Many western medicines can be used to treat kidney disease and in some cases, kidney function gets improved after the treatment. They are very helpful and important for the tight control of chronic kidney disease, but some of them may cause many terrible side effects after being used for a long time. Chinese medicine also can be used to treat kidney disease and with Chinese medicine, not only symptoms of CKD can be alleviated successfully, kidney function is also improved greatly after the treatment.
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is based on the beliefs and practices of
the Chinese culture. It has been developed and employed over thousands of years,
using herbal medicine, acupuncture, acupressure and qigong to cure illness and
disease, including kidney disease.
The Kidneys control the reception of the Qi of the air that is breathed in by
the Lung. The Lungs send this energy down to the Kidney. When the Kidney cannot
hold this Qi, it creates congestion in the chest. This is a frequent cause of
chronic asthma.The Kidney opens to the ear. When the Kidneys are weak, hearing
may be impaired or there may be tinnitus.The Kidney generates heat and energy
for the proper functioning of all the organs in the body.The Kidney is
associated with the emotion of fear. Fear, either as a sudden fright or a
chronic state of anxiety will weaken the Kidneys.
Chinese medicine can treat kidney disease well by regulating Qi in the body. Kidney plays an important role for a healthy body and when kidney is weaken, various symptoms like high blood pressure, proteinuria, tiredness and poor appetite. By Chinese medicine, kidney function can be improved and in this way, symptoms resulted from impairment of kidney function are alleviated well.
In medicine, there are different types of Chinese medicine like Acupuncture, Medicated Bath, Foot Bath and Chinese herbs. They work differently and show different effects in improving kidney function. CKD patients should consult their doctor and to choose the right one according to their specific kidney condition.Also, you can leave your contact information to me and I will help you figure out the most proper and effective Chinese medicine.
2014年8月18日星期一
Herbs to Lower High Creatinine Level in Blood
High creatinine level in blood is problem faced by chronic kidney disease patients. Few western medicines can be used to lower high creatinine level down effectively, so Chinese herb is a good option for high creatinine level patients.
Creatine is a nitrogenous organic acid that is naturally produced in the human body where it is primarily stored in the muscles to supply energy to the body’s cells. When creatine is metabolized, creatinine is produced and eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When kidneys aren’t functioning well, levels of creatine in the body is increased causing problems. For high creatinine level patients, the following herbs are helpful.
Chamomile
Chamomile is another herb that may help lower creatinine levels in the body. In a 2005 study published in the "Journal of Agriculture Food Chemicals," researchers found that, compared to control samples, decreased levels of creatinine appeared in those drinking chamomile tea. This benefit lasted up to two weeks post-treatment, and may have been due to high levels of antioxidants present in chamomile.
Dandelion
Dandelion leaves have a slightly bitter flavor that goes well in salads and they are increasingly available in produce and grocery stores. Vitamins A, B-complex, C and D are found in the leaves. Dandelion also provides the minerals iron, potassium and zinc. Dandelion has diuretic effects -- it promotes increased urine production. Creatinine is normally excreted out of the body through urine, so when urine output is increased, much more creatinine will be brought out of the body as well and consequently, high creatinine level is lowered down.
Corn Silk
Corn silk is probably the best single herb to use in improving kidney function. Creatinine in blood is normally excreted out of the body through kidney and impairment of kidney function is the real cause of high creatinine level. Herb of corn silk show effects in improving kidney function, so with this herb, high creatinine level can be lowered down effectively.
2014年8月16日星期六
Foods to Avoid with High Creatinine Level
Creatinine, a type of molecular waste found in the blood, is created by
muscle metabolism. It comes from the molecule creatine, which helps build muscle
mass. Creatinine is filtered from the blood by the kidneys and expelled from the
body in urine. However, people with kidney impairment sometimes cannot properly
filter out creatinine.Therefore, creatinine level in blood is usually measured to test kidney function.
1. When elevated creatinine is related to kidney damage, doctors advise decreasing the amount of protein in the diet. Protein, when broken down, creates a waste product called urea. When kidney function is decreased, the body cannot rid itself of the waste and it builds up. Reducing protein in the diet can help decrease the amount of waste produced. Animal proteins are most contributory, such as red meat, chicken and pork. It is advisable to get adequate protein from plant sources, such as soy and legumes.
