Kidney Disease

There are many types of different kidney problems that can develop. The kidneys may be damaged by exposure to certain drugs or toxins, including heavy metals, solvents, chemotherapy agents, snake or insect venom, poisonous mushrooms, and pesticides. Impaired kidney function can also accompany or result from many other disorders, such as diabetes, lupus, hypertension, and liver disease. Bright's disease is a kidney disease marked by the presence of blood protein in the urine, along with hypertension and edema (retention of water in the tissues). Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the filtering units within the kidney. This may occur as a result of an immunological response to infection, such as a Streptococcus throat infection. Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection. Both glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis can be chronic or acute, and can be very serious. Hydronephrosis is a condition where the kidney and the renal pelvis (where urine is released from the kidney) become filled with urine due to an blockage of urinary flow. Kidney stones are mineral accumulations (mainly calcium) in the kidneys.In Renal tubular acidosis, the kidneys fail to reabsorb bicarbonate normally, causing impaired ammonia production and acid excretion. Severe dehydration, acidosis, potassium depletion, and bone disorders may result. Nephrotic syndrome is not a disease in itself, but can be a sign of kidney disease. It is marked by edema and excess protein in the urine. It can be caused by lesions of glomeruli (small structures in the kidney made of capillaries) that become inflamed, or by chronic diseases such as diabetes or lupus.

If the kidneys cannot function properly to excrete salt and other wastes, edema results. Toxic wastes may accumulate in the bloodstream due to kidney malfunction, a condition known as uremia. For this reason a colon, intestinal, and lower digestive system cleansing can be very helpful.

Kidney problems symptoms may include: bloating, chills, fever, urinary urgency, fluid retention, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, back pain, nausea, and vomiting. The urine may be cloudy or bloody. Back pain may be sudden and intense, occurring just above the waist and running down the groin.

Supplements can help in preventing urinary tract infection and help maintain proper kidney function and health

Nutrient / Supplement	Helpful notes
L-Methionine	Helps with improving kidney circulation and it also reduces the possibility of developing kidney stones by destroying free radicals associated with stone formation. Methionine works very well in supplements that also include omega fatty acids.
Magnesium	Reduces calcium absorption and can lower urinary oxalate a mineral salt common in kidney stones. A good source of magnesium is a quality multi-vitamin & mineral supplement.
Multi-vitamin & Mineral supplement	contains all the vitamins, minerals like magnesium, calcium, potassium, and zinc that aide in prevention of kidney disease. A daily supplement provides nutrients needed for good general health and well being.
B vitamins	vitamin B's work together and when taken with magnesium they help reduce any oxalate problem in the kidney. This family of vitamins also can aid in reducing fluid retention. Vitamin B2 appears helpful for nephritis.
Watercress	herb very good for kidney, liver, and bladder health.
Aloe Vera	the aloe vera herb can help in preventing kidney stone formation and reducing the size of a stone. It may sooth other kidney problems as well.
Vitamin C	vitamin C helps kidney disease by acidifying urine and kidney stones will not form in acidic urine. It also promotes healing and can usually can be taken in a good multi-vitamin and mineral supplement. Be sure that it is not synthetic vitamin C.
Vitamin A	promotes healing of the urinary tract which is often damaged by kidney stones and kidney disease. You can get vitamin A in a natural carotenoid complex.
Zinc	this mineral helps promote healing in the body

All information presented on this web page is not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or to administer to any
physical ailments. In all matters related to your health please contact a qualified, licensed practitioner.
All Information on this web page & pages linked to it are provided by GBS International training pack 1995/2002;
Dr. Mark Crapo nutritional seminars; The Herb Encyclopedia & Sara St.Louis RN, CIC, NP, MPA