Most alternative practitioners are unfamiliar with kidney disease. This is not surprising, because most medical doctors who have not specialized in nephrology or urology also tend to be unfamiliar with the current research on IgA nephropathy, focal segmental glomerular sclerosis, minimal change disease or any of the other relatively common renal diseases. If you have been diagnosed with kidney disease, you want to be treated by someone familiar with this very complex part of the body.
Nutritional Issues
The kidneys of patients with advanced disease are often unable to maintain healthy serum levels of potassium, phosphorus, calcium and other nutrients. Since scarred kidneys can no longer filter the blood effectively, these substances can build up to life-threatening levels. While alternative "remedies" may claim to be organic or natural, there is no way of knowing whether they contain ingredients that could further compromise the health of kidney patients. Ethical practitioners realize this and refer kidney patients to conventional doctors.
Monitoring
Kidney patients need a lot of monitoring, especially as they approach end-stage disease. At a minimum, complete blood counts, urinalysis, and other tests, including serum creatinine, phosphate and phosphorus levels, need to be done regularly. These tests are essential to good patient care -- and are beyond the capability of alternative practitioners.
Scams
Unfortunately, disreputable practitioners prey on desperate kidney patients who try to avoid dialysis. Some scams, like the one sold by the late Hulda Clark, are herbal teas to "cleanse" the kidneys. Fortunately, the law caught up with Clark, but only after she endangered many lives. Another alternative treatment aimed at cleansing the kidneys includes a watermelon treatment. Given that more than 1 cup of watermelon contains enough potassium to cause irregular heartbeats, this alternative "treatment" is just plain unsafe.
Safe Alternatives
A reputable, alternative practitioner will never suggest that the patient avoid conventional treatment. Alternative approaches such as accupressure and Jin Shin Jyutsu can be very helpful, especially in minimizing side effects of prednisone and immunosuppressants. These gentle body therapies avoid the dangers associated with other alternative treatments. By making the patient feel more comfortable in her body, they provide a sense of well-being.
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