If you suspect kidney disease, or have kidney disease, this may be the most important article you have read on the topic of kidney failure symptoms. I say this because unlike many articles on the internet regarding kidney failure symptoms, this article will help you assess the state of your kidney health via an online self-check list; rather than just listing a bunch of random symptoms, which will give you no guidance or direction.

But I before I go on any further, and this may seem counter-productive, I must state that any method of non-laboratory diagnosis has its flaws. So whatever ever method you may be using, whether it be my self-check list below, medical questionnaire assessments, iridology, TCM analysis, computerised electro scanners, or psychics, nothing will accurately diagnose your condition like proper blood work. If you suspect you have kidney disease, or are experiencing any type of symptoms that you are unsure about, please see your doctor immediately – no matter what these methods tell you.

…It is important to first note that many kidney failure symptoms could be easily confused with any number of illnesses, and this is because many of the initial kidney disease symptoms are superficial and wide-ranging. Therefore listing a bunch of symptoms in no order is pointless, you may have some symptoms, but how can you be certain the symptoms you are experiencing are caused by kidney disease?

It is this vagueness that I hope to eradicate (to the best of my ability) by providing a self-check list and a grading system, and, I hope by informing the wider public of the symptoms of this disease I can help many people avert its ‘silent’ progression.

The Kidney Failure Symptoms Self-Check List

How to use the kidney symptoms checklist:

1. Scan the list of renal failure symptoms below, and circle the corresponding number (to the right) of each symptom you have experienced in the past 14 days.
2. Once completed, add up all the numbers you have circled.
3. Cross check the total number against the ‘Kidney Failure Symptoms Grading Index’ to find out your likelihood of kidney disease.

Have you experienced any of the following symptoms in the last 14 days?

Kidney Failure Symptoms Grading Index:
-  Low Likelihood of Kidney Disease = 0 to 5
-  Moderate Likelihood of Kidney Disease = 6 to 11
-  High Likelihood of Kidney Disease = 12+

How did you score with the renal failure symptoms checklist? If you have scored a moderate or high “likelihood” of kidney disease then I urge you to see your health care professional for further testing.

But then again, if you scored a low likelihood of kidney disease and something tells you there is something still not-quite-right, then trust your instinct, and do your due diligence and seek further medical care and testing.

If you would like to know further information about how to properly get diagnosed, and what methods are used, please see my article: Top 7 Kidney Tests To Measure Your Kidney Function

Other Uses
This checklist also serves two other uses that you might find beneficial.

1. For those of you who are unsure whether or not you have kidney disease, or those of you who are newly diagnosed, this maybe a valuable checklist to take in to your next consultation. In this way your doctor or naturopath will know exactly what kidney symptoms you are experiencing, which will enable them to better assess you and treat you.
2. For those with long-standing diagnosed kidney disease, please note that this is a great tool to assess your treatment progress. Numbers on a piece of paper (test results) will only tell you half of your health picture, and therefore noting your kidney symptoms regularly will give you a broader picture of your health and how well your treatment program is working for you.

If I Have Kidney Disease, What Happens Next?
I guess the scariest part of finding out you have kidney disease is asking the question “what next?” Many Most people assume that once diagnosed with kidney disease it is the “end of the road” because of the bad outlook that the medical community paints – nothing but dialysis or transplants to look forward to.

But I am here to tell you categorically, and honestly, that there is so much you can do for the health of your kidneys using natural medicines, even to the point of complete reversal. I have spent the past many years treating kidney disease with great success (when all hope was lost for some of my clients), using nothing but natural medicines.

Natural medicines have not only been proven in a clinical setting, but also scientific research is starting to show what the ancients knew long ago with regards to natural medicines ability to help heal the kidneys.

So if you have kidney disease or suspect you have kidney disease, do not be concerned, there is a growing encyclopaedia of tried and tested natural techniques here on this blog to help you recover from kidney disease, and of course there is my complete kidney healing program available too, for those of you who like extra support and a step-by-step program.

Well it has been a pleasure as always, but now I would love to hear from YOU! Please do me the honour of leaving your comments/thoughts/opinion below regarding this article on kidney failure symptoms, and please click the “LIKE” button below if you have found this article useful and/or enjoyable.

Until next time take care of yourself.

To Your Health,
Duncan

This article is a continuation of my previous article entitled The Ultimate A to Z Guide to Chronic Renal Failure (Part 1), in this article I continue where I left off and detail letters N through to Z. Enjoy…

N is for Natural Treatments
Ahhh my favourite topic! I LOVE natural medicines; there is something about working with the power of nature that really gets me really excited! (I’m a little weird I know)

There is a full gamut of natural remedies and techniques, such as herbal medicine, nutrition, diet, homeopathics, flower essences, and a whole lot more, that have for many of my clients, improved kidney function, reversed kidney disease, and safe-guarded from further chronic renal failure.

I have been using natural medicines now for over 10 years, and through that time I have learnt a thing or two, the best discovery was that by using certain natural medicines I was able to affect change in the health of my client’s kidneys and lives!

Side Note: This all started when my wife’s nanna was diagnosed kidney disease four years ago, and we had to find a solution. She was at stage three, bordering on stage 4, and well, thankfully today she does not have chronic renal failure any longer.

The important thing to note is this. If you have been recently diagnosed (or had chronic renal failure for many years for that matter) please know that there is an alternative out there that your doctor wouldn’t have discussed. You don’t have to put up with “There is nothing we can do… When your kidneys get bad enough, your options are dialysis and transplantation…”

When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, “Try it one more time.” ~Author Unknown

If you would like to find out more of the exact program I use to help thousands of people world-wide improve their kidney health, please check out my site here.

O is for Om (Meditation)
Ommmmmmmm….

Meditating is any technique which enables us to relax our body and our mind, and to free our mind of unnecessary thoughts. Eastern civilizations have been practicing this for thousands of years; just “knowing” that it improves the health of the mind, body and soul. They often practiced to achieve certain outcomes e.g. rejuvenation of the mind and nervous system, to let go of disease-causing thought patterns, muscular relaxation and self-development.

Chronic renal failure responds dramatically to the practice of meditation, and for this reason it is recommended to become part of your daily or weekly routine.

Today studies now prove what the ancients already knew, showing the following physiological changes:

• Slower heart rate
• Slower breathing rate
• Lowered cortisol levels in the blood
• Increased alpha brain waves, a brain wave associated with relaxation
• Among many other physiological changes

P is for Protein & Phosphorus
Protein: Another important nutrient one must monitor its consumption of, is Protein. Protein is a misunderstood nutrient when it comes to chronic renal failure, as in some situation one needs to reduce protein, and in others it needs to be increased. What to do? Well, first up you need to speak to your naturopath, nutritionist or doctor for the best requirements for your condition. They will be able to tell you exactly your protein needs based on your stage of chronic renal failure.

For a complete breakdown of the levels of protein you need to be consuming for your stage of kidney disease please see my in-depth article: The Definitive Guide on Protein and Kidney Disease

Phosphorus: The kidneys regulate the mineral phosphorus in the blood stream, and for that reason when one has chronic renal failure this ability can become impaired, causing phosphorus levels to rise. Phosphorus at “healthy” levels helps build strong teeth and bones (among many other benefits), but when levels become high, phosphorus can the opposite effect, by leaching out calcium from the teeth and bones. This “leeched” calcium also makes its way to the blood stream causing abnormal calcium deposits, and too much phosphorus can cause itchy skin, bone pain, heart issues, or even death.

The important thing to note is that not all sufferers of chronic renal failure will develop high phosphate levels, and therefore you need to always confirm your levels with a blood test.

To know the recommended phosphorus daily allowance for stage of kidney disease, please see this article.

Q is for Qi Gong
Qigong is another practice that I recommend for those suffering with chronic renal failure, for it is rejuvenating qualities for the body and mind; which is oh so necessary for individuals with chronic renal failure.

What is Qigong? Qigong is the practice of aligning the breath, body, and mind as one, and harnessing and working with the vital force (Chi) that exists within and all around us. Through this, a deeper connection to yourself and life is established and greater awareness and peace is achieved. Although Qigong is not as well known as Tai Chi, Qigong and Tai Chi share a similar philosophy, technique, and origin. In fact many people mistake Qigong for Tai Chi when practiced.

