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Kidney disease a the inability of the kidneys to perform their normal
functions.
What to look for
frequent thirst and urge
to urinate.
the passing of very small
amounts of urine.
swelling of the hands and
feet, and puffiness around the eyes.
unpleasant taste in the
mouth and urine like odour to the breath.
persistent fatigue or
shortness of breath.
loss of appetite.
increasingly higher blood
pressure.
pale skin.
excessively dry,
persistently itchy skin.
in children: increased
fatigue and sleepiness; decrease in appetite; and eventually, poor growth.
The kidneys perform a vital
function for the human body. They cleanse the blood, maintain the correct balance of
various body chemicals, and help regulate blood pressure.
When the kidneys become
diseased or damaged, they can suddenly or gradually lose their ability to perform these
vital functions. Waste products and excess fluid then build up inside the body, causing a
variety of symptoms. It is essential that kidneys in this state are treated.
Causes
The causes of chronic
kidney disease (the slow, gradual impairment of the organs) are usually the result of
another disease such as
diabetes.
High
blood pressure or Atherosclerosis, or
Lupus may also trigger
kidney disease by causing the kidneys to become inflamed.
Some chronic kidney
diseases are inherited. Others are congenital, meaning something the person was born with
that makes the victim susceptible to kidney diseases.
If you habitually take
medications or drugs (including illegal drugs) you may also contract this disease.
Researchers also suspect that excessive amounts of
vitamin
D and protein may harm the kidneys. But in many chronic cases, the precise cause
remains unknown.
Acute kidney disease
(kidney disease that develops suddenly) can occur immediately following the onset of any
medical condition that suddenly and dramatically reduces the flow of blood to the kidneys.
Examples are a heart attack, a traumatic injury, a serious infection, or a toxic reaction
to a drug.
Inhaling or swallowing
certain toxins, including methyl, or wood, alcohol; carbon tetrachloride; antifreeze; and
poisonous mushrooms, can also cause the kidneys to suddenly malfunction. Marathon runners
and other endurance athletes who do not drink enough liquids while competing in
long-distance athletic events may suffer acute kidney failure due to a sudden breakdown of
muscle tissue, which releases a chemical called myoglobin that can damage the kidneys.
You will need to undergo a
blood and urine test and/or other tests at your doctors surgery.
Traditional Treatment
It is imperative that you
seek conventional medical advice with kidney complaints as they can be fatal. Alternative
therapies should only be used as supplement to your traditional treatment.
Medications can sometimes
help slow the progress of chronic kidney disease also certain diets may halt the disease.
But if these measures fail, and the kidneys may worsen to the point where they are totally
dysfunctional. There are then only two treatments: dialysis, in which artificial devices
clean the blood of waste products, or a kidney transplant.
If you are diagnosed with
one of the more serious forms of kidney disease, your doctor may prescribe several
medications.
Your doctor may also
prescribe an
iron and a calcium supplement if those levels have fallen in your
blood.
Always consult your doctor
before taking any over-the-counter medications as these can have a worsening affect on
your kidneys.
Restrictive diets which
avoid protein can often have very positive affects on the kidneys however, this approach
is still very controversial in medical circles.
Alternative/Natural
Treatments
Kidney disease is a serious
disease therefore you should bear in mind that alternative therapies are only a supplement
to your traditional treatment. You should also talk over with your doctor before starting
any other supplements or medication as these can have a profound affect on your kidneys.
Chinese Herbs -
Traditional
Chinese health practitioners use several herbs in the treatment of kidney disorders.
However, because many herbs can be harmful to the kidneys, you should always consult your
physician before taking the advice of an herbalist or ingesting any herbal remedies. Traditional
Chinese health practitioners use several herbs in the treatment of kidney disorders.
However, because many herbs can be harmful to the kidneys, you should always consult your
physician before taking the advice of an herbalist or ingesting any herbal remedies.
Homoeopathy -
Homoeopathic
remedies are generally safe for the treatment of chronic kidney conditions. Homoeopathic
remedies are generally safe for the treatment of chronic kidney conditions.
Dietary Considerations
A special restricted diet
can decrease the workload on diseased kidneys, keep body fluids and chemicals in balance,
and avoid a build up of waste products in the body. These diets are individualised for
each patient but they are usually centred around the reduction of protein, potassium,
phosphorus
and
sodium. It is very important to drink lots of
filtered water. Foods which should be avoided are cocoa, tea, rhubarb, beets, parsley.
Calcium supplements are frequently recommended in order
to counteract the bone weakening that frequently accompanies kidney disease.
Chemicals That Can
Damage The Kidneys
Several of the chemicals
found in common household products have been linked to both acute and chronic kidney
disease. By becoming aware and reading the labels on all products in the home you can also
avoid exposure to these.
Cadmium - (used in
production of ) pesticides, rubber tyres, plastics, paints, and other products. Because of
its industrial uses, it is now widely found in water and food supplies. (used in
production of ) pesticides, rubber tyres, plastics, paints, and other products. Because of
its industrial uses, it is now widely found in water and food supplies.
Carbon tetrachloride
Chloroform - This
chemical can be found in drinking water as a by-product of chlorination and found in the
air as the result of automobile and industrial pollution. Chloroform is also still used as
an ingredient in some cough syrups, toothpaste, liniments, glues, pesticides, and other
consumer products. To avoid: This
chemical can be found in drinking water as a by-product of chlorination and found in the
air as the result of automobile and industrial pollution. Chloroform is also still used as
an ingredient in some cough syrups, toothpaste, liniments, glues, pesticides, and other
consumer products. To avoid:
Ethylene glycol
Oxalic acid -found
in some heavy-duty household cleaning products. Several freckle-fading and skin-bleaching
cosmetics contain this chemical. -found
in some heavy-duty household cleaning products. Several freckle-fading and skin-bleaching
cosmetics contain this chemical.
Tetrachloroethylene -
dry cleaning fluid
dry cleaning fluid
When to seek further
professional advice
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