Kidney failure can lead to serious health consequences. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that when your kidneys fail, metabolic waste products can accumulate in your body, causing your blood pressure to increase and your body to retain excess fluid. Certain treatments can help to support your kidney function. Meet with your physician to discuss procedures, alternatives and risks before taking dietary supplements to help treat your kidney failure.
Kidney Failure
MayoClinic.com states that acute kidney failure is the rapid and sudden loss of kidney function. Acute kidney failure usually develops over several hours or days and is most common in sick individuals who have been hospitalized. Acute kidney failure can be caused by conditions that reduce blood flow to your kidneys, conditions that damage your kidneys and conditions that impair the flow of urine from your body. Symptoms of kidney failure include fatigue, shortness of breath and confusion.
Helpful Dietary Supplements
Acute kidney failure is a serious health condition that can be fatal if left untreated. Intensive treatment is often required. Although supplements alone should never be used in lieu of medical treatment for this condition, some supplements may help support your kidney health and function and help to reverse your kidney failure. Herbal supplements such as rhubarb, astragalus, corn silk, ginseng and ginkgo help to protect your kidneys. Non-herbal supplements for kidney support include zinc, L-carnitine and eicosapentenoic acid, or EPA.
Rhubarb
One of the most commonly used dietary supplements for kidney problems, including kidney failure, is rhubarb. Rhubarb, notes author, botanical medicine specialist and naturopathic physician, Dr. Sharol Tilgner, is known for its ability to protect your kidneys during the beginning states of kidney failure. If you have chronic, or long-term, kidney failure, rhubarb may help to reduce your cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Rhubarb is a plant indigenous to India and the mountains of China and TIbet. The root of the rhubarb plant is used to make dietary supplements.
Get a Professional's Advice
Kidney failure is a serious health condition that requires medical intervention. Before taking dietary supplements to help reverse your kidney failure, speak with a qualified health care professional about dietary supplements and what these supplements may be able to do for your health. Not all supplements are appropriate for treating your kidney failure. A health care practitioner trained in clinical nutrition will be able to tell you what herbs are best for you and your condition.
References
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Kidney Failure
- MayoClinic.com: Acute Kidney Failure
- "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth"; Sharol Tilgner, N.D.; 1999