2. When high creatinine is caused by dehydration, it is important to avoid foods that will further dehydrate the body. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and colas should be replaced with regular water or fruit juice. At least 64 ounces of fluid should be ingested daily.
3. Salted foods also need to be avoided by high creatinine level patients, because eating too much not only elevates blood pressure, trigger fluid rentention, it also increases kidney burden. Therefore, avoiding salted foods like salted eggs, bacon, various sauces, pickles, and salad dressing should not be included in patients' dinning table.
4. When kidneys aren't working well, potassium levels can become too high. This can be serious and even cause sudden heart failure. Potassium is found in many foods, and patients must carefully monitor their potassium intake on a renal diet. They may be asked to limit or eliminate leafy green vegetables, broccoli, bananas, potatoes, oranges and apricots, all of which are high in potassium, and encouraged to choose lower potassium foods including cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, apples, cranberries, grapes and rice.
1. When elevated creatinine is related to kidney damage, doctors advise decreasing the amount of protein in the diet. Protein, when broken down, creates a waste product called urea. When kidney function is decreased, the body cannot rid itself of the waste and it builds up. Reducing protein in the diet can help decrease the amount of waste produced. Animal proteins are most contributory, such as red meat, chicken and pork. It is advisable to get adequate protein from plant sources, such as soy and legumes.
2. When high creatinine is caused by dehydration, it is important to avoid foods that will further dehydrate the body. Caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea and colas should be replaced with regular water or fruit juice. At least 64 ounces of fluid should be ingested daily.
3. Salted foods also need to be avoided by high creatinine level patients, because eating too much not only elevates blood pressure, trigger fluid rentention, it also increases kidney burden. Therefore, avoiding salted foods like salted eggs, bacon, various sauces, pickles, and salad dressing should not be included in patients' dinning table.
4. When kidneys aren't working well, potassium levels can become too high. This can be serious and even cause sudden heart failure. Potassium is found in many foods, and patients must carefully monitor their potassium intake on a renal diet. They may be asked to limit or eliminate leafy green vegetables, broccoli, bananas, potatoes, oranges and apricots, all of which are high in potassium, and encouraged to choose lower potassium foods including cucumbers, carrots, lettuce, apples, cranberries, grapes and rice.
2014年8月15日星期五
Low Protein Diet in Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects millions of people worldwide. If you are
have been diagnosed with CKD, you need to make some changes, so as to avoid further deterioration of kidney. Low protein diet is needed for kidney disease patients who have not started dialysis. Here, in this article, we will mainly introduce low protein diet in chronic kidney disease.
Why low protein diet is needed for chronic kidney disease patients?
Protein is needed in the body for growth, building of muscles and repairing of tissues. It is found in large quantities in animal sources, such as meats, seafood and dairy products; it is also found in plant sources, such as breads, cereals, vegetables and fruits. Protein is necessary in the body, but when it has too much, it produces a waste called urea, which is difficult for compromised kidneys to remove. The key with kidney disease is to have just enough protein without taking in excess amounts.
How much protein is needed by chronic kidney disease patients?
For patients with stage 1 CKD-stage 2 CKD, 0.8 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight is needed every day. For these with CKD stage 3, 0.6g/kg/d is needed. For people with CKD stage 4, 0.4g/kg/d is ok and for patients whose illness is in CKD stage 5, 0.2 gram of protein per day per kilogram is needed if they have not started dialysis. However, if they are on dialysis, much more protein (1.2g/kg/d) will be required.
Protein source for Chronic Kidney Disease patients
According to Every Diet (see Resources), one of the simplest ways to reduce the protein intake is to start using less.
Here is a sample one-day diet for kidney disease patients:
For breakfast have ¾ cup Cheerios with ½ cup non-dairy creamer, ½ banana and ½ cup orange juice. For your mid-morning snack, have a fruit roll-up. Lunchtime consists of a turkey sandwich with 1 ounce turkey, 2 slices of bread, lettuce, ½ cup tomato, ½ cup green beans, mayonnaise, a medium apple and ½ cup fruit punch. For an afternoon snack, enjoy a Popsicle. For dinner a 2 ounce hamburger, ½ cup white rice, ¼ cup broccoli, ¼ cup cauliflower, tossed salad with ranch dressing and ½ cup pineapple. For an evening snack have 1 ounce of gum drops.
