Melanie Lagan is a trained nurse and certified Integrative Health Practitioner specialising in Women's Wellness and Kidney Health. She is the founder of Wetherby Natural Health, an online wellness coaching service and, an expert voice in the field of holistic kidney health.
Did you know your gut health plays a crucial role in supporting kidney function, and vice versa? Research reveals that poor gut health can negatively impact kidney health, especially in conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this article, we dive deep into how nurturing your gut microbiome can safeguard kidney function and share some practical tips for improving both. Ready to learn how small, strategic changes can make a big difference to your gut and kidney health? Let’s explore.
Understanding the gut-kidney axis
The health of your digestive system impacts overall well-being in many ways. Chances are, you have heard about the ‘Gut-Brain-Axis,’ but you may not be aware of the similarly close connection between your gut microbiome and your kidney health. Indeed, there is mounting evidence that poor gut health and an imbalanced gut microbiome (dysbiosis) can harm kidney function and that the two are mutually related. We will take a closer look at the mechanisms at play shortly.
What happens in your gut? A simple overview of the microbiome
The term ‘microbiome’ refers to the trillions of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms that naturally reside in our body. The gut microbiome consists of beneficial microorganisms in the digestive tract, which far outnumber our human cells. A healthy gut microbiome is vital for digestion, nutrient absorption, immune function, quality sleep, mood regulation, weight management, and controlling inflammation, to name a few. The greater the diversity of beneficial gut microbes working harmoniously together, the more effective they are in maintaining health. The composition of our gut flora constantly adapts to changing needs and influences. When balanced, microorganisms work synergistically, but disruptions caused by factors such as diet, medication, stress, and the environment can compromise our health over time.
How poor gut health affects your kidneys
We have seen that a balanced gut microbiome actively maintains a healthy gut and contributes to the functioning of many other body systems, including the kidneys. When this balance is disturbed (dysbiosis), substances can leak through the gut lining into the bloodstream, where they don’t belong. This increases the workload of the kidneys, as the body’s blood-filtering units, and can harm kidney cells. Resulting inflammation compounds the problem of systemic inflammation that often forms part of the picture in kidney disease. Conversely, compromised kidney health can allow high levels of toxins to build up in the bloodstream, which can cause further damage to the lining of the gut. Research has found that this can be a vicious cycle experienced by people with chronic kidney disorders.
From generic advice to a personalized approach
Navigating this online maze of generic dietary recommendations to support gut and kidney health can be overwhelming and misleading because it doesn’t consider individual factors such as kidney function (determined through blood and urine tests), specific gut microbiota, metabolic type, imbalances, and food sensitivities that may have been contributing to your current health concerns in the first place. Each person’s gut microbiome composition is unique and influenced by numerous intrinsic and external factors. There has been growing awareness of the importance of gut health for kidney care in medical circles, and the targeting of the gut microbiome has even been hailed as “the future” of specialist kidney nutrition to enhance existing treatment approaches for chronic kidney disease.
3 tips to improve gut health and help safeguard kidney function
If you have a general interest in protecting your digestive and kidney health, I invite you to start by considering the simple steps below. If you are a reader with an existing diagnosis of advanced or end-stage chronic kidney disease, please seek specialist input from a qualified renal dietitian, as you may have very different and specific dietary requirements.
Build Healthy Foundations! Cut out all ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and replace them with fresh, unprocessed, or minimally processed alternatives. UPFs have been shown to harm both gut and kidney health. Examples include fast food, ready meals, commercial supermarket bread, breakfast cereals and biscuits, colas, and energy drinks, to name a few. Eating a variety of seasonal, organic fruits and vegetables of different colors, wherever possible, delivers far more of the building blocks your body needs and fewer harmful toxins. If you eat meat, choose lean, 100% grass-fed, or organic meats whenever you can. If you eat fish, select smaller varieties or wild-caught species, as these contain fewer contaminants such as mercury.
