Managing the effects of chronic kidney disease

Warning Signs & Natural treatments for kidney disease.

Living With Chronic Kidney Disease

The kidneys are responsible for elimination of waste from the body. Therefore, Chronic Kidney Disease or Kidney Failure is an impairment in kidney function. The immediate symptoms are feelings of malaise, diminished appetite, pain in upper back, and torso, swollen hands, feet, ankles, exhaustion, dizziness and frequent urination.

It is possible that one may have kidney disease for many years and not experience symptoms.  At times there are no symptoms related to CKD. Individuals living with Chronic Kidney Disease usually become aware of their illness due to screenings suggested by primary care physicians.

Physicians may recommend testing if there is a family predisposition to diabetes, hypertension or cardiovascular disease. For one to be diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease complications such as anemia, heart issues, or bone disease which occur as a result of deficient calcium and phosphorous in the body (renal osteodystrophy) have to be present.

Kidney function must also be impaired for a period more than ninety days. Chronic Kidney Disease affects approximately 5% of the world’s population.

Health Disorders which may cause CKD:

(1). High doses of NSAIDS (pain killers)

(2). Auto Immune Illness

(3). Kidney Injury

(4). Toxic Chemicals- (Lead, metallic poisoning water)

(5). Birth Defect

(6). Kidney Infection

(7). Kidney Stones

(8). Childhood Diseases (measles, tonsillitis, scarlet fever)

Warning Signs of Chronic Kidney disease are as follows:

·        Chronic High Blood Pressure

·        Decreased bone health

·        Minimal blood count

·        Changes in skin color

·        Numbness in hands and feet

·        Halitosis

·        Bruising

·        Amenorrhea

·        Respiratory Ailments

·        Nausea

·        Skin Eruptions

Tests such as Ultrasound of the abdomen, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Kidney Ultrasound and Biopsies are used to determine the presence and severity of CKD.

Currently, there is no known cure for Chronic Kidney Disease and it may only become apparent once kidney functions have almost ceased. However, there are steps which may be taken in order to slow down the progression of the disease.

Here are a few actions which may be necessary:

·        Smoking Cessation

·        Exercise

·        Elimination of salt and potassium from the diet

·        Control of cholesterol and blood sugar

·        Mindfulness of prescription Drugs

·        Build Immune System

·        Healthy Diet to deter weight loss

·        Eliminate red meat

·        Restriction of fluids

A special diet may also be required in order to enhance wellness and longevity. Teas such as parsley, celery, marshmallow root and uva ursi help to control uric acid, eliminate bacteria from the body and cleanse the kidneys.

A raw food diet is best for someone living with Chronic Kidney Disease. Foods such as Alfalfa Sprouts, Mung Beans, Watercress, Cranberries, Cucumbers, Watermelon, and Soy Beans will help to strengthen the body’s constitution against the ravishing effects of the disease. Consuming steamed-distilled water instead of tap water diminishes the risk of further pollution of the body.

Supplements which help to ameliorate the symptoms associated with Chronic Kidney Disease are B6 which decreases fluid retention. Mega doses of Vitamin C facilitates healing and promotes proper immune functioning.  L-arginine increases kidney circulation, while Vitamin A boosts additional immune functioning.

Vitamin E and Zinc with Copper help to stimulate proper functioning of the immune system and create healing. Although there are many health benefits one may obtain from vitamin supplementation and herbs it is always best to check with your healthcare practitioner before embarking on a natural treatment plan.

Many alternative remedies may be taken as an adjunct to their normal conventional medicines. It is important to maintain a proactive role with regard to self-care and health concerning the progression of CKD. Once the kidneys have lost most of their functions, dialysis may be recommended.

Dialysis assists in the elimination of waste from the blood stream when the kidneys cease from working properly. The effects of kidney damage may be corrected when the patient chooses to rest sufficiently, decreases stress levels, and consumes nutritious foods which do not exacerbate hypertension or cholesterol levels.