If you are diabetic, speak to a renal dietitian before staring any diet plan.
Why low protein diet is needed for chronic kidney disease patients?
Protein is needed in the body for growth, building of muscles and repairing of tissues. It is found in large quantities in animal sources, such as meats, seafood and dairy products; it is also found in plant sources, such as breads, cereals, vegetables and fruits. Protein is necessary in the body, but when it has too much, it produces a waste called urea, which is difficult for compromised kidneys to remove. The key with kidney disease is to have just enough protein without taking in excess amounts.
How much protein is needed by chronic kidney disease patients?
For patients with stage 1 CKD-stage 2 CKD, 0.8 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight is needed every day. For these with CKD stage 3, 0.6g/kg/d is needed. For people with CKD stage 4, 0.4g/kg/d is ok and for patients whose illness is in CKD stage 5, 0.2 gram of protein per day per kilogram is needed if they have not started dialysis. However, if they are on dialysis, much more protein (1.2g/kg/d) will be required.
Protein source for Chronic Kidney Disease patients
According to Every Diet (see Resources), one of the simplest ways to reduce the protein intake is to start using less.
Here is a sample one-day diet for kidney disease patients:
For breakfast have ¾ cup Cheerios with ½ cup non-dairy creamer, ½ banana and ½ cup orange juice. For your mid-morning snack, have a fruit roll-up. Lunchtime consists of a turkey sandwich with 1 ounce turkey, 2 slices of bread, lettuce, ½ cup tomato, ½ cup green beans, mayonnaise, a medium apple and ½ cup fruit punch. For an afternoon snack, enjoy a Popsicle. For dinner a 2 ounce hamburger, ½ cup white rice, ¼ cup broccoli, ¼ cup cauliflower, tossed salad with ranch dressing and ½ cup pineapple. For an evening snack have 1 ounce of gum drops.
If you are diabetic, speak to a renal dietitian before staring any diet plan.
Renal Anemia in Chronic Kidney Failure
Anemia is a common complication of chronic kidney failure, especially kidney failure in end stage. Anemia is a condition in which the body has fewer red blood cells than
normal. Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues and organs throughout the body
and enable them to use energy from food. With anemia, red blood cells carry less
oxygen to tissues and organs—particularly the heart and brain—and those tissues
and organs may not function as well as they should.
How is renal anemia caused by chronic kidney failure?
Chronic kidney failure is marked by the progressive loss of kidney function. Kidney is a very important organ with function of filtering blood, producing urine, keeping balance of electrolyte, secreting hormone and keeping water balance. For chronic kidney failure patients, their kidney function is impaired, and as a result, kidneys fail to function properly. Under such a condition, kidney can not secrete a hormone named EPO which is very important for the formation of red blood cell. Damaged kidney produces less EPO, and consequently, production of red blood cells reduce. Anemia appears when red blood cell account in blood is lower than normal range.
Symptoms of renal anemia
Renal anemia always bring lots of symptoms which go as follow:
weakness
fatigue, or feeling tired
headaches
problems with concentration
paleness
dizziness
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
chest pain
Although renal anemia is a complication of chronic kidney failure, if left uncontrolled, it will worsen kidney condition. Therefore, treatment is urgently needed to bring it control once kidney failure patients are told to have renal anemia.
How is renal anemia caused by chronic kidney failure?
Chronic kidney failure is marked by the progressive loss of kidney function. Kidney is a very important organ with function of filtering blood, producing urine, keeping balance of electrolyte, secreting hormone and keeping water balance. For chronic kidney failure patients, their kidney function is impaired, and as a result, kidneys fail to function properly. Under such a condition, kidney can not secrete a hormone named EPO which is very important for the formation of red blood cell. Damaged kidney produces less EPO, and consequently, production of red blood cells reduce. Anemia appears when red blood cell account in blood is lower than normal range.
