Kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney disease, occurs when the small blood vessels in your kidneys are damaged, causing dysfunction in your kidneys. The National Kidney Disease Education Program states that a dysfunctional kidney allows metabolic waste products to accumulate in your blood, which can be harmful to your body. Nutritional treatments, especially nutritional supplements, may be helpful in treating your kidney disease. However, you should always talk with your doctor before pursuing this treatment approach.
Kidney Disease Information
Kidney disease is a progressive condition, or a condition that gets worse over time. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, kidney damage and dysfunction often take months or years to develop, and symptoms associated with this condition may not appear until your kidneys' health and function are seriously compromised. Prolonged high blood pressure and diabetes are the two leading causes of kidney disease, notes the Center, although certain medications and other toxic substances may also cause this health problem.
Dietary Changes
Dietary changes are an important part of any kidney disease treatment plan. The National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states that consuming an appropriate number of calories is extremely important as your kidney disease progresses, as this condition can cause a loss of appetite and weight loss. One of the most important dietary changes for this condition involves reducing your consumption of high-protein foods, such as ground beef, tuna and chicken breast. Lower protein alternatives include egg substitutes, shrimp and tofu. Monounsaturated fats -- olive oil, peanut oil, safflower oil -- may be a better choice than other types of fat, especially trans-fatty acids. If you have kidney disease, you should also consider reducing your sodium intake. Sodium is found in table salt and various seasonings, as well as many prepared, convenience and fast food items.
Helpful Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements may be a helpful adjunct therapy for your kidney disease. According to certified nutritional consultant Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," cranberries, hydrangea, dandelion, zinc, pantothenic acid, coenzyme A, arginine, methionine, lecithin and vitamins A, B and C are among the most important supplements in treating your kidney disease. Horsetail, grapeseed and L-carnitine may also be beneficial for this health problem.
A Commonly Used Supplement
Hydrangea may be a commonly used nutritional supplement in the treatment of your kidney disease. Balch notes that hydrangea helps flush your urinary tract, which reduces your likelihood of accumulating deposits of calcium and other mineral salts that can form obstructions. According to William A. Mitchell, Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "Plant Medicine in Practice," hydrangea has been used in treating a wide variety of genitourinary complaints, from urethral pain to kidney stones to kidney disease.
Warning
Kidney disease is a serious condition that should always be managed by a licensed healthcare provider. Possible health complications associated with kidney disease include anemia, malnutrition, congestive heart failure and hyperparathyroidism. Avoid self-treating your kidney disease with nutritional treatments. Schedule an appointment with a clinical nutrition specialist to better understand the risks and limitations of nutritional treatments, including supplements, in treating your kidney disease. A knowledgeable healthcare provider can counsel you on the most effective nutritional treatments for your condition.
References
- National Kidney Disease Education Program; About Kidney Disease; June 30, 2010
- National Center for Biotechnology Information; Chronic Kidney Disease; August 12, 2009
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
- "Plant Medicine in Practice"; William A. Mitchell Jr., N.D.; 2003
- National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Nutrition for Later Chronic Kidney Disease in Adults; January 2006