In my blog post 10 Ways To Improve Kidney Function Without Leaving Home I talk more in depth about the benefits of Qigong in chronic renal failure, and provide a video showing how enhance your kidney energy through Qigong.

R is for Rest & Relaxation
Stress, in my opinion, is the number one cause of disease in the western world. Smoking and poor dietary choices come close, but from my experience, stress is by far a bigger killer.

The groundbreaking work of Dr. Bruce Lipton in his book “The Biology of Belief” show-cases this sentiment perfectly – It shows that genes and DNA do not control our biology; that instead DNA is controlled by signals from outside the cell, including the energetic messages emanating from our positive and negative thoughts.

Consequently, when one is stressed, a whole cascade of inflammatory molecules are produced in response to that stress (among many other disease causing physiological responses); which is important to avoid when suffering from chronic renal failure.

Rest and relaxation should become a ritual within your day. It is needs to be prioritised. Are you thinking of working that extra day? Don’t. Are you taking a proper lunch break? Do. Are you doing the things you love daily? Please do.

My best tip to achieve rejuvenating rest and relaxation is to choose activities that cause time to stop. When you are lost in the moment, you are doing it right.

Possible activities could be: reading, writing, painting, sleeping , playing an instrument, walking, etc.

S is for Signs and Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of chronic renal failure can vary greatly, therefore many individuals go undiagnosed before it is too late. Know the signs and symptoms of chronic renal failure and be better prepared for any changes in your condition.

Signs and symptoms include:

• Changes In Urination
• Fatigue
• Itching
• Nausea and Vomiting
• Shortness of Breath/Difficulty Breathing
• Easy Bleeding and Bruising
• Back Pain / Kidney Pain
• Swelling or Puffiness
• High Blood Pressure
• Anemia
• Hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels)
• Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels)
• Hypernatraemia (high blood sodium levels)
• Hyperparathyroidism (high blood parathyroid hormone levels)
• Hyperphosphatemia (high blood phosphate levels)
• Hyponatraemia (low blood sodium levels)
• High Creatinine Levels

I have written two great articles here on renal failure symptoms (if I don’t mind saying so myself), you can find them here for your convenience:

• Renal Failure Symptoms? Know For Sure If You Have Renal Failure
• Kidney Disease Symptoms: The Top Ten Guide (and more…)

T is for Transplant
When one has completely lost all function of the kidneys (as in chronic renal failure), there are currently two main medical options to choose from: 1. Dialysis 2. Kidney Transplant.

Although an invasive and intensive treatment, the overwhelming majority of recipients are joyous to have a new lease on life without the need of routine dialysis treatments. In many respects transplantation is the preferred treatment for chronic renal failure out of the two (due to the freedom that it brings), but unfortunately the wait list to be a nominated recipient can be at times a distressing experience – long wait times, and the possibility that may never actually receive a donor kidney.

There is no “better” option out of the two, the choice between dialysis and a kidney transplant is purely an individual one. One needs to thoroughly way up the pros and cons for both treatments – in terms of health and lifestyle impact – and come to a decision on your own. Listen to yourself first, and specialists, doctors, and naturopaths second. This is your life, your body, and you need to be completely happy with your decision in this moment.

U is for Urinary Tract Infections
This is an important condition to aware of, as UTI’s can pose a risk of furthering the severity of chronic renal failure. It is always best to treat at the first sign of urinary tract infections before they have a chance at travelling to the kidneys. And although UTI’s do not commonly find their way to the kidneys, it always best to err on the safe side. I recommend following natural treatments first, as anti-biotics can cause chronic renal failure in some individuals. Thankfully I have a written an article detailing the best methods to eliminate urinary tract infections naturally, check it out here.

V is for Vitamin D
Like many nutrients in kidney disease, vitamin D is an important vitamin that needs to be routinely assessed to ensure lasting health, and protect you for any complications.

Vitamin D is involved in the regulation of bone health, the immune system, and the phosphorus and calcium balance, among many other functions. But most importantly, because the most active form of vitamin D is produced by the kidneys, it is essential that during chronic renal failure that vitamin D levels are assessed and maintained – it is a common occurrence that those with chronic renal failure have low circulating vitamin D levels.

Here are the optimal blood levels for vitamin D:

Optimal reference range for healthy individuals:
- US measurement: 50 to 70 ng/mL
- World measurement: 125 to 175 nmol/L

Optimal reference range for treating heart disease, cancer, and chronic renal failure:
- US measurement:70 to 80 ng/mL
- World measurement: 175 to 200 nmol/L

Please read my article on vitamin D’s relationship with Hyperparathyroidism and Kidney Disease here.

And please read my article: 10 Ways To Improve Kidney Function Without Leaving Home, as it talks about sunshine and the benefits of vitamin D for kidney disease (Tip #2).

W is for Weights
Weight training (aka resistance training) is one of the best forms of exercise for the health of your body, especially during chronic renal failure. Studies now show that there is a direct correlation between the amount of lean muscle mass one has, and the length of one’s life (increased correlation).

By increasing your lean muscle mass; you also increase your body’s ability to produce more energy. Little “energy centres” called “mitochondria” live inside the cells of your muscles, and produce the majority of energy you use on a day-to-day basis. Technically these power centres produce what is known as ATP.

If you are not a fan of using weights as a form of exercise, then you may like to do other activities that can give you similar benefits by using your body as the “weight”; Yoga and Pilates are excellent examples of this.

Overall just get moving! If you don’t like the suggestions above then at least do form of exercise, it will be better than nothing.

“You don’t have to take exercise seriously, just regularly”

On tip #4 of this article, I talk more about the benefits of exercise for chronic renal failure: http://www.kidneycoach.com/901/kidney-function-how-to-improve-naturally/

Y is for Yoga
I can’t say enough about Yoga, Yoga is probably one the most well-formed health ‘practices’ in the world today, as it affects every aspect of your being in the most amazing way. The literal translation of Yoga is “union” and “harmony”, union and harmony of body, mind and soul. The practice of Yoga integrates one’s body, mind and soul to achieve optimum health and wellbeing. You see, Yoga is a whole lot more than just physical stretching, as thought by western culture. Yoga is a complete science of life that originated in India many thousands of years ago. And many believe it to be the oldest system of personal development in the world.

On a physical level, the practicing of Yoga (postures, breathing, and mediation) tones and improves muscle flexibility, purifies the blood, regulates blood pressure, regulates the nervous system, releases energy blocks, improves circulation, lymphatic flow, joints, nervous system and therefore results in improved health for all of the organs of the body. On a mental level practicing yoga helps one gain greater mental awareness of their own body and content of mind. Therefore one of the benefits would be, being able to recognise why and where we create tension in our body and life.

X is for eXcitement
Yeah , yeah, I know, I cheated…

Excitement, fun, joy, happiness! You know what? I can’t think of a better treatment for chronic renal failure. One needs these things in our lives, otherwise, what is the point of living? Seriously, it may be harsh, put what’s the point of getting up in the morning if you have nothing to live for?

By having something to live for, it will make implementing all the changes needed to get you well again a breeze. Plus it will make for a fuller and richer life experience.

So don’t be afraid, get out there a try new things. Create a top 20 “love” list: write down anything thing that you would “love” to do, big or small, and smart checking them off as you go. It could be reading that book you’ve wanted to forever, to travelling Europe, to learning how to play a musical instrument. You’ll be amazed at the self-confidence and self-esteem this exercise does for you. But remember write down only “loves” not “likes”.

Z is for Zzzzzzz
Rounding it all up at Z we have Sleep! (Pheeewww, I made it! And I think I may need some sleep after writing this!)

For the health of your kidneys and aiding in the recovery from chronic renal failure, it is essential that you have adequate amounts of sleep. Sleep duration is a very personal thing, and so the typical 8 hours a night may be too much or too little for you. A good test is that you feel refreshed in the morning upon waking.

If you would like to know more about the benefits of sleep in chronic renal failure, or if you have problems getting to and staying a sleep, then you better read my article here: Top 10 Tips On How To Get A Deep, Restful Sleep

Hooray! You made it all the way down to the end of this article, thank you for taking the time to read it (and congratulations! ). I hope that it provided you with some real “gems”, and I hope you will look upon this as a resource to hold you in good stead for the future.