Symptoms of renal anemia
Renal anemia always bring lots of symptoms which go as follow:
weakness
fatigue, or feeling tired
headaches
problems with concentration
paleness
dizziness
difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
chest pain
Although renal anemia is a complication of chronic kidney failure, if left uncontrolled, it will worsen kidney condition. Therefore, treatment is urgently needed to bring it control once kidney failure patients are told to have renal anemia.
2014年8月14日星期四
Herbs for Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease progresses over time and when it develops to end stage, life will be threatened severely. Western medicines are the most commonly used medicines for Chronic Kidney Disease patients. They help to slow down illness progression, but long-term usage of it will cause many dead side effects. Therefore, many Chronic Kidney Disease patients wonder if there are herbs that can be used by them to improve kidney condition.
As a matter of fact, there are indeed some herbs that have been proven to be good for kidney and with the help of these herbs, kidney condition can be improved successfully. In general, medicines can be used by Chronic Kidney Disease patients include:
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herb that may help treat kidney failure. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a flowering herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to treat numerous health problems, including liver problems, elevated cholesterol levels, certain types of cancer and kidney failure. The seeds of the plants are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that milk thistle is an antioxidant that helps your kidneys function better and protects them from the damaging effects of numerous health complications. Before taking milk thistle to help treat your kidney failure, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Rehmannia - Rehmannia glutinosa (Scrophulariaceae)
A perennial with large sticky leaves and purple flowers, rehmannia is the most important herb for kidney and adrenal health in Chinese medicine (where it is called di huang) . Rehmannia root is used medicinally and it contains phytosterols and antioxidants (including rehmannin), along with iridoid glycosides (including catapol). Rehmannia is primarily used as a kidney tonic and also to detoxify the liver and to treat hepatitis. Rehmannia treats autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. Rehmannia helps treat hair loss, respiratory disorders, menopause and other hormone related disorders. Rehmannia has diuretic properties.
Couch grass
Couch grass is a diuretic and the mucilage helps soothe an inflamed and irritated urinary tract. It also helps heal the urinary tract.
Couch grass increases the amount of urine by the osmotic process. It has some active constituents with an antibiotic effect, and can be used in gout and rheumatism. It is also used in cystitis, prostatitis, nephritis, calculus (stones), urethritis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Horsetail
Horsetail is high in silica, and is used as an astringent in the genito-urinary tract. It is also a diuretic. It has been found to reduce the levels of lead in the body, and there is "evidence of an anti-rheumatic effect and a positive effect on lipid [fat] metabolism". (Fisher and Painter)
The increased volume of urine helps flush out irritants and infectious agents. The astringent action may help with bladder tone and the reduction of prostate enlargement. The high levels of silica help with tissue repair.
Horsetail is used in cystitis, prostatitis, prostatic enlargement, incontinence, edema with menopause or arthritis, and urethritis. It helps prevent damage to the ureters, bladder, and urethra, and the prostate.
As a matter of fact, there are indeed some herbs that have been proven to be good for kidney and with the help of these herbs, kidney condition can be improved successfully. In general, medicines can be used by Chronic Kidney Disease patients include:
Milk Thistle
Milk thistle is an herb that may help treat kidney failure. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, milk thistle, also known as Silybum marianum, is a flowering herb that is native to the Mediterranean region. Milk thistle has been used for thousands of years to treat numerous health problems, including liver problems, elevated cholesterol levels, certain types of cancer and kidney failure. The seeds of the plants are used medicinally. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that milk thistle is an antioxidant that helps your kidneys function better and protects them from the damaging effects of numerous health complications. Before taking milk thistle to help treat your kidney failure, talk with your doctor about possible side effects and proper dosage.
Rehmannia - Rehmannia glutinosa (Scrophulariaceae)
A perennial with large sticky leaves and purple flowers, rehmannia is the most important herb for kidney and adrenal health in Chinese medicine (where it is called di huang) . Rehmannia root is used medicinally and it contains phytosterols and antioxidants (including rehmannin), along with iridoid glycosides (including catapol). Rehmannia is primarily used as a kidney tonic and also to detoxify the liver and to treat hepatitis. Rehmannia treats autoimmune disorders such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia. Rehmannia helps treat hair loss, respiratory disorders, menopause and other hormone related disorders. Rehmannia has diuretic properties.
Couch grass
Couch grass is a diuretic and the mucