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DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: KIDNEY PROBLEMS
Description: There are several kidney problems that may occur. Bright’s disease is a kidney disease marked by the presence of blood protein in the urine, along with edema (retention of water in the tissues); Glomerulonephritis is an inflammation of the filtering units within the kidney. This may occur as a result of an immunological response to infection, such as a Streptococcus throat infection. Pyelonephritis is a kidney infection. Both glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis can be chronic or acute, and can be serious. Hydronephrosis is a condition in which the kidney and the renal pelvis become filled with urine due to an obstruction of urinary flow. Kidney stones are mineral accumulations (primarily calcium) in the kidneys. In renal tubular acidosis, the kidneys fail to reabsorb bicarbonate normally, causing impaired ammonia production and acid excretion. Nephrotic syndrome is not a disease in itself, but can be a sign of kidney disease. It is marked by edema and excess protein in the urine. If the kidneys cannot function properly to excrete salt and other wastes, edema results. Toxic wastes may accumulate in the bloodstream due to kidney malfunction, a condition known as uremia.
Symptoms: Symptoms of kidney problems include chills, fever, urinary urgency, fluid retention (bloating), abdominal pain, appetite loss, back pain, nausea, and vomiting. The urine may be cloudy or bloody. Back pain may be sudden and intense, occurring just above the waist and running down the groin.
Incidence:
Causes: (See Description above.) The kidneys may be damaged by exposure to certain drugs or toxins, including heavy metals, solvents, pesticides, and chemotherapy agents. Impaired kidney function can also result from many other disorders, such as diabetes, lupus, hypertension, and liver disease.
Treatments: The following supplements aid in controlling urinary tract infection and maintaining proper kidney function.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Cranberry |
|
See under Herbs, below. |
|
Acidophilus |
As directed on label, 3 times daily. Take on an empty stomach |
Especially important if taking antibiotics. |
|
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) |
50 mg. 3 times daily. |
To reduce fluid retention. |
|
Vitamin C with bioflavonoids |
2000-4000 mg. daily |
Acidifies the urine, boosts immune function, and aids healing. |
|
Dandelion root |
|
See under Herbs, below |
Herbs:
 | Cranberries contain substances that acidify the urine,
destroy bacteria buildup and promote healing of the bladder. Drink at least 8
ounces of cranberry juice three times daily. Use only pure, unsweetened juice
(available at health food stores). Do not use commercial cranberry juice
cocktail products; these contain large amounts of sugar.
| Dandelion root extract aids in excretion of the
kidney’s waste products and is very helpful for nephritis. | |
Recommendations:
| If you have symptoms of kidney problems, especially
blood in the urine or severe back pain, consult your health care provider
promptly. You may need medical treatment.
| Drink 6 to 8 ounces of steam-distilled water every
waking hour. Quality water is important for urinary tract infections.
| The diet should be composed of 75 percent raw foods.
Eat garlic, potatoes, asparagus, parsley, watercress, celery, cucumbers,
papaya and bananas. Also eat sprouts, legumes, soybeans and most green
vegetables.
| Reduce or eliminate animal protein from your diet. A
high protein diet puts stress on the kidneys. Good protein sources include
peas, beans, lentils, soybeans, millet, and whole grains.
| Avoid all dairy products except for those that are
soured, such as low-fat yogurt and cottage cheese.
| If you are taking antibiotics for a kidney problem, do
not take iron supplements as long as the problem exists. | |
Considerations:
| Lead and other metallic poisons are harmful to the
kidneys.
| Infectious diseases such as measles, scarlet fever,
and tonsillitis can damage the kidneys if not treated properly and completely.
| Recurrent urinary tract infections indicate the
possibility of a serious underlying problem. Consult your doctor. | |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No. 59618- |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
836-15 |
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) 50 mg. tablets |
1 tablet 3 times daily |
$3.35/100 |
|
970-12 |
Vitamin C 1000 mg. with rose hips tablets. |
1 tablet 3 times daily |
$5.75/60 |
|
888-15 |
Acidophilus with pectin hardshell |
As directed on label, 3 times daily with meals. |
$6.95/100 |
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
