. Though iron is essential for many functions, too much can harm your brain, contributing...
Common Deficiency DOUBLES Risk of Your Body Attacking Itself
Most of us know vitamin D as the “sunshine vitamin.” And many think of it mainly for bone health as we age. But research now suggests that this nutrient may be just as crucial for supporting our immune system throughout life, beginning as early as childhood. In fact, a lack of vitamin D, especially in...
What Is a Healthy Night’s Sleep? Three Critical Criteria
We’ve all heard the advice about how important getting enough sleep is to your health. Heck, I have even given this advice countless times. But here’s what the so-called sleep experts aren’t telling you—that perfectly uninterrupted eight hours of sleep they keep preaching about? It’s a myth. In fact, if you wake up several times...