Saturday, September 21, 2013

Sodium And Kidney Disease: What Effect Does It Have?

Wish you could increase your kidney function and get your life back on track? Serious about reversing kidney disease and getting your life back to normal? If you've tried the conventional methods of medication and dialysis then check out what a completely natural solution could do for you. Safe, scientifically proven, and step-by-step. Toxins build up in body due to kidney impairment. Treat the cause to truly heal your kidneys. See here for a comprehensive health report to stop kidney disease.

Sodium is something that we simply cannot avoid as it forms the basis of salt and this is of course an ingredient that is in so many of the things we eat on a daily basis.

It is also an element that is extremely important for our body and indeed at various times our body will crave it as it is a source of electrolytes in our body with this playing a key role in the movement of fluids that passes through the cells in our body.

However, studies have shown that too much sodium can of course be bad for us and one way in which it can be particular problematic is for those people that suffer from kidney disease.

Sodium and your kidneys

One of the main things that sodium does in your body is it helps it to retain what is seen as being a normal level of fluid. Clearly this is a good thing, but when you have kidney disease it means your body is incapable of removing the sodium and fluid as the kidney is not functioning as it should.

The result of this is the sodium can build up in your bloodstream as well as the tissues in your body and this is where problems can arise.

The problems

If the levels of sodium are allowed to build in your body it can result in an increase in your blood pressure and clearly this does then have a major impact on your overall health. High blood pressure is also known to then cause more issues to kidneys that are already damaged as the kidney function is impaired and will lead to even more fluid and sodium being allowed to build up in the body.

If left untreated, this can lead to swelling in the extremities, which means the hands and feet, along with an increased risk of heart disease including a heart attack as the fluid that is now in your bloodstream forces your heart into working harder potentially leading to problems.

Finally, all of this excess fluid can start to build up in your lungs and make it harder to breathe, making this particularly troubling for those people that suffer from breathing issues such as asthma.

Your diet

What is clear is that if you do suffer from kidney disease, then you need to look carefully at your diet.

The amount of sodium you can take will depend on the severity of your kidney issue, but it is important to remember that we do still need it in our diet for our body to function; just as you need to keep a close eye on the levels to prevent the complications mentioned above developing.

In conclusion, you can see that for people with kidney problems, sodium can cause a major problem and cause some long-term damage as well as speeding up the original kidney problem. Just as a diabetic has to monitor their sugar intake, in this situation it is salt or sodium in any form that is the problem.

Follow a diet plan that is laid out by a professional and there is no reason to doubt that you will not be a picture of fine health and be able to avoid the health problems created by simply having too much sodium in your diet.

Take a look at this free video consultation with a kidney specialist and his system for restoring kidney function!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Why Kidney Failure Patients Should Pay Attention To Their Potassium Intake

Keeping up with the day-to-day requirements for maintaining your kidneys can be very taxing. Medications, check-ups, and dialysis start to take so much time and effort and you're never sure what the next check-up could bring. However, there is another way to approach the problem. That may be what brought you to this website in the first place. If you're looking for more help or other ways that kidney disease could be dealt with than read on! There are some really good, really effective, and really safe treatments out there for your kidneys. See for yourself how to get greater energy, increased GFR, less or no fluid retention, and the return of positive health and attitude.

Patients experiencing kidney failure should take care of their potassium intake since they are at a high risk for potassium metabolism disturbance. The kidneys help in the maintenance of normal serum-potassium level by removing excess potassium from the body. A person is most likely going to experience high levels of potassium in the body if the kidneys do not work effectively.

Patients with chronic kidney disease should limit their intake of potassium as this will help them to reduce the risk of fatigue, cramping, confusion, muscle weakness, myasthenia, arrhythmia, nerve damages, digestive problems, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain.

For patients who have lost about 50% kidney function, their diets should be low-fat, low-protein, and low-potassium. This is because the body cannot effectively remove excessive electrolytes and water from their blood. Therefore, proper diets help in reducing kidney burdens and also slow down the rate of kidney function decline.

