Kidney Disease: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Options
as well as Disease Prevention
Medical Disclaimer: The below provides a general overview of this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner.
Chronic Kidney Disease
Critical Statistics: An estimated 20 million adults in the U.S. have chronic kidney disease (CKD) - but among them, less than 12% of men and less than 6% of women are aware of it.
Even fewer people realize that Chronic Kidney Disease - like high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol levels - leads to an increased risk for heart disease and stroke.
Those at Increased Risk:
- • People over age 60
- • People suffering from high blood pressure, diabetes, Lupus, hepatitis B or C
- • People with a family history of kidney disease in a first-degree relative
Symptoms:
In the early stages, kidney disease usually causes no symptoms. By the time symptoms occur - typically fatigue, weakness, and an overall feeling of disease - the decline in kidney function is often advanced and cannot be reversed.
Artificial Sweeteners & Sodium:
Scientists from Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston conducted an 11-year study on the effects of artificial sweeteners on the body. The results indicated that those who drank two or more artificially-sweetened beverages a day doubled their risk of more-rapid-than-normal kidney function decline. High sodium intake was also implicated in the study as promoting progressive kidney decline.
Most Important Tests & Protocols
Screening (with blood and urine tests) should be part of the regular physical exam for high-risk patients.
Albumin Test
Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood. If the kidneys are working properly, they return albumin to the bloodstream as it passes through the kidneys' filtering units.
Creatinine Test
Creatinine is a by-product of normal muscle metabolism and is one of the waste substances removed by the kidneys. Doctors use the level of creatinine in the blood to estimate the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR).
Ways to Protect Your Kidneys from Further Deterioration:
- ✓ Manage the underlying condition that caused the disease (high blood pressure, diabetes, Lupus, hepatitis B or C, etc.)
- ✗ Avoid over-the-counter NSAIDs / painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Aleve - especially if used regularly
- ⚠ Be cautious with contrast dyes during radiographic procedures - advise your doctor of your kidney problems
- 🐟 Eating fish twice a week cuts diabetics' kidney risks and enhances blood glucose control
Function of the Kidneys
The kidneys filter and secrete metabolites (such as urea) and minerals from the blood and excrete them, along with water, as urine.
They are important regulators of blood pressure, glucose metabolism, and erythropoiesis (the process by which red blood cells are produced).
In humans, the kidneys are located in the posterior part of the abdomen. There is one on each side of the spine; the right kidney sits just below the liver, the left below the diaphragm, and adjacent to the spleen.
General Kidney Health
Cherries
According to research from Michigan State University, tart cherries contain anthocyanins and bioflavonoids, which inhibit inflammatory enzymes and have similar activity as aspirin, naproxen, and ibuprofen.
Raw Apple Cider Vinegar
Organic, raw, unpasteurized variety boosts the immune system, fights bacteria, aids in healing urinary tract and kidney infections, and balances electrolytes.
Kidney Cancer
About 190,000 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed each year. Risk factors include smoking, high blood pressure, obesity, and exposure to toxic chemicals such as asbestos and cadmium.
Protective Foods
Bananas
4-6 times per week halved cancer risk
Salads
Daily consumption = 40% decreased risk
Root Vegetables
50-65% decrease in risk
Research shows that women eating more than 75 servings of fruits and vegetables per month (2.5 per day) cut their risk of kidney cancer by 40%.
Fatty Cold Water Fish
A study published in JAMA found that eating fatty cold-water fish at least once a week may help prevent kidney cancer. Those who consistently consumed fatty fish had a 74% lower risk of Renal Cell Carcinoma.
Spirulina
Spirulina has strong anti-cancer properties and protects against kidney damage. Studies show it supercharges the immune system, has anti-viral properties, reduces cholesterol, and has radio-protective effects.
Kidney Stones
About 5% of adults develop a stone sometime in their life, with men being more susceptible than women. Small stones often pass through the urinary tract on their own (albeit sometimes painfully).
Prevention Tips
- 💧 Drink lots of water
- 🚫 Cut back on meat and salt
- ⚠ Avoid oxalate-rich foods: spinach, rhubarb, wheat bran, chocolate
Natural Supplements
IP-6 (Inositol hexaphosphate)
2.5-5 grams daily
Magnesium Citrate
500-800 mg daily with B6
Potassium Citrate
15 grams daily in divided doses
Essential Oils for Kidney Health
Atlantic Cedar
Beneficial for kidney and bladder disorders. Its antiseptic properties make it ideal for infections and cystitis.
Pine
Antiseptic, bactericidal, and diuretic. Known as a general kidney cleanser and effective for prostate problems.
Bay Laurel
High phenol content makes it a good antiseptic. Has a tonic effect on the liver and kidneys.
Helichrysum Italicum
Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diuretic properties. Acts as a stimulant for detoxifying organs.