If by chance you cheated (:-) and scrolled to the bottom… Back Up! Please make sure you read through this article as it contains a stack of information on the most important aspects in relation to chronic renal failure, and if by chance you missed the first part to the article you can view it here.

And don’t forget, if you have enjoyed this article, please click the “LIKE” button below to show your support!

In today’s article I want to talk to you about chronic renal failure; what it is, what causes it, the best blood tests, and a whole lot more. However, today I want to do something a little different, I want to break it down in to an A to Z guide so you can quickly reference the major key topics – so in that way you have a valuable resource to refer back to in the future.

Interesting…

Chronic renal failure is an interesting condition, it affects 2 out of every 1,000 people in the United States; 11% of all deaths in Australia are due to, or associated with, renal failure; 20 to 30 percent of people with diabetes will develop kidney disease; 1 in 9 adults have a minimum of one renal failure sign or symptom; it is one the quickest growing diseases in the world… yet it is still largely not a condition that many understand, or have been appropriately informed about.

Definition:

But before I go into any specifics with this condition, I wanted to quickly define exactly what I am referring to when I say “Chronic Renal Failure”. For the purposes of this article, chronic renal failure means any dis-ease of the kidneys that causes diminishment of kidney function, as shown by an estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate test (eGFR). In contrast, the term “End Stage Renal Failure” only describes kidneys that have a kidney function of less than 15%.

The Ultimate A-Z Guide To Chronic Renal Failure

A is for Alkaline
Alkalinity is an important concept to understand and implement when dealing with chronic kidney failure. Alkalinity is a must for your body’s tissues to survive and thrive. In fact, your body will do anything it can to keep your blood pH in the narrow window of 7.35 to 7.45pH – your body will literally break down its bones for the calcium contained within them to keep your body alkaline!

Normally however, keeping the body acid/alkaline balance within your body is the job of the kidneys. When your kidneys begin to diminish in function so too does their ability to excrete the acid and maintain the alkalinity in your blood. Therefore eating an alkaline diet is the best way to protect and improve the health of your kidneys.

To add further strain on already strained kidneys, many of today’s lifestyle choices are acid forming as well as changes to our environment:

• Diet: e.g. alcohol, sugar, coffee, red meat, grains
• Chemicals: e.g. industrial chemicals, cleaning products, paint, makeup and cosmetics
• Pesticides
• Heavy metals
• Excess exercise
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking

For more information on alkalinity and the alkaline diet, please see my article here.

B is for Blood tests
I cannot emphasise how important it is to get your blood regularly tested. Blood tests help in the following ways:

• Monitors the progression of your condition
• Tracks that your treatments are working
• Informs you of any abnormal developments in your health
• Allows you to tailor your diet to suit your needs e.g. potassium, phosphorus, sodium, vitamin D, and calcium levels
• By knowing the current state of your body, and understanding that state, you’re better equipped to make positive changes. It is shown people feel more in control and are more likely to make the changes when they understand their condition and all facets related to their condition.
• It will show you your current percentage of kidney function

The best blood tests to assess your renal failure are:

1. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)
2. Creatinine
3. 24hr creatinine clearance
4. Urinalysis
5. BUN
6. Kidney biopsy
7. Imaging

Please see my article here for a detailed description of each test in chronic renal failure: Top 7 Kidney Tests To Measure Your Kidney Function

Other important tests include: Potassium levels, Sodium levels, Phosphate levels, Vitamin D levels, Calcium levels, Parathyroid hormone levels, and Hemoglobin levels.

C is for Causes
Chronic renal failure is, and can be caused by the following factors:

• Diabetes: the number one most common cause
• High blood pressure: the second most common cause
• Glomerulonephritis: the third most common cause
• Alport’s Syndrome
• Auto-immune diseases: e.g. Lupus
• Connective tissue disease
• Pharmaceutical drugs: NSAIDs, analgesics, antibiotics, gout medications, diuretics.
• Exposure to hydrocarbon solvents
• Genetics
• Heavy metals
• Infections: particularly strep, viruses, and heart infections
• Kidney stones
• Liver cirrhosis
• Oxalate deposits
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Prostate disease
• Reflux nephropathy

D is for Diagnosis
Knowing what has caused your kidney disease is undoubtedly the most important element to know when treating kidney disease. This is because, your cause, is the “fuel” of your renal failure; take away the “fuel” and there is nothing left to promote further deterioration of your condition.

Therefore for your health and wellbeing proper diagnosis is essential.

“Treat the person, not the disease, treat the cause, not the symptoms.”

To receive a high standard of diagnosis (assessment) I recommend seeing both a doctor and a naturopath. This many sound over the top, but both practitioners come from very different medical backgrounds, and will therefore observe very different things about the state of your health and your condition.

Your doctor is the best person to have your routine blood tests completed with (usually free of charge under your countries medical system), however your naturopath will be able to assess other areas of your health, via functional pathology tests, live blood analysis, iridology, tongue and nail diagnosis, comprehensive wellness questionnaires, and in-depth case history taking.

In this way you have the very best of what the world has to offer, and the best assessment of your health; giving you the knowledge, and therefore power, to make valuable changes in your life and health.

As part of your medical assessment the blood work will tell you what stage of renal failure you are in. This is based on the eGFR test: (The best test to measure your kidney function.)

Here is a brief analysis of each of the five stages:
•    Stage 1 with normal or high GFR        (eGFR > 90 ml/min)
•    Stage 2 Mild CKD                                (eGFR = 60-89 ml/min)
•    Stage 3 Moderate CKD                         (eGFR = 30-59 ml/min)
•    Stage 4 Severe CKD                              (eGFR = 15-29 ml/min)
•    Stage 5 End Stage CKD                         (eGFR <15 ml/min)

E is for Electrolytes
Electrolytes are some of the most important elements of our physiology, but you may know electrolytes by the more common names potassium and sodium.

These seemingly rudimentary minerals are more important than you could possibly imagine, not just because they are some of the key nutrients that you need to monitor to make sure their levels become not too high in chronic renal failure, but because of their beneficial action in the body. These minerals work at either side of a cell’s wall, and essentially form an internal capacitor in the body (much the same way a capacitor works in the battery of your car). The end result is that these two minerals make it possible for your body to create energy and electrical impulses.

One third of the body’s energy is used to keep potassium and sodium in the correct place around a cell wall.

In relation to chronic renal failure however, as mentioned, these minerals can become elevated to dangerous levels in the blood if not properly addressed. Dietary changes are the best method to reduce high levels of both of these minerals, but it needs to be mentioned that not all people with renal failure do, or will get high levels of either of these minerals. Significance? Always perform a blood test to measure your potassium and sodium levels.

I wrote a great article here detailing the recommend daily allowances for both of these minerals: http://www.kidneycoach.com/1089/renal-diet-top-7-tips-for-renal-failure/

F is for Fluid
Fluid is an important consideration for those with chronic renal failure for a number of reasons:

1. As the kidney function begins to diminish, so too does their ability to filter blood and produce urine. Therefore, fluid intake needs to be adjusted so to not drink too much; as this would cause excess fluid and high blood pressure if not addressed. As a general rule, drink the equivalent of your 24 hour urine output volume, plus an additional 600 mls.
2. The right type of fluid needs to be drank when suffering chronic kidney failure too. Sugary drinks, coffee, alcohol, and artificially sweetened drinks are a big no-no for kidney disease as they literally poison the kidneys.

On tip number 5 of my article on a healthy renal diet, I talk in more detail of the importance of getting your fluid intake right.

G is for Groups (Support)
It is very important for your health to be connected with those that you love and those that can provide you support. Clinical studies prove that those that are in need, no matter what that “need” is, always do better when they have a friend or group to talk to and lean on.

Even though it is so easy to do when things are rough, stay connected and don’t fall off the map. Call your local council to see whether they have local support groups in your area for people with chronic renal failure. If you can’t get out and about (personal interaction is best), try the many online forums and share your life, knowledge, and wisdom with others.

Here is a list to peruse:

• http://www.facebook.com/kidneycoach (My Chat Group!)
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Kidney-Foundation-Inc/35677414105 (National Kidney Foundation)
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kidney-Disease-Diet-ideas-and-help/205812862786832 (Mark Rosen’s Kidney Page)

H is for Hemodialysis (and Peritoneal dialysis)
Dialysis is an important and necessary treatment when kidney function falls below 10% (aka End-Stage-Renal-Failure).