NOTE: it is important to note here, that not all kidney disease sufferers will have high potassium levels. The majority will, but definitely not all. Therefore it is crucial that when you visit with your doctor you get your blood potassium levels checked… As you may be in a small percentage of people that can consume potassium freely.

For kidney disease patients, high concentrations of potassium can cause cardiac arrhythmia, metabolic acidosis, low blood calcium and muscle weakness. This can stop the heart from beating resulting in death.

The Recommended Potassium Intake For Kidney Disease Patients

Though the allowed amount of potassium varies from case to case, it should generally range between 1500mg-2700mg daily. Foods that have more than 250mg of potassium per serving are high potassium foods. The most common foods that are rich in potassium include salmon, lobster, tomatoes, potatoes, legumes, beans, beet, dried fruits and avocados. Kidney disease patients should therefore stay away from consuming these foods.

Foods To Choose

Most, if not all, foods contain some potassium. Kidney disease patients should therefore aim foods that have less than 250mg per serving. Examples of foods low in potassium include chicken, eggs, grapes, onions, green peas, berries, plums, raspberries, tangerine, kales, peaches and asparagus.

Foods To Reduce/Avoid

Foods that have more than 250mg of potassium per single serving are considered to be rich in potassium. Most dairy products and vegetables contain high levels of potassium. Examples of foods that should be reduced or avoided include black-eyed peas, avocados, corn, spinach, potatoes, bananas, apples, kiwi fruit, water melon, beans and oranges.

Considerations

Too much potassium in the body can cause irregular heartbeat. As the kidney disease is being treated, the patient should reduce his intake since the kidney cannot remove the excess potassium.

Apart from doing away with foods rich in potassium completely, the patient can alternatively remove the potassium by soaking the vegetables in water. The ions will then seep out, after which he can then cook and eat the vegetables. This method is called ‘potassium leaching’.

Take a look at this great video advice from a professional naturopath who has helped thousands live a happier and healthier life!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Can Too Much Protein Exacerbate Kidney Problems?

Are you wishing you could reverse your kidney disease? Wishing you could improve your kidney function? Well I'm here to tell you that you can both improve the function of your kidneys and yes, even reverse the effects of your kidney disease. There are many little known natural health solutions to the problem of kidney disease. With the right foods, vitamins, and herbs you can strengthen your kidneys much more than you think. You will also generally feel much better than you could have hoped for. If you're looking for a real solution to kidney problems check out this specially designed program for people with kidney disease.

Can sacrificing a carbohydrate diet for a dominant protein diet harm your kidneys? The answer to this query is a definite 'yes'. As much as hordes of body builders would prefer taking truck-loads of protein with the hope of enhancing their body muscles, research still shows that taking more than the recommended daily amounts of protein can be harmful to your body. In fact, the amount of protein that anyone takes should not account for more than 30% of the daily calorie intake. Let's look at the relationship between protein and kidney problems.

Ketones And Kidney Problems

To start with, ingesting more than the required amounts of protein can lead to the accumulation of toxic ketones in the body. Ketones are harmful protein wastes that give the kidney nephrons (filtering units) a hard time. The situation is even made worse when an unhealthy kidney is involved in the process. Subsequent build up of protein wastes in the blood stream will gradually deteriorate the kidney, and in the long run it will lead to chronic stages of kidney problems.

Reduce Protein Intake To Slow Down The Degeneration Of The Kidney

Different studies show that patients with renal failure can slow down the degeneration process of their kidneys by cutting down their protein intake. These studies were conducted on patients with kidney problems, and those that were subjected to high protein diets registered fatal kidney problems as opposed to their counterparts. Consequently, as the kidney struggles to get rid of the protein waste in the body, the patient is likely to lose significant amounts of water which can in turn subject the patient to dehydration.

Prolonging Renal Function

Some of the most effective ways to prolong the functioning of the kidneys, is to control the blood pressure and the amount of ingested proteins in the diet. For diabetic patients, the attention is shifted to controlling the amount of blood sugar. In both cases, controlling the amounts of consumed proteins will relieve the kidney from processing too many proteins. Those with kidney disease should aim for no more than 20 to 50 grams a day (depending on the stage of kidney disease).

Quality Proteins For Patients With Kidney Problems

You are advised to take chicken, fish, eggs or soy products. Similarly, some protein foods are known to contain high levels of phosphorus, and such foods are not recommended to patients with kidney problems. Such foods include dried beans, yoghurt, cheese and nuts.

To conclude, patients experiencing kidney problems are advised to adopt healthy eating habits by incorporating all nutrients in their diet. They should remember to always take limited amounts of protein foods, as well as adequate calories to prevent weight loss and break down of body muscles.

Please consult with a naturopath or nutritionist to get a dietary plan.

Take a look at this free video consultation with a kidney specialist and his system for restoring kidney function!

Friday, September 13, 2013

Implication of Phosphorous in a Kidney Disease

The kidneys are designed not only to filter out the waste products from the body, but also reabsorb important minerals and electrolytes from the filtrate before it reaches the urinary bladder in the form of urine. This very essential function known as selective reabsorption is responsible for maintaining the acid-alkali balance of the body.

This acid-alkali balance is basically the pH of the blood, which is maintained at 7.2-7.4. Under normal conditions, the kidneys are able to do its job without any problems.

What Do The Kidneys Eliminate?

The kidneys eliminate metabolic waste products like uric acid, creatinine, urea, nitrogenous wastes and excess of certain minerals like phosphorus. However when one has kidney disease, this function is hampered. In chronic kidney disease the filtration function of the kidneys is drastically hindered and this can lead to a serious, life threatening build up of toxins and excess minerals like phosphorous in the body.

Role of Phosphorous in the Body

Phosphorous is an important mineral found in bones and teeth. It is absorbed by the small intestines and stored in the bones. The role of phosphorous is varied and it is used for maintaining strong bones and teeth, production of energy, metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrate. It is also required for the muscle upkeep, production of hormones.

Phosphorous and calcium levels are kept in balance by the kidneys. The active form of vitamin D is called calcitriol, this helps in increasing the absorption of calcium from the diet. Kidneys do this important conversion of vitamin D into its active isomer.

Phosphorous Levels in Kidney Disease

In kidney disease, calcitriol levels are low and so the subsequent levels of calcium are also low. This causes absorption of calcium from the bones by the production of a hormone called parathyroid hormone. Phosphorous levels are also high due to improper excretion. The calcium, which is now available free in blood from the bones coupled with excess phosphorous combine to create a plethora of serious health issues.

Excess levels of phosphorous in the body are very harmful and can cause heart problems, bone disease and bone pain, itching, calcification of important organs like heart, joints, skin or lungs due to hard deposits of phosphorous and calcium. These symptoms of excess phosphorous are seen in stage 4 or 5 of end stage kidney disease.

How Excess Phosphorous is Managed?

The main treatment modality for lowering phosphorous levels in the blood is to refrain from eating food items that are high in phosphorous. All other treatment pathways are an adjunct to this.

Avoid these Foods

The patient will be advised to refrain from eating milk and milk products, fats, beer, chocolate drinks, bran, brown rice/ wild rice, organ meats and avocado. Use instead non dairy creamers, herbal teas, gluten free white bread, white rice, fresh or frozen meats, fruits and vegetables, water, and honey.

Use of Phosphorous Binders:

After eliminating sources of phosphorous from food, the next goal of therapy is to include drugs that will help keep phosphorous in the stomach and inhibit its absorption. These are chelating drugs that will effectively remove extra phosphorous from the body. These work in the stomach and small intestines where the food is broken down. So always take them with your meal.

Active form of Vitamin D

Calcitirol, the active form of Vitamin D is given to balance the levels between calcium and phosphorous. But this medicine is not given if the levels of calcium and phosphorus are too high because the excess phosphorous might get deposited in lungs, eyes or tissues.

Dialysis

It is reserved for patients in whom the phosphorous levels are too high and not managed by other means. Make sure to stick to the entire course of dialysis in order to gain maximum benefit from the treatment.

Managing excess phosphorous requires thorough knowledge of the food products to be taken and the ones to be avoided. Work closely with your doctors and nutritionist to manage the intake. Regular exercising will also help in improving bone strength. Since this is due to the underlying kidney dysfunction, once this is treated, the imbalance will automatically regulate itself.

The best treatment however, is natural medicines/treatment. There is much one can do to help reverse the kidney damage, and restore kidney function. By doing this you truly are treating the cause, and therefore rather than putting out spot fires with drugs and other treatments, you will be able to encourage your body to do the job for you like it was designed to do.

Are you suffering from kidney disease or impaired kidney function? Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you looking for information or ways that you could get help with your condition? If you are desperate to learn how to reverse your impaired kidney function permanently ... and regain your health and well-being, without drugs, without typical kidney disease treatments, and without any side effects. Know that you can feel like your old self again and regain the health and vitality you once had. You'll want to check out this easy to follow step-by-step kidney healing program.

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

A Brief Overview of Peritoneal Dialysis

Peritoneal dialysis refers to a treatment method for patients suffering from severe chronic kidney disease. In this method, the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen of the patient is used for the exchange of different fluids, dissolved substances like the glucose, albumin, electrolytes, urea from the blood.

This serves in clearing the wastes and other extra fluids from the body and also in maintaining the optimum electrolyte levels. The introduction of the peritoneal dialysis has enabled people to avoid the frequent visits to the dialysis center for their treatment. The best part with this treatment method is that it can be done at your own home at any time as per your convenience.

The Process of Peritoneal Dialysis

The peritoneal dialysis is more commonly called as the exchange process. It involves about four or six exchanges on a daily basis. This is done in the following manner.

Firstly, peritoneal fluid is filled with the dialysis fluid.

At the same time, all the waste and the extra fluid are driven into the dialysis fluid through the peritoneal membrane.

After some specific time period, the existing dialysis fluid is drained out completely and is replaced with the new fluid.

Pros of Peritoneal Dialysis

The first and the foremost benefit of peritoneal dialysis is that it is a reliable treatment method.

Some of its other benefits include the following:
- Peritoneal Dialysis involves very few adverse side effects which include the vomiting, nausea, cramping, and weight loss as compared to that of the in-center hemodialysis.
- The patients are given complete needle-free treatments.
- You will be facilitated with the direct shipment of the PD supplies to your prescribed place which can be your home, travel destination or any place you are comfortable with.
- You will be free of the frequent and tiring trips to the dialysis center.
- Most importantly, the choice of the treatment schedule is entirely in your hands and hence you can choose it according to your convenience and freedom.
- Your dependence on the blood pressure medicines will gradually decrease.

Risks involved in peritoneal dialysis
- Infection of the lining of the Peritonitis i.e. the abdominal wall is considered to be the most common complications involved with PD.
- As stated by the reports it is found that many of the patients experience mild back pain and abdominal fullness during dialysis.
- This dialysis method is strictly not recommended to patients having scars, leaks in the lining of the peritonitis. Moreover people suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases like the ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease should also avoid adopting the peritoneal dialysis technique.

In simple words, the peritoneal dialysis method serves in replacing the work of the kidneys once any kind of kidney failure complications are developed. However it can never reverse the kidney failure or the chronic kidney disease. There are different types of the peritoneal dialysis which include the Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and the Continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis.

If you are after a treatment to reverse your kidney disease, natural treatments that include diet, nutrition, and herbal medicine are the best methods currently available.

You’re about to find out that it’s possible to reverse impaired kidney function and avoid dialysis and kidney transplant surgery. By following the same step-by-step holistic healing protocols that thousands of people around the world have already followed with successful results, you can improve your kidney function and your quality of life, too. Remember, the hard work is done figuring out the solution. This program is designed to get to the root cause of all kidney disease.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Types of Kidney Tests

Kidney tests are carried out to determine how well the kidneys are functioning. This is vital in averting possible kidney failure and also gauging how well a treatment is working if a person has already been diagnosed with kidney disease.

Kidneys tests also help detect what is responsible for causing damage to the kidney in addition to helping know when to a commence treatment. It is important to note that kidneys tests can be done by the use of urine or blood samples.

Listed Below Are Various Types Of Kidney Tests

Creatinine Clearance

A creatinine clearance test is used to establish the kidneys degree of function. Creatinine is a by-product of muscle. The amount of creatinine in the urine is what determines how well the kidney is functioning.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)

Another test carried out to find how well the kidneys are functioning is the glomerular filtration rate (GFR). A special substance known as a tracer is injected into the body through the vein. After the injection is done, follow up tests which may include blood imaging to establish how quickly the tracer passes through the kidneys and the time it takes to exit the body are carried out.

Urinalysis

A urinalysis tallies the total number of red blood cells and white blood cells present in the urine. It also tests for proteins levels, sugar and bacteria in the urine.

Blood Urea Nitrogen Test

A blood urea nitrogen test helped determine the level of nitrogen in the blood and urine. High levels of nitrogen could be an indication that the kidneys are not function well enough to eliminate urea from the blood.

Computed Axial Tomography (CAT)

The computed axial tomography scan uses x-rays to give pictures of the body in crosswise slices. A computed axial scan can detect presence of kidney stones cysts, blockage and any other solid mass.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

A magnetic resonance imaging scan exposes the body to strong magnetic fields to create images based on the molecular composition of the kidneys. Magnetic resonance imaging scans produce images that have finer details than computed axial tomography scan but cannot be conducted on individuals who have metal devices such as pace makers or defibrillators in the body. This is because the scan involves exposing the patient to a strong magnetic field.

One of the major functions of the kidney is to filter blood and remove waste products from the body. The inability of the kidneys to perform this function could be an indication of kidney failure. A regular visit to a doctor for kidney tests is advisable.

Searching for other ways to lower Creatinine levels, improve kidney function, and safeguard your kidneys from further damage? Kidney disease can come as a complete surprise. You are just living your life and one day seemingly all at once you learn you have a major problem with your kidneys that must be dealt with. While kidney disease is a great burden know that there are solutions and you can heal your kidneys and even restore them to their original health. Hopefully this information will help you come to a better understanding of the other options you have outside of dialysis and transplant.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Wish you could increase your kidney function and get your life back on track? Serious about reversing kidney disease and getting your life back to normal? If you've tried the conventional methods of medication and dialysis then check out what a completely natural solution could do for you. Safe, scientifically proven, and step-by-step. See what this comprehensive health report to stop kidney disease has to offer.

People usually fail to recognize the early kidney disease symptoms because they are usually subtle. Some symptoms can even go unnoticed. Any kidney disease can lead to the loss of life if not treated early enough. Learning to recognize the symptoms and signs will enable you to live a healthier life.

The following are the most common kidney disease symptoms:

Changes in urinary function

The first symptom of kidney disease is a change in the urinary function. If you find that you are waking up more frequently at night to go to the bathroom, and this does not usually occur to you, this could be an indicator that there is something wrong with your kidneys. Changes in the color and amount of your urine are also signs of your kidneys not working properly. If you experience pain or difficulty when voiding, it could be a sign of your kidneys experiencing problems. If you realize that you are voiding larger amounts of urine than usual, and your urine is pale or very light in color, or if your urine is very dark and in small amounts, it is important that you visit a doctor for a check-up.

Loss of energy and extreme fatigue

If your kidneys are not working properly, you might feel extremely fatigued. Rashes might develop on your body. These rashes are usually itchy. Your breath might start smelling like ammonia. You might also experience a metallic taste. Weight loss may also result from the diminished appetite. Vomiting and nausea are also kidney disease symptoms that maybe experienced as a result of a build up of waste products in the body.

Pain in the back or abdomen

Some kidney disease cases may cause pain. In case there is a kidney stone in your ureter, you might experience a severe cramping pain spreading from the lower back to the groin area. This pain might be related to an inherited kidney disorder called polycystic kidney disease which usually causes fluid filled cysts in the kidneys. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic bladder wall inflammation that causes pain and discomfort.

Other signs

Other symptoms of kidney disease may include feeling cold all the time, shortness of breath, inability to concentrate over long durations, dizziness and pain in the back area of the affected kidney. Other symptoms include endocrine disturbance from menstrual disturbances to sexual dysfunction and thyroid dysfunction. You might also experience cardiovascular ailments from coronary artery disease and congestive heart failure to occlusive vascular and pericarditis diseases. You chances of having kidney disease are increased if you have a history of the disease in your family. You should therefore know your family and medical history as this will help your doctor to diagnose and determine the most appropriate treatment for you.

In order to reduce your probability of getting more complicated kidney problems, you should visit your health professional or naturopath any time you experience any of these symptoms. If discovered early enough, kidney disease can be treated effectively using natural medicines.

Check out this free video advice from a kidney specialist who has helped thousands of people with their kidney problems!

Saturday, September 7, 2013

All You Need to Know About Hemodialysis

Keeping up with the day-to-day requirements for maintaining your kidneys can be very taxing. Medications, check-ups, and dialysis start to take so much time and effort and you're never sure what the next check-up could bring. However, there is another way to approach the problem. That may be what brought you to this website in the first place. If you're looking for more help or other ways that kidney disease could be dealt with than read on! There are some really good, really effective, and really safe treatments out there for your kidneys. See for yourself how to get greater energy, increased GFR, less or no fluid retention, and the return of positive health and attitude.

Healthy Kidneys are essential for the functioning of the body. They help in keeping the blood clean and removing extra fluids from the body in the form of urine. Unfortunately, sometimes due to chronic kidney disease, the organ loses its capacities to function properly. In such cases, patients are placed on dialysis that helps replace such kidney functions. One type of dialysis is hemodialysis.

What is hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis is a method in which waste products such as urea and creatinine are removed from the body during a renal failure. This is done by removing blood from the body, filtering it and returning the filtered blood into the body. A machine called a dialyzer is used to filter out excess fluids and salt from the body and is the most common treatment during advanced kidney failure.

Before going to hemodialysis, heath care professionals check the weight of the patient to determine how much excess fluid is in the body and how much of it needs to be removed. The patient is then put on a dialyzer. The machine is programmed and treatment begins. The machine acts like a pump that keeps a track of blood pressure, bloody flow and other important information. The fluid in the machine, known as the dialysate removes toxins from the blood and then is flushed out.

Advantages of hemodialysis

This treatment is very beneficial as the patient receives help from trained staff. Medical help is also available during an emergency, which is very essential for patients with end stage kidney failure.

Hemodialysis is preferred over peritoneal dialysis as the patients doesn’t have to carry and store a machine.

Another advantage of hemodialysis is that the treatment is carried out only three times a week, giving a patient a good four days a week to relax.

Disadvantages of hemodialysis

The treatment may have some side effects in case of too rapidly or too much fluid being removed from the body. These side effects include fatigue, low blood pressure, leg-cramps, chest pain, headaches and nausea.

The biggest drawback of hemodialysis is that even one session of the treatment cannot be missed. Also, the treatment cannot be shortened without increasing the risk of death. Hemodialysis also increases the risk of sepsis since it exposes the circulatory system to microbes. This risk of infection varies depending on the clinic and machines used.

Other drawbacks of the treatment include long-term complications like neuropathy, amyloidosis and other heart problems.

Things to keep in mind

Patients on hemodialysis should consult their doctors before making plans for long distance travel. Though traveling is not a restriction, doctors just need to check the patient to see if he or she is physically strong enough to travel.

Also, hemodialysis patients can continue working but may have to change their duties if it includes heavy manual labor. Other than that, 9 to 5 desk jobs and light manual labor poses as no threat to the patient.

If you do not require dialysis just yet, there is still plenty one can do to assist the kidneys in healing. The best treatments to date, in reversing kidney disease, come from natural medicine and dietary changes. One can increase kidney function from simple dietary changes, herbal medicines, and specific nutritional vitamins.

Check out this amazing free video advice from a man who has helped thousands with their kidney problems!

Thursday, September 5, 2013

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Are you wishing you could reverse your kidney disease? Wishing you could improve your kidney function? Well I'm here to tell you that you can both improve the function of your kidneys and yes, even reverse the effects of your kidney disease. There are many little known natural health solutions to the problem of kidney disease. With the right foods, vitamins, and herbs you can strengthen your kidneys much more than you think. You will also generally feel much better than you could have hoped for. If you're looking for a real solution to kidney problems check out this specially designed program for people with kidney disease.

The rise of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes has greatly increased the rate of kidney failure across the world. Although complications are prevalent in men according to studies, more and more women are also becoming susceptible. The two organs, located on either side of the spine, play a very important role in getting rid of body waste while also balancing the amount of salts, fluids, and minerals in the blood. An injury or damage to kidneys would result to a build-up of waste in the body and a rise in blood pressure among other complications.

The role of the kidneys in the body

- Apart from filtering the waste products course for digestion, kidneys also clean up residues and by-products of medications and chemicals that the body is exposed to.
- The organs produce the enzyme rennin which is responsible for regulating blood pressure.
- Kidneys also regulate the concentration of salts such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium.
- They help in the growth of healthy bones especially in kids by producing vitamin D.
- They are responsible for the production of erythropoietin which in turn triggers the production of red blood cells.

Causes of kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease refers to the condition where one or both kidneys fail to function properly for more than 3 months. The disease is attributed to a number of factors but the most culpable ones are when the patient suffers diabetes, high blood pressure, or both.

Other causes include:

- Hereditary factors which stimulate the growth of cysts
- Kidney stones.
- The kidney is part of the urinary system, thus multiple urinary tract infections can cause considerable damage.
- Inflammation in the kidneys, sometimes resulting from unknown causes.
- Long term use of drugs. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen have also been linked to kidney failure.

Kidneys can also fail when one losses blood in a traumatic accident. Some women have been affected after experiencing pregnancy complications known as eclampsia. Enlarged prostate can also cause obstruction to urine thus triggering inflammation in the urinary tract.

Impact of Acute Renal Failure (ARF)

Acute renal failure is a reference to any instance where one or both kidneys stop working. Due to the inability of the body to control blood pressure and eject waste, the patient becomes highly vulnerable to cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies indicate that people on dialysis are 20 times more likely to suffer heart failure. The patient develops stiff arteries because the kidneys can no longer produce the hormone that regulates calcium which is responsible for stiffening heart valves thus increasing blood pressure. In addition, there is increase of fats and cholesterol which exacerbate CVD. High blood pressure combined with irregular blood clots within the vessels could lead to stroke and death.

Symptoms and diagnosis of kidney disease

Chronic kidney disease develops slowly over a long period and quietly. Common symptoms include frequent and painful urination; the urine has foam and traces of blood, pain in the ankles and the eye area, tiredness, nausea, problems with breathing, vomiting, and pain in the kidney areas.

Diagnosis can be done using urine and blood tests, CT scan of the kidneys, and biopsies.

Finally, if you suspect kidney disease, or have kidney disease, please know that kidney disease does not need to be permanent, nor a life sentence. Kidney disease is highly treatable using natural medicines and techniques to restore the kidneys to perfect health, or to halt the progression and maintain their function.

Check out this amazing free video advice from a knowledgeable kidney specialist!