Chronic Kidney Disease And Its Natural Treatment

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a growing global health problem. A systematic review and meta-analysis published in 2016 assessed data on almost 7 million patients and found that all stages of this disease are associated with increased risks of cardiovascular morbidity, premature mortality, and/or decreased quality of life. With a high global prevalence of between 11 and 13 percent, CKD places a major economic burden on healthcare systems worldwide. While conventional drug-oriented medicine has failed to successfully prevent or treat it, numerous studies clearly show that micronutrient-based approaches to CKD are both safe and effective.

Symptoms

There are five stages of kidney damage. These range from very mild in stage 1, to end-stage kidney failure at stage 5. Kidney damage usually progresses slowly, so symptoms generally develop over time. Signs may include:

• Frequent nausea and vomiting
• Lack of appetite
• Weakness, shortness of breath
• Sleeping disorders
• Decreased mental abilities
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling of feet, legs, ankles, and sometimes face
• Frequent itching
• Chest pain
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

Symptoms of CKD are often nonspecific and can also be caused by other diseases. Often signs only occur when the kidneys are irreversibly damaged. The level of damage can be measured via kidney function tests, which examine levels of cellular waste products in the blood. Urine samples may also be analyzed, which can similarly reveal abnormalities.

The Central American mystery

There is currently a mysterious epidemic of CKD in several Central American countries including El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Present primarily in young male agricultural workers, especially those cutting sugar cane, recurrent dehydration as a result of working in very hot conditions has been cited as a possible cause. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and exposure to pesticides are among other suspected risk factors.

While researchers are still studying the epidemic, there is already little doubt that pesticides are implicated as a possible contributory factor. A study published in 2014 looked at patients suffering from CKD of unknown cause in India and found increased levels of organochlorine pesticides. A further study published in 2017 made similar findings, concluding there is an association between increased blood levels of certain organochlorine pesticides and the occurrence of CKD of unknown cause.

Conventional treatment

As with other chronic diseases, conventional medicine approaches to CKD only target its symptoms. Drugs for high blood pressure, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, are often prescribed. Doctors may also give diuretic drugs to treat water retention, or statins to lower levels of cholesterol. However, these medications can cause severe side effects and do not address the root of the problem. Fortunately, therefore, as we shall see, there are other, safer options that can help.

Do’s and don’ts

Your kidneys have to filter around half a cup of blood every minute, removing waste products and water to produce urine. They also assist in maintaining blood pH within normal limits (around 7.35 to 7.45). Eating a healthy diet and avoiding use of toxic pharmaceutical drugs can help prevent your blood becoming over acidic, a condition that is not favorable to kidney health.

Drink plenty of water! To help flush waste products from the body, your kidneys require between 2 and 3 liters of fluid daily. Coffee and alcohol are not helpful here as they are diuretics, meaning they cause the body to lose water. While you certainly can drink other beverages, ‘water’ is the watchword if you want to support kidney health.

Excess salt causes fluid retention and is counterproductive to kidney health. Small amounts are fine but try to avoid shaking additional salt on your food.

Natural treatment

Numerous studies show that a diet rich in vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, and essential fatty acids can help prevent and control CKD. The following micronutrients may be particularly beneficial:

As always, if you have any questions about the natural treatment of chronic kidney disease, please feel free to contact us.

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Mirja Holtrop

Mirja Holtrop was born and raised in Germany, where she studied Computer Science and Public Relations. After working as a Marketing Assistant for a couple of years she joined the Dr. Rath Health Foundation. In the early 2000s she moved to South Africa where she studied Education at the University of Cape Town. Her first book, ‘The Secret of Cells’, was published in 2004.

Since then, after spending 13 years in South Africa, Mirja has published five more books and moved back to Germany. Today, in addition to writing books, she works on the Dr. Rath Health Foundation’s international Movement of Life project.

Mirja loves organic gardening, cooking, and animals. She lives with her nine-year old son near Düsseldorf in Germany.

Mirja Holtrop wuchs in Aachen auf und studierte Informatik und Public Relations. Nachdem sie einige Jahre als Marketing Assistentin gearbeitet hatte, schloss sie sich der Rath Foundation an und ging nach Südafrika. Dort absolvierte sie an der Universität von Kapstadt ein Pädagogikstudium und publizierte 2004 ihr erstes Buch, “Das Geheimnis der Zellen.”

Nach 13 Jahren Südafrika und fünf weiteren publizierten Büchern - die sich alle mit dem Thema Gesundheit für Kinder und Jugendliche befassen – kehrte sie nach Deutschland zurück. Sie arbeitet immer noch für die Rath Foundation und engagiert sich für „Movement of Life“, deren Tochterorganisation.

Sie lebt mit ihrem 9-Jährigen Sohn nahe Düsseldorf, züchtet Biogemüse und setzt sich für den Tierschutz ein.

Latest posts by Mirja Holtrop (see all)

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• Acne: A Common Skin Problem That Can Be Prevented And Treated Naturally - June 4, 2021
• Understanding The Difference Between Clinical And Sub-Clinical Micronutrient Deficiencies - October 24, 2019