Essentially dialysis takes over the majority of functions that the kidneys once performed, namely: removal of waste products (e.g. creatinine and urea), excess fluid, and minerals. Unfortunately dialysis cannot replace the kidneys role of hormone and enzyme production. Hormones include: calcitriol, erythropoietin, and the enzyme rennin; which aid in bone health maintenance, red blood cell production, and blood pressure regulation.

Dialysis is possible via two very different methods of filtration:

Hemodialysis: Utilises a large machine stationed in hospitals, that for the “average” kidney patient, requires 3-4 visits a week, for 4-5 hours at a time.

Peritoneal dialysis: A home based alterative, which uses the patient’s own digestive lining (peritoneal) to filter an “exchange” of fluid four times a day. The whole process of draining and filling one exchange of fluid takes 30-40 mins. The bag of “exchange” fluid usually contains: chloride, sodium, lactate, bicarbonate, and glucose.

I is for Isoflavones
Isoflavones (daidzein and genistein) and lignans (matairesinol, secoisolariciresinol) are naturally occurring nutrients (phytonutrients) found within plants. They are shown in studies to have the ability to moderate (reduce) proteinuria, preserve renal function, and slow down the progression chronic kidney failure.

You can find these little miracles in the berries, soy bean, soy bean products, legumes, rye, flaxseed (aka linseed), seeds, broccoli, pumpkin, garlic and zucchini. But for a therapeutic dose I always recommend that you buy them as a supplement.

J is for Juicing
Juicing is such a wonderful an inexpensive solution to help breathe life in to damaged kidneys. I know of people who have cured their chronic renal failure just by juicing alone. (I not advocating juicing as a sole treatment here, but it can help).

The great thing about juicing is that you can devour a large amount of vegetables and fruit in one sitting, which ordinarily you could not if you were to eat them whole. Not only this, but the very act of juicing helps unlock the nutrients contained within the vegetables and fruit (that can at times pass right through you when eaten whole).

There really is no right or wrong way to juice, but there are definitely some tips that will help you getting off on to the right foot. If you would like to get off on the right foot, please see my article here.

K is for Keeping a Journal
Write it down! Get it out of YOU! The frustrations, joyful moments, heartaches, wins, tears, happiness, all need to be expressed. Especially the negatives ones.

When we hold on to something, even when just a thought-form or emotion, we retain that thought-form. The very idea of “holding on to something” means you have not released it. You may have forgotten about it, but it doesn’t mean it is not there.

One way to make sure that you release the days “garbage” is to write it down. And if it was a really crappy day you might want to burn it afterwards!

Some of you may be saying right now “whatever”, but think about this, the most famous of mathematical calculations points to the fact that we are all energy.

E=MC2 (Where E is energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light in a vacuum). This formula indicates that energy is inseparable from mass, and mass inseparable from energy.

Or another way to demonstrate this is the fact that every single thing is our world is made up of atoms (energy). Our basic building blocks maybe cells, but if you break down cells far enough all you will find is atoms.

The only reason we cannot see the energy that we are, is simply because you are vibrating / resonating at a low frequency, causing the perception of a solid state. Are you still with me here? I hope so. Because this fundamental fact tends to be completely overlooked in our lives, and especially in our health care system.

What energy/thoughts are you holding on to? Further that… what energy/thoughts are you projecting out to the world?

L is for Lipoic Acid
Lipoic acid is a nutrient that works wonders on kidneys; it helps improve the energy of the kidneys, protects the kidneys from further damage, and balances blood sugar to treat diabetes (the number cause of kidney damage). It also helps to detoxify heavy metals that can cause big problems for the kidneys. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach are natural sources; however I recommend that you source lipoic acid as a supplement to achieve an effective therapeutic dose.

Lipoic acid is that good I had to write an entire article on it and its relationship with kidney failure here : http://www.kidneycoach.com/346/lipoic-acid-super-nutrient-for-kidney-disease/

M is for Mindset
I touched on the importance of having a positive mind in section K (K is for Keeping a Journal), but I am going to keep persisting until it sinks in

There has been nothing more influential towards creating positivity and negativity in my life, than my own thoughts. But it is not just me that this holds true for, it is also true for you, whether you believe in it or not.

Buddha was conscious of this fact, and thus dedicated his life on teaching others to harness the mind, and to still the mind.

“The mind is everything. What you think you become.” Buddha

“What you think about you bring about” Anonymous

“Where attention goes energy flows” Anonymous

“What the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve” W. Clement Stone

There are many techniques to achieve a positive mindset, but I believe the most important step is to first disassociate yourself from your mind. Once you become aware that you are NOT your thoughts… you have started the process.

Great tips for a positive mindset are:

• Meditation
• Qigong
• Tai Chi
• Yoga
• Journal writing
• Reading books on the subject matter e.g. The Power of Now; A New Earth; The Law of Attraction: The Basics of the Teachings of Abraham.

I also have written two articles that I think would be beneficial for any one with chronic renal failure:

• Top 5 Tips To Stay Positive With Kidney Disease
• The Daily Disciplines: Simple Ways For Creating Success In All Areas In Your Life

Before you click on the link below to see the next page of The Ultimate A – Z Guide To Chronic Renal Failure, please take moment to click the “LIKE” below if you have liked what you have read so far (thank you, I greatly appreciate it).

Click here to read part two of this series.

I get asked a lot about creatinine; what is it, what causes high creatinine levels, and how to lower it naturally? It’s understandable, creatinine levels are looked upon as the best determining factor of the health of your kidneys, and is routinely tested for and discussed by your doctor.

But I must warn you, lowering creatinine SHOULD NOT be your ultimate goal, it is only secondary to the bigger picture… (keep reading to find out why).

So What is Creatinine?

•    Creatinine is a waste product of the major energy metabolite creatine.
•    Normal creatinine serum blood levels are:
-    0.6 to 1.2 mg/dl in males (53 to 106 umol/L)
-    0.5 to 1.1 mg/dl in females (44 to 97 umol/L)
•    Creatinine is usually found in higher quantities (within the blood) in young adults, and lesser quantities in the elderly.
•    Those with one kidney will have higher than “normal” levels of creatinine circulating in their blood (roughly 1.8 mg/dl or 160 umol/L).
•    Creatinine can be tested for via a blood sample or via a urine sample. On its own a blood sample is more accurate than a urine sample, though combining them together to form what is called a creatinine clearance test (both blood and urine) is the most accurate test.
•    High creatinine levels occur due to any number of diseases that cause the kidneys to shut down, including dehydration, shock, congestive heart failure, and bladder outlet obstruction.
•    There are no definitive symptoms that are caused by high creatinine levels, though the following could be possibly linked: fatigued, shortness of breath, feeling dehydrated, and confusion.

Interesting stuff? Great! I hope you won’t be disappointed then when I say you let’s move on to the next section because you have learnt all these is (worth) to know about creatinine. I would like to tell you more about creatinine, but really that is all you need to know. That’s the crux of it.

What I would really like to discuss next is the substance that creatinine is a by-product of… creatine.

If you are a gym junkie, or know someone that is, you probably have come across creatine before. Creatine is touted by many body builders as the best natural substance for increasing energy reserves – especially for the explosive sports (because of its role in ATP production).

Creatine is naturally produced by the body and the majority of it is stored within the muscles (up to 95%). The body does this through the synthesis of the amino acids L-arginine, glycine, and L-methionine via the liver, and because the body can make its own, creatine itself is not essential in the diet. The dietary source of creatine however is any animal meat, such as beef, chicken, and fish. Providing up to 1 gram a day of creatine for the typical “meat-eater”.

As previously mentioned, creatine has a key role to play in the production of ATP. This occurs in the most important energy pathway of the body, known as the Kreb’s Cycle, or the Citric Acid Cycle.  The average human body uses over 2000mg of creatinine a day to fuel this important biochemical pathway, for the purposes of producing the most vital energy source of the body.

… OK, so now that we understand a little more about creatine, and that creatine is a necessary molecule, we can now delve a little deeper into creatinine levels and how to lower them.

The Importance of Creatinine Levels

After many years study, and lengthy clinical trials, creatinine was found to be the best indicator of kidney function. Why? Well, there are a few reasons for this, and they are as follows:
1.    Creatinine is produced in a relatively constant rate – (expect during strenuous exercise where it increases*)
2.    Creatinine is mainly eliminated from the body via the kidneys
3.    Creatinine has virtually no reabsorption within the kidneys – meaning there no recycling of creatinine back into the blood stream. Reabsorption would cause a skew in the results, making this molecule a poorer choice for assessing kidney function.

* Here’s a tip, next time you have your renal function checked make sure you abstain for any strenuous exercise beforehand as this will give you false decrease in renal function.

As you can see the very nature of this molecule and the way the body handles it makes it a perfect choice to assess kidney function, but more importantly, I hope this demonstrates one important factor that I have been eluding to: Lowering creatinine levels should not be your end goal, because it is just a measure of kidney function, it is not the problem/cause of your kidney disease.

For example if there was a treatment to lower creatinine levels but it did nothing else, it wouldn’t be very beneficial treatment, right? Right. This is because you would still have under functioning kidneys, and as an example, possibly have high potassium, low vitamin d levels, and low haemoglobin levels.

So why write an article on how to lower creatinine levels naturally? Good question. Because I believe the real reason you typed in “creatinine levels” or “how to lower creatinine levels naturally” into Google (or however you made your way here) is that you REALLY want to improve and increase your kidney function. You probably don’t even really care about creatinine per say, you just want it to lower because it will indicate that your kidney health and kidney function is improving, and I right? I hope so.

7 Easy Ways to Lower Creatinine Levels (and Improve Kidney Function) Naturally

Alrighty here they are, what I have put together is some really easy tips you can put into practice straight away to help boost your kidney function, while having a direct impact on your creatinine blood levels.

1. Vegetarian diet: By consuming a largely plant based diet you will be helping your body in a few distinct ways
-    Dietary sources of creatine and creatinine are only found within animal products, therefore you will be reducing the burden of “extra” creatine and creatinine circulating through your blood by eating a largely plant based diet.
-    Clinical studies show that the consumption of red meat is detrimental to the health of kidneys, see my article here.
-    Plant based diets have show to reduce all the major risk factors of kidney disease. E.g. diabetes,  and high blood pressure (hypertension).
-    Dairy products (milk, cheese, cream, yoghurt, ice cream, butter) have been shown in clinical studies to exacerbate kidney disease.
-    Among many other reasons…

2. Avoid creatine supplements: not only do high doses of this large molecule cause kidney problems (because of its large size it can cause the kidneys to swell), but by supplying the body with extra creatine, you will cause more creatine to be spontaneously converted to the by-product creatinine.

3. Avoid strenuous physical activity: thereby decreasing the breakdown of creatine into creatinine.

4. Nettle leaf tea: drink 1 to 2 cups a day. Nettle leaf tea is a simple yet powerful kidney tonic that can improve kidney function and reduce serum creatinine levels. (Tip: Double check that it is the leaf and not the root, the leaf if for your kidneys, the root is for male prostate disorders)

5. Avoid the over consumption of Vanadium: Although very beneficial for the body, particularly for diabetes and blood sugar problems, over consumption of the mineral vanadium has been linked to increased blood creatinine levels (stay under 100mcg a day).

6. Alpha lipoic acid: This is a fantastic nutrient! And one that I recommend every kidney disease sufferer begin right away. It helps provide energy to the kidneys, it helps nutrialise toxins to make them harmless to the body (so elimination does not damage the kidneys), it helps improve kidney function, and of course helps lower creatinine levels. If you would like to know more info on alpha lipoic acid, please check out my article here. I recommend a dosage of 300mg a day.

7. Chitosan: Chitosan maybe be better known for weight management, but believe it or not it has another trick up its sleeve. Chitosan supplementation in clinical studies reduced urea, creatinine and cholesterol levels in the blood, and increased haemoglobin production in patients with chronic kidney disease. I recommend a dosage of 1000-4000mg a day.

So there you have it, 7 great tips on how to lower creatinine levels naturally. I hope that these really help you. If you would like further tools to increase your kidney function and lower creatinine, then please check out my kidney healing program and book here: www.beatkidneydisease.com

Once more I would love to hear from your thoughts and comments below, and please make sure you click the “LIKE” button below!

Wikipedia: level definition: a device for establishing a horizontal line or plane by means of a bubble in a liquid that shows adjustment to the horizontal by movement to the center of a slightly bowed glass tube. →

Kidney disease symptoms… what are they, when do they occur, and why do they occur…?

For many, kidney disease symptoms remain confusing. This however is not surprising…

•    Kidney disease has little awareness amongst the general public, and therefore is largely misunderstood.
•    There are numerous conditions that fall under the ‘kidney disease’ umbrella term, each with their own set of symptoms.
•    Kidney disease can be “acute” or “chronic”.
•    ‘Kidney disease’ is one of many terms that label the same condition. Others terms include: chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, renal failure, renal disease, end-stage-kidney-disease… etc.
•    Kidney disease symptoms rarely show themselves early on in the disease process; hence kidney disease is often called “The Silent Killer”.
•    And surprisingly when kidney disease does enter its final stages, often patients are told that every symptom that they are experiencing is caused by the kidneys.

What Is The Purpose Of This Article?

The purpose of this article is to clarify exactly what the signs and symptoms are for kidney disease. And when I say the signs and symptoms of kidney disease, I mean the signs and symptoms of a kidney that has already begun to diminish in function. Therefore a urinary tract infection that has spread to the kidneys, but has not lowered the kidney function, is not applicable here (for example).

Kidney Disease Symptoms

Below I have listed the most common signs and symptoms resulting from under functioning kidneys. I have also tried, where I believe more information is needed, to explain the reasoning as to why these signs and symptoms occur. This will help you understand your condition better, and by doing so, enable you to heal yourself better.
Note: The following signs and symptoms can occur at any stage of kidney disease, however most individuals begin to experience them at stage 3 or 4*.

*Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is categorised in five distinct stages (based on your level of kidney function) to better help care for kidney disease sufferers. Kidney function is measured by what’s called an Estimated Gromulrular Filatration Rate (eGFR) test (for more information on this, please go here). Here is a brief analysis of each of the five stages:
•    Stage 1 with normal or high GFR     (eGFR > 90 ml/min)
•    Stage 2 Mild CKD             (eGFR = 60-89 ml/min)
•    Stage 3 Moderate CKD         (eGFR = 30-59 ml/min)
•    Stage 4 Severe CKD             (eGFR = 15-29 ml/min)
•    Stage 5 End Stage CKD         (eGFR <15 ml/min)

Symptom 1: Changes In Urination
Changes in urine are common, which makes a lot of sense considering that the kidneys main function is to regulate the body’s chemistry via the urine. These changes include:

-    increased night time urination (aka: nocturia)
-    foamy or bubbly urination (caused by excess protein in the urine)
-    increased/decreased urine output
-    dark yellow/brown urine
-    blood in urine (aka: hematuria)
-    increased urge, or a feeling of pressure on the bladder

Cause: The cause of this symptom is obvious. The kidneys that produce the urine are damaged, and therefore impact the way urine is processed. Out of all the kidney disease symptoms, this is one is probably the most common that I see in clinical practice.

Symptom 2: Fatigue
Feelings of constant fatigue, tiredness, drowsiness, and lethargy.

Cause: There are numerous causes for this symptom:

-    Anemia: the kidneys produce the hormone EPO which is required to produce red blood cells. When the kidneys decrease in function, so too does the production of EPO.
-    Decreased oxygenation: as mentioned above, kidney disease can cause red blood cell production to decrease, when this occurs you have fewer red blood cells to transport life giving oxygenation around the body. On top of this fluid can build up around the lungs causing inhalation difficulty, and therefore drawing in deep, long, oxygenating breaths is a rare occurrence.
-    Adrenal fatigue: The Kidneys And Adrenals Are ONE – Although technically they are not the same organ/gland they are structurally connected, the adrenals produce a hormone call aldosterone which increases the kidneys reabsorption of sodium and water (and elimination of potassium), and from an energetic stand point, are the same.

The adrenal glands literally sit on top of the kidney like a hat – Please refer to following article for a diagram – and because of this, both impact each other. The adrenal glands are your body’s anti-stress/energy centre, by releasing such hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline and norepinephrinecortisol they increase the body’s energy. If the kidneys are not functioning well, then so aren’t the adrenals. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also refers to these two organs as one. In their philosophy their in no distinction between the two, they are simply known as the ‘kidney’ meridian. The kidney meridian is regarded as the body’s most important reservoir of essential energy. And in the TCM philosophy, the “kidneys” house the body’s will power, control short-term memory, and provide the capacity for drive and strength. A person with deficient “kidneys” will be deficient in potency and stamina.

Symptom 3: Itching
Itching is a very common kidney disease symptom; it can occur over the whole body, it is often worse at night, and can be relentless.

Cause: Itchy skin is caused by the build up of toxic wastes in the blood stream, eventually finding their way to the skin. In particular, itchy skin is the symptom of too many phosphates in the blood.

Symptom 4: Nausea and Vomiting
This is a horrible kidney disease symptom that is usually coupled with low appetite and anorexia.

Cause: Like symptom number three, this symptom is caused by a build up of toxins in the blood. Unlike number three, this mainly caused by a build up of the blood chemical urea.

Symptom 5: Shortness of Breath/Difficulty Breathing
A feeling of breathlessness, even on minimal exertion is a symptom most people struggle to deal with – it is a constant reminder of their current state of ill health.

Cause: Similar to one of the causes of fatigue, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing can be caused by anemia, low production of red blood cells, and build up of fluid around the lungs.

Symptom 6: Easy Bleeding and Bruising
Light bumps and knocks can result in what seems almost instantaneous bruising, and cuts seem to take longer to heal.

Cause: Under functioning kidneys impact blood clotting, and quickly use up available vitamin C – The deficiency sign of Vitamin C is bruising.

Symptom 7: Back Pain / Kidney Pain
This is really one in the same, as kidney pain resembles back pain. This “back” pain occurs at the mid to lower back cross section (just under the low ribs)

Cause: Another understandable symptom; when the kidneys are “damaged” then the body produces pain transmissions to alert the person that there is something wrong in that area.

Symptom 8: Swelling or Puffiness
Swelling and puffiness can occur at any part of the body, whether it be the ankles, feet, hands, wrists, fingers, toes, eye lids, face, legs, arms, chest, neck, or stomach.

Cause: Fluid retention is the cause of this kidney disease symptom. Fluid builds up in certain parts of the body as the kidneys struggle to keep up the demand of eliminating excess fluid.

Symptom 9: High Blood Pressure
Even though you may NOT have developed kidney failure due to high blood pressure (hypertension), it is possible to develop high blood pressure while your kidney disease progresses.

Cause: Due to the kidneys to failing to remove excess fluid (in the form of urine) as they are designed to do, the fluid builds up and up and up, which increases the blood pressure with it.

Symptom 10: Anemia
Anemia is the state in which the body is deficient in either the total number of red blood cells or the quantity of hemoglobin within the red blood cells.

Cause: The kidneys produce a hormone called Erythropoietin (EPO), which increases the production of red blood cells within the bone marrow. When the kidneys are failing the production of EPO reduces and anemia sets in

Other Kidney Disease Symptoms…

That completes the 10 most common kidney disease symptoms that I see in my clinical practice, but unfortunately there are many more that can occur as a result of renal failure. These are:
•    Anorexia
•    Chest pain, due to inflammation around the heart
•    Constipation, and other digestive disturbances
•    Diarrhoea
•    Headache
•    Hypercalcaemia (high blood calcium levels)
•    Hyperkalemia (high blood potassium levels)
•    Hypernatraemia (high blood sodium levels)
•    Hyperparathyroidism (high blood parathyroid hormone levels)
•    Hyperphosphatemia (high blood phosphate levels)
•    Hyponatraemia (low blood sodium levels)
•    Increased Thirst
•    Insomnia
•    Intolerance to cold
•    Loss of feeling in extremities, numbness
•    Low appetite
•    Low Libido
•    Low Vitamin D levels
•    Menstrual cycle changes
•    Metabolic acidosis
•    Poor concentration, confusion, and seizures.
•    Muscle cramps and stiffness
•    Osteoporosis, bone pain and fractures
•    Skin colour: pale, grayish, or yellowish-brownish
•    Weakness

Where to Now?

For many this list can seem downright depressing, and create feelings of hopelessness, apathy, and despair. Therefore it is important to know that there is ALWAYS something you can do manage, treat, and heal kidney disease symptoms.

Let me say that again: “Therefore it is important to know that there is ALWAYS something you can do manage, treat, and heal kidney disease symptoms.”

Whatever your inclination, western medicine or natural medicine, you have many options available and so there is no need to suffer alone. Talk to your health care professional (naturopath, doctor, traditional Chinese medicine doctor, or other), get the facts, and weigh up what works best for you. In fact why not use the best that each has to offer? But make sure you know the side-effects and interactions first before starting any treatment program.

There is of course my ebook program that explains step-by-step how to help heal your kidneys and reverse kidney disease symptoms. The program is called The Kidney Disease Solution, and it has helped thousands of people world-wide, young and old, of all backgrounds and abilities, and it can be found here.

But as mentioned there are many ways that you can get help, and it is up to you to work out what’s best for your situation. I myself prefer all natural methods, you may prefer something else.

I hope this has helped you get clear as to what your symptoms mean and if the symptoms you are experiencing are in fact at all kidney disease symptoms.

If you enjoyed this kidney recipe please be sure to click the “Like” button below, and leave a comment.

The problem with the kidney disease is that you don’t know you have it until you are on the verge of renal failure. Furthermore, because of their nature, renal failure symptoms are open for mis-diagnosis due to their vague (and common) presentation. It is therefore best to know exactly what the symptoms are so you can receive the quickest treatment possible – and potentially save your, or a loved one’s life.

To understand how the body will respond (i.e. renal failure symptoms) we need to look a little deeper at what the kidneys do for the body.

On top of the kidneys list to maintain physical health are the following:
1.    Elimination of wastes from the body
2.    Sustain the fine pH balance within the body (acid-alkaline level)
3.    Regulate fluid volume
4.    Regulate electrolyte balance
5.    Regulate blood pressure
6.    Produce red blood cells

(For more information on the function of the kidneys, please see my previous article on kidney function)

It is therefore safe to assume any renal failure symptoms that arise will be caused as a direct result of one of the above roles ‘failing’ (or being severely compromised).

Renal Failure Symptoms
In the beginning, as mentioned, you may not experience or notice anything untoward. You may be as doctors classify: asymptomatic (=without symptoms). However as kidney function decreases this will begin to change. At first you may notice that you are tired throughout the day, even with a good night’s sleep. Or you may notice that just seem to hold on fluid which you never used to. Though potentially there are numerous renal failure symptoms you could experience and I hope by providing them to you it empowers you, and gives you a “leg up” so that you can change the course of the disease.

Here are the most common renal failure symptoms (alphabetical order):

• Dizziness
• Fatigue, even with rest
• Feel the cold more
• Halitosis (Bad breath)
• Headaches
• High blood pressure
• Itching, all over body
• Loss of appetite
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea and vomiting
• Nocturia (urination at night)
• Poor concentration
• Short of breath
• Skin eruptions
• Skin pale – and nail colour
• Swelling of entire body (especially face, hands, legs, feet, ankles)
• Thirst, excessive
• Urination frequency change – with a marked change in colour of urine
• Urine output decreased
• Weakness

Scary right?

If you are already experiencing all, most, or some of these symptoms, please remember there something you can for your kidneys no matter what stage of the disease you are in. There are many natural remedies you can take to help restore your lost kidney function – My Kidney Health Program.

It is always best to get checked out by a health professional (doctor, naturopath, acupuncturist, etc) so that you get an accurate diagnosis, assessment, and treatment plan; before letting your mind get away from you. These symptoms could easily fall into the picture of numerous other health conditions, so as much as this information is helpful, do rely too much on “Dr. Google” for all your health advice. Sorry for getting all “1989” on you, but play it smart and see a professional… in person!

I hope you found this renal failure symptoms article of real benefit!

As always I welcome any comments, feedback, questions, and those that just want to say hi – please leave your message in the comments section below.

Good day!

As with any condition, learning how to manage and treat the symptoms is an important step to break-free and live a normal healthy life. In the case of renal failure symptoms, there are unfortunately many to contend with, but it is my hope that this post will serve as guide to eliminate one of the most common of them known as: renal failure edema.

Renal failure edema is a renal failure symptom whereby the kidneys are unable to excrete enough fluid, via the urine, to create a healthy internal balance.

There are many pharmaceuticals drugs (diuretics) and alternative therapies that can help improve urine flow and reduce swelling (edema), but the trick is getting the right one for your kidney disease symptom.

Unfortunately many diuretics can cause renal failure, or reduce kidney function as part of their side-effects… Doesn’t make sense does it?

This is not an exhaustive list by any measure, but the following drugs have been implicated with renal failure or decreased renal function: Spironolactone (Aldactone), Chlorothiazide (Diuril, Diuril Sodium), and Triamterene (Dyrenium). I would recommend asking your doctor next time you visit to double check the side effects of the diuretic that he or she has prescribed you. Otherwise, jump online at www.drugs.com to assess the side effects for yourself; and then bring up any concerns you have with your health care professional.

Note: Diuretic drugs can play a much needed role in the management of kidney disease, especially when a fast and much needed action is required. You just need to play it right, and play it safe.

Option Number 2 (or should it be number 1?)

Thankfully Mother Nature has some answers of her own! She has been busy the last few hundred million years formulating specific plants to provide the same benefits as drugs – the only difference being that there are virtually no side-effects.

That’s not to say you can take any at random, no that is definitely not the case, in fact you have to be just as careful prescribing natural remedies during kidney disease as you do drugs. The only difference is, is that when you select the appropriate plant, the side-effects are always less than the pharmaceutical drugs counterpart.

So What Are The Best Natural Treatment For People With Renal Failure Edema?

Herbal Medicine Tips

In no particular order, here are some of the best herbs to reduce renal edema and improve urination:

• Celery seed: the is a fantastic remedy, one of the best, but those categorised with stage 3-5 kidney disease need to avoid it; it may be consumed freely as a part of your diet, but not as a concentrated supplement. The plant is also fantastic at treating gout, rheumatism and urinary tract infections.
• Green tea: has been used as a diuretic in China for centuries, and is very safe. Green tea is also beneficial for atherosclerosis, prevention of cancer, high cholesterol, and infections.
• Gravel root: a gentle herb used to eliminate excess fluid. Also beneficial for rheumatic conditions, prostatitis, urinary tract infections, and of course kidney stones (hence the name ‘gravel’ root).
• Goldenrod: beneficial for both the kidneys and reducing edema, however this herb cannot be used in all stages of kidney disease (avoid in stages 3-5). Goldenrod is also an excellent herb for sinusitis, throat infections, cystitis, and flatulence.
• Dandelion leaf (not to be confused with the root): is a well known diuretic for many centuries. This plant needs to be avoided in those with high potassium blood levels (hyperkalemia), and those with gallbladder problems.
• Nettle leaf (not to be confused with the root): a great all round herb that is gentle, nutritious and helps heal the kidneys.
• Juniper: this herb is excellent for eliminating fluid retention, but like celery seed it needs to avoided in cases where stage 3-5 kidney disease is present; also beneficial for rheumatism, digestion, and cystitis.
• Butcher’s broom: This is herb is a great choice in those whose main contributing factor for fluid retention is poor circulation (which is common in renal failure).

Dietary Tips

• Limit sodium intake: this should have probably been the first thing I mentioned; if you don’t get your intake right of sodium, then whatever you do to treat it will certainly be either an impossible mission, or a much slower process. Look to consume 1 – 2.5 grams sodium a day. Or at the very least, rather than counting your sodium every day, do not add salt to meals and make sure you avoided prepacked highly salted foods (e.g. biscuits, chips, processed meats, ‘fast’ foods, pizza, packet soups and instant pastas, pre-packaged sauces, and canned vegetables).
• Eat foods that naturally have a diuretic action: asparagus, garlic, pineapple, grapes, onion, leeks, parsley, leafy greens, green beans, beets, and pumpkin.
• Eat foods that are high in antioxidants and flavonoids to improve circulation: blueberries, raspberries, tomatoes, cherries, squash and capsicums.
• Eat a high-fibre diet, including plenty of fresh whole foods such as, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and raw nuts and seeds.
• Eat deep sea cold water fish e.g. Salmon and Mackerel.
• Use olive oil for cooking.
• Avoid highly processed and refined foods, such as cakes, biscuits, white bread, pastas, cereals and sugar.
• Avoid alcohol, saturated fat, trans-fatty acids, sugar, caffeine, and tobacco.

Nutrition

• Vitamin C
• Bioflavonoids – Rutin, Quercetin
• Grape seed
• Alpha-lipoic acid
• Magnesium
• Potassium – only use if your blood levels of potassium are in the normal range

Physical Treatments

• Exercise: exercise helps reduce renal failure edema by improving circulation (via muscular contractions). Without exercise, fluid tends to pool in to the lower extremities such as the legs and feet. Aerobic and cardio exercises are best, anything from brisk walking, swimming, jogging, tennis, group gym classes (e.g. step classes), and bike riding are great. Light to moderate intensity 4-5 times a week.
• Lymphatic drainage massage: give this one a try! A trained massage therapist gently massages you in a style that stimulates your lymphatic system and directs excess fluid to the kidneys for elimination.
• Bandaging: Apply a short stretch compression bandage while exercising or more physical activities (e.g. gardening or other household duties). The bandages will enhance resistance next to the affected areas and, consequently, help to alleviate fluid-swollen regions.

So there you have it! There are so many options for treating renal failure edema naturally that you are bound to find a combination that fits your lifestyle (though don’t scared of change) and help ease your swelling!

If you liked this, or found it helpful, please place a comment below! Thank you

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For many of you with hypertension (aka high blood pressure), a fire is burning intensely within you, which must be extinguished. Inflammation is the cause of many illnesses, and studies now point towards inflammation as a key trigger and driver for high blood pressure – the second biggest cause of kidney disease after diabetes.

If you haven’t already gathered, treating the cause of your illness is rule number one for healing yourself from renal disease (and any disease for that matter), so excuse when I repeat myself 5 billion times on this one…

“Treat the cause, not the symptoms. Treat the person, not the disease.”

So when I came across this study, I just had to show you. The results weren’t just suggestive, they were straight out conclusive! (Study: JAMA December 10, 2010, Vol 290. No. 22 2945)

A group of researchers came together to observe whether C-reactive protein (= a marker of systemic inflammation) is linked to high blood pressure. C-reactive protein has already been connected with the increased likelihood of myocardial infarction (= heart attack) and stroke, so the dangers to the cardiovascular system is already well established. On a side note: inflammation has also been associated with the development of diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders, dementia, increased aging, arthritic conditions, skin disorders, immune dysfunction, and many more.

The Setting
The study began by taking blood samples from 20,525 people with normal blood pressure. 7.8 years later they measured the same individuals again, and discovered that now a quarter of them had high blood pressure (5,365). C-reactive protein was then tested and shown to be significantly associated with an increased risk of developing high blood pressure.

They concluded “C-reactive protein levels are associated with future development of hypertension, which suggests that hypertension is in part an inflammatory disorder.”

Interesting stuff? I think so. But what does it mean for you? Start quenching that fire with simple diet changes, and heal your hypertension and kidney disease. And you can’t go wrong even if you have no elevated levels of C-reactive protein (because the aim of the game is prevention… isn’t it?).

The Solution
I know all my readers a smart cookies (that’s why you read my blog ), so start putting in to action the “yeah I know’s”. You know what I am talking about…

Authority figure: “Consume wholefoods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, protein, and good fats (fish, nuts, and seeds).”
You: “Yeah I know…”

Authority figure: “Remove inflammatory foods for example, sugar, refined foods, caffeine, alcohol, and saturated fats (animal fats).”
You: “Yeah I know…”

Authority figure: “Eradicate all known food allergens from the diet. The most common allergenic foods are wheat, dairy, peanuts, fish, eggs, corn, soy, tomatoes, and citrus. “
You: “Yeah I know…”

Authority figure: “Consume more vegetables in your diet daily. They are high in antioxidants that will reduce inflammation and offer reprieve from symptoms.”
You: “Yeah I know…”

So come on, stop saying “yeah I know” and start applying this stuff… because until you do, you don’t REALLY know. I hope you enjoyed the post on hypertension and kidney disease

Have a great day!