Consider Gradually Introducing a Range of Food-Based Pre- and Probiotics based on your individual needs to support a balanced, diverse microbiome. The benefits of prebiotics and probiotics on gut health are well documented. Prebiotics feed the beneficial gut bacteria in your GI tract, while probiotics are foods containing living organisms that help diversify your gut flora. Fermented foods are a great source of probiotics. Examples include sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, miso, kefir, and yogurt. The latter two may be tolerated even if you know or suspect you may be lactose intolerant.
Invest in Natural Science-Validated, Wide-Spectrum Daily Gut Health Support to build a diverse, balanced microbiome instead of taking random off-the-shelf pre- or probiotic supplements. My go-to product is ION* Intelligence of Nature Gut Support. This innovative liquid is doctor-formulated and backed by research. It helps protect and repair the lining of the gut (counteracting ‘leaky gut’), defends against toxins, and improves nutrient absorption. One of the reasons I like it so much is that it has also been shown to benefit the health of kidney cells. UK-based customers can get a handy discount using code wetherbynaturalhealth10 at checkout.
By now, you will have realized that following generic dietary advice might simply not be enough and could even cause more problems. So, how can you understand how healthy your gut microbiome is, with a clear idea of which foods are right for you and your situation? After all, we can’t see inside. Gut Microbiome Analysis could be a game-changer.
Gut microbiome health testing made easy: What to look for
Taking a Gut Microbiome Health Test can provide valuable insights into your gut’s unique makeup, helping explain symptoms and guide treatment. With many options available, I recommend choosing a certified provider for reliable results and follow-up support. Go for an easy-to-use at-home test that maps your gut’s full genomic content rather than just a few bacterial strains. The test should also include personalized dietary guidance and food plans, turning findings into actionable advice. The second-generation gut microbiome test I use for my clients offers just that. The kit includes everything needed, and a simple stool swab from toilet tissue is enough for certified laboratory analysis. After reviewing the results, we identify changes that can significantly improve your health. With a research-backed Personal Diet Guide, food lists, custom diet plans, and recipes, you’ll have the tools and support needed for your health journey. Studies show this guide can lead to benefits like weight loss, better energy, improved sleep, and relief from digestive issues like constipation and IBS.
Small tweaks with a big impact
You now know that gut and kidney health are closely linked and that taking steps toward better gut health will nurture your kidneys. Your gut microbiome is unique to you and vital in actively maintaining a healthy gut. Ongoing imbalances affect all body systems, including the kidneys. If you are unsure where to begin and how to discover which foods are best for you, Gut Microbiome Health testing through a knowledgeable practitioner can give clarity and peace of mind that you are eating a healthy diet that is right for you. Functional testing is not imperative in building strong dietary foundations for health, but it offers a shortcut to tackling the root causes efficiently. Remember, even small changes, over time, can be effective in transforming the way you feel. So, my advice is: Don’t delay, start today!
Ready to eliminate the guesswork and focus on the right foods for you?
If any of the topics we have covered resonate with you, I highly recommend considering gut microbiome health testing to help guide you toward better food choices, a happier gut, and kidney-friendly living. I offer this in my one-to-one wellness coaching for women like you who are highly motivated to protect their kidney health (including those with a diagnosis of early-stage chronic kidney disease) and help them make dietary and lifestyle decisions with confidence while improving energy and well-being. Book a free introductory call today to feel empowered in nurturing your gut and kidney health.
Melanie Lagan, Women's Wellness and Kidney Health Coach
Melanie Lagan is a nurse, Women's Wellness Coach and holistic kidney health expert who is committed to helping women reclaim their energy, calm and sense of well-being so they can live their best life, with confidence. Disillusioned after many years of nursing in the NHS, she trained as an Integrative Health Practitioner and Kidney Health Coach and created highly effective strategies for sustained client results. Melanie is the founder of online wellness coaching service Wetherby Natural Health.
