Article published in The Townsend Letter June 2018 The kidneys may well be the most misunderstood of all the major organs. Patients often fail to grasp the seriousness of their condition and, without a proper understanding, cannot take appropriate steps to ameliorate their condition. Part of the reason for this is the very nature of […]
Cardiac Health and the Kidneys
The impact of diminished renal function on cardiovascular health is multifactorial. With early and ongoing intervention through diet and supplements, it is possible to reduce the downstream effects of these chronic conditions. The cause of mortality for most kidney patients is not kidney failure but secondary heart disease that develops over the course of many […]
Nephrotic Syndrome in Children
One of the greatest challenges in practice is treating resistant nephrotic syndrome in children. Nephrotic syndrome, which features protein wasting from the kidneys, will present at any age with edema, fatigue, hypercholesterolemia, and mildly elevated blood pressure. Over time there’s a high risk of permanent kidney damage, bone degeneration, cardiovascular disease, and muscle wasting. However, […]
Autoimmunity: Lessons From the Field of Transplantation
In treating autoimmune diseases, there is much to be learned from the science of transplantation. Much of the innovation in medicine over the past 50 years has been in the field of transplantation, and these breakthroughs are affecting how autoimmune diseases are treated. Standard treatments for autoimmune diseases have frequently involved downregulating the immune system, […]
Inflammation and the Kidneys
Inflammatory conditions of the kidneys can present many challenges, whether part of a systemic condition such as lupus or a condition specific to the kidney such as IgA nephropathy or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). These conditions are often resistant to treatment and require long-term strategies and lifestyle changes to manage. While many patients will quickly […]
Kidney Skin Detox
Patients with chronic kidney disease are looking for a way to boost kidney function, and those with late-stage kidney disease hope to stave off the need for dialysis or a transplant. Even healthy individuals who wish to improve their kidneys look to herbal diuretics sold as detox products, to temporarily boost kidney output. Although various […]
Proton Pump Inhibitors Associated With Chronic Kidney Disease
based on a study by Lazarus B, Chen Y, Wilson F, et al. Proton pump inhibitor use and the risk of chronic kidney disease. JAMA Intern Med. 2016;176(2):238-246. Published in Natural Health Journal Widely prescribed medications for stomach upset are not risk-free The use of proton pump inhibitors was once thought to be relatively harmless, […]
Keeping Your Fistula Running
For most dialysis patients, a fistula only lasts around 5 years. Fistulas can burst, collapse or become clotted. Then a new access site is created in the other forearm. That one lasts a few years and then one is placed in the upper arm on one side, then on the other side. Eventually, a fistula […]
Dietary Considerations in CKD
Dietary Considerations in Chronic Kidney Disease A low-protein diet is beneficial with chronic kidney disease, but research suggests there are many reasons a vegan, high-soy diet may be problematic to renal patients. A low-protein diet is beneficial with chronic kidney disease, but research suggests there are many reasons a vegan, high-soy diet may be problematic […]
Natural Approaches to Adult Nephrotic Syndrome
ND News & Review ND News and Reviews: Natural Approaches to Adult Nephrotic Syndrome Several autoimmune diseases of the kidney are classified as idiopathic. These conditions can be difficult to treat and often lead to renal failure. Allopathic medicine has had limited success with these types of nephritis and at best can slow the progression […]