Kidneys are the filtering units of our body. They filter out wastes from the blood, maintain a balance between electrolytes, minerals, salts, etc. in the body, and aid in the production of red blood cells and vitamin D as well. In addition, kidneys help maintain blood pressure by producing a compound called Renin. Keeping them away from any disease becomes vital for the effective functioning of the body. Drinking methi water has multiple health benefits and this article will try to answer the question, “Is methi water good for the kidneys?” in detail.
Is Methi Water Good for Kidneys?
Methi water is made by soaking fenugreek seeds (methi) in a water pot overnight. One home remedy that has attracted a lot of attention in the past few years is the consumption of fenugreek for maintaining renal health. Drinking Methi or fenugreek water is effective in protecting kidney disease against various ailments.
The major benefits of drinking methi water for kidneys are:
Diuretic Properties: Methi water has mild diuretic properties, i.e. it may help in increased urine production. This avoids the build-up of toxins and wastes in the body and helps avoid the crystallization of minerals and salts in the body.
Antioxidative Properties: Fenugreek seeds are rich in flavonoids, saponins, and polyphenols. These compounds have been long known to reduce the build-up of oxidative stress in the body, which may improve the overall functioning of the kidneys.
Regulation of Blood Sugar: Methi water is rich in soluble fiber content, particularly galactomannan, which results in the slowdown of carbohydrate absorption in the body. This helps regulate blood sugar in the body.
Chemical Damage: A scientific study in 2010 examined the protective effects of fenugreek against kidney damage in lab animals. These lab animals were exposed to a pesticide called cypermethrin. Within 60 days, the renal functions of lab animals returned to near-normal levels when they were given methi water.
Kidney Stones: If we go by a lab study published in "Phytotherapy Research" in 2007, fenugreek showed encouraging results in preventing the formation of calcium oxalate kidney stones. Results demonstrated that animals who were given fenugreek supplementation had less calcification in their kidneys in comparison to untreated ones.
Kidney Oxidative Stress: According to a study published in the "Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology", an administration of fenugreek water in diabetic lab animals led to an increased antioxidant level in the kidney and decreased oxidative stress overall.
Precautions and Considerations
Excessive consumption: Excess of anything is bad and the same holds for methi water as well. Drinking methi water in excessive amounts can result in gastrointestinal discomfort or diarrhea.
Existing kidney conditions: If you are a CKD patient or are on dialysis, you must consult your doctor before consuming methi water.
Allergies: Fenugreek seeds may cause unwanted allergies in some.
Methi water, as discussed above, has multiple benefits for our kidneys and it helps prevent the formation of renal stones and renal oxidative stress too. However, you must take advice from your healthcare provider beforehand.