PS. Please leave a comment below. Thank you!

Kidney disease is an unpleasant condition at the best of times (to say the least), particularly when the symptoms of kidney disease creep in un-expectantly. Symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness (even when walking to the letter box), dry skin, urination changes, gout, thirst, sore back, just to name a few. But one of the most exasperating symptoms undoubtedly is itchy skin (kidneys itching).

Kidney disease and itching (pruritus) unfortunately go hand in hand because of the build up of phosphates (phosphorus) and uremic toxins. Uremia is the build up of nitrogenous waste products in the blood (urea) that are typically eliminated via the urine. But because the kidneys and not functioning as well as they could, they are unable to eliminate all of the waste products.

But not to worry, Nature has our back! Nature has provided us many real solutions in helping reduce the itchiness.

Here are my top 7 natural treatments for kidney disease and itching:

1.      The number 1 most important thing you can do is to treat your kidneys as a whole. You can’t just slap on a cream and hope that is all you need to do. Yes it may help, but are you really healing? No. Just masking. And yes even if it is a “natural” cream you are still “masking”.
There are many things you can do to heal yourself and turn the tables in your favour, even if it is just to prevent any further deterioration; eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, take supplements such as fish oil, vitamin C (less than 1.5g a day), glycine, cordyceps (and that is just the tip of the iceberg), practice mindfulness (meditation – mindset), or even follow my Kidney Disease Solution program =>> www.BeatKidneyDisease.com (Yes that was a shameless plug, but it’s my blog I figure! ). You’ll be amazed at the turn around.

2.      Chickweed: Chickweed is a fabulous plant, and is probably the best plant to reduce itchiness in any type of condition. Mainly used in conditions such as eczema and dermatitis where itchiness is involved, you will find it a soothing and healing cream for the skin. Normally available in most health stores where it is ready made into a cream, ointment, or salve. Otherwise search online where you will sure to find this fabulous cream (please do not take this herb internally). Note: Aloe Vera gel (the one you use for sunburn) could also be a suitable topical skin remedy, though try Chickweed cream first.

3.      Homeopathy: is another fantastic way to stop itchiness, but to make sure you get the best one for you; you need to match up the homeopathic that fits your condition the best. It doesn’t have to be a perfect match, but the closer the match the better. Here is what I mean with the following homeopathic remedies…
-        Arsenicum is best for: itching, tickling, crawling, burning. Worse after itching.
-        Carbolicum acidum is best for: itching, prickling, burning, numbness. Better after scratching (but returns soon).
-        Mezereum is best for: intense itching, feels as if insects are crawling over skin. Worse after itching.
-        Dolichos is best for: intense itching, cold water makes itchy skin burn. You may suffer from constipation.
Which of those remedies suited your symptoms most? Again, doesn’t have to be perfect match, but the select the one that is the closest to you. Homeopathy comes in many different strengths, look for a 30C if you can get, otherwise purchase what is available.

4.      Bath treatments: bath treatments are great when you make the effort, because they kind of kill 3 birds with one stone, being: cleaning, treating, and relaxing.
-        Baking soda bath: Soak yourself for 15-30 minutes using a cup of baking soda per full bath tub. This works by drawing out the toxins. However, if the skin is broken, baking soda should not be used.
-        Peppermint bath: there is a number of ways you can do this, either grab a handful of peppermint leaves from your garden, crush them in your hand, and place them in a bath. Or, buy a box of 100% peppermint tea bags, and place 4 teabags within a lukewarm bath. You may also like to throw in some oatmeal (let’s say 2 cups), while you’re in there! Soak yourself for 15-30 minutes.

5.      Emergency tip: believe it or not Vicks vapour rub has a few more tricks up it sleeve than simply relieving that head cold. Vicks can be applied to a trouble spot for immediate quick relief. While it is not a ‘cure’ as such, it sure can give you relief when you really need it, plus it will leave you smelling eucalyptus and minty fresh! Also provides quick relief from mosquito bites.

6.      Management: common sense also plays a role in treatment; do away with tight irritating clothing, avoid repeated use of soaps and shampoos (etc), topical irritants on clothing, and any other chemicals on or around your skin. Use natural products where possible.

7.      Seek professional help! Always seek professional help if it just getting too much. It very may well be a symptom of kidney failure, but it could be something else all together, and therefore require another treatment altogether. When doubt, seek advice.

So there you have it, my 7 top tips in treating kidneys itching. I hope they do just the thing for you!

UPDATE: Always one to want to give you more, I have an eigth tip to reduce itching in kidney disease. Because itching is commonly caused by an build up of phosphates in the blood, then it stands to reason that one of the primary treatments is to reduce phosphates in the diet. However, please confirm this via a blood test first, as not all kidney patients with itchy skin have high phosphate levels in the blood. Foods that need to be resistricted due to their phosphate levels include: meats, seafood, fish, dairy, milk, cream, cola or coke, chocolate, biscuits, ketchup, mayonnaise, cheese, ice-cream, lentils, nuts, seeds, beans.

OK today I thought I would hone in on something that is often a result of over indulgence, and since it is Christmas … well, it is perfect.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs/cystitis) are common place over the holiday season, or any celebration, because what we consider is party food, is also ‘party’ food for the little bugs that live within us. Shame.

As you may be aware one of the top causes of kidney failure, especially acute kidney failure (aka acute renal failure), is infection of the kidneys. Now this can occur for a number of reasons: imbalance of good to bad bacteria, kidney drainage problem (often caused by under functioning bladder, or damaged ureters), diet, and the like. So when you incur a urinary tract infection it is best to turn to natural medicines to get on top of it quick smart.

With that all being said here are my top 5 natural remedies to eliminate urinary tract infections fast:

1.      D-Mannose: still not a well known product, but it is slowly making its way into the main stream as an effective agent for eliminating UTIs on the back of many clinical studies. D-Mannose is a sugar that is easily absorbed in the body, where its main action is to inhibit the adhesion of the bacteria E. coli. The great news is this has been shown to significantly reduce bacteria in the urine within 1 day.

2.      Cranberry: is probably the most well known natural medicine that treats UTIs, and like D-Mannose its action is also by inhibiting the adhesion of bacteria along the urinary tract. Studies have shown that cranberry juice can inhibit up to 75% of bacteria sticking the bladder surface.

3.      Glycine (L-glycine): another great natural medicine to use over the holiday season, or just in general for your renal disease, is to use the amino acid Glycine. Amino acids are what proteins are made of, and Glycine in particular is fantastic for reduce build up of, and increasing elimination of, uric acid. Uric acid is the common culprit for kidney stones, but it also can exacerbate inflammation in the infection process. Lastly, and this something you’ll want to know, Glycine renal (kidney) injury. Studies have demonstrated that L-glycine reduces damage from kidney toxins and drugs, and other studies have shown L-glycine protects the tissues from oxygen starvation.

4.      Buchu: is a chief herb in a naturopaths medicine toolbox, renowned for centuries in being a strong antiseptic, cleansing, and diuretic herb. The leaves are the best part used, as they contain compounds such as isomenthone, limonene, and terpinen-4-ol that give it is healing properties.

5.      Zinc: is a major nutrient (mineral) for the immune system, and in fact is one of the most underrated mineral out there … better than calcium I believe! Zinc deficiency is common so it is a good idea to supplement during an infection. Maintaining good levels of zinc status will also help prevent further recurrence of cystitis for those it is a common place.

6.      I like to always over deliver, so here is my final tip … Drink plenty of fluids! When you start to feel the signs of cystitis (or in the middle of an infection) one the best ways to combat is to drink plenty of water and herb teas. Avoid sweetened fruit juices and other sweetened drinks. As this will keep the urinary tract flushed, and harder for the infection to take hold.

I hope you enjoyed my urinary tract infections top tips.

Thanks to all of you for a great year! Merry Christmas! Speak soon.