By Duncan Capicchiano
Kidney disease can be a life threatening condition if not
treated promptly. If treated in the early stages, kidney disease is most
treatable, and little damage will occur to the kidneys. Most often disease of
the kidneys is caused by an underlying condition; the two most common diseases
that result in kidney dysfunction are diabetes and untreated heart disease. If
you have these conditions it is important you treat them. There are other
diseases that may result in damage to your kidneys. These may result in an
obstruction for example to the urinary tract, which can result in damage to the
kidneys.
If your doctor removes the obstruction, then your kidneys
will return to proper function. If your doctor begins treatment for diabetes,
then your kidneys are more likely to retain good functioning. If you use
medicines that damage the kidneys, your doctor can address this with you, as
long term use of some medications that affect the kidneys can also result in
kidney damage and disease. Here are some medicines that can affect the kidneys
for your reference:
- Ibuprofen
- Aspirin
- Naproxen
- Celecoxib
- Acetaminophen
- Herbs, including Chinese herbs
- Hydralazine
- ACE inhibitors (like ramipril, captopril, and enalapril)
- Angiotensin II receptor blockers
- Diuretics
- Antibiotics
- Certain cancer treating drugs
If you are on any of these medications, you should talk to
your doctor about tests to assess kidney function.
Common Treatments for Kidney Disease
- Eat well for your disease and exercise regularly, at least
2 to 3 hours each week when possible.
- Do not allow your body to dehydrate. Make sure you receive
an adequate intake of fluids, but do not receive too many fluids if you are at
an advanced stage of kidney failure.
- Do not use tobacco or nicotine products or smoke. This can
reduce the flow of blood to your blood and your kidneys.
- Do not use alcohol
- Do not use illegal drugs
- If you have high blood pressure, treat it according to the
recommendations provided by your doctor.
- Use medicines as recommended by your doctor, which may
include medicines to reduce proteins in the urine.
- Control your blood sugar level, this is particularly
important if you have diabetes; it is also important you maintain an adequate
weight.
More aggressive treatment may be necessary if you are at a
more advanced stage of kidney dysfunction; this depends on many factors. Your
doctor will keep tabs on the condition of your kidneys to determine what types
of treatment you require at various times. These tests will include tests to
assess how well your kidneys filter your blood. For example, a GFR test may be
ordered. Other tests include tests to monitor the amount of protein spilled in
the urine. Your doctor may adjust the amount of medicine you require based on
the results of those tests.
Even with treatment your disease sometimes will get worse,
because kidney disease is often progressive. Symptoms of worsening kidney disease
may include nausea, loss of appetite, and worsening fatigue. Your doctor may
prescribe a stricter eating plan that will help slow the progression of the
disease. Sometimes complications result from kidney disease including a buildup
of chronic diseases and wastes in the body; this condition is known as uremic
syndrome. It can affect many body systems and may result in a need for
dialysis.
When chronic kidney disease is not easily controlled, the
kidneys can begin to fail, which can make a person very ill. This can result in
serious illness throughout the body. When this happens dialysis is necessary;
hemodialysis is the use of a machine that helps clean the blood. Peritoneal
dialysis uses the lining of the belly to help clean the body.
Natural Treatments for Kidney Disease
There are natural treatments one can use to help with kidney
disease as well. These include:
- Enjoy 1-2 cups of Nettle tea daily
- Watermelon, asparagus, black beans, and celery have all
been shown to improve kidney function.
- Drink 1-2 liters of pure fresh water, spaced out in
'mouthfuls' throughout the day rather drinking large glassfuls close together -
to take off the load on your kidneys
- Try using natural diuretics, which can help eliminate
extra water from the body; these include red clover tea; dandelion leaf;
parsley; juniper berries. Please note: if you have high potassium levels in
your blood, please do not take dandelion leaf
- Try consulting with a natural health provider who can make
thorough and personalized recommendations.
- As always, get plenty of rest and exercise.
Duncan Capicchiano N.D. is a fully qualified Naturopath,
Author, and Medical researcher specializing in kidney disease. For more
information on
[http://www.kidneydiseasesecrets.com/kidney-disease-treatment/]kidney disease
treatment and how you can improve your kidney function naturally, please visit
his website at [http://www.kidneydiseasesecrets.com/]www.KidneyDiseaseSecrets.com
where you can grab a FREE copy of his kidney disease secrets mini-course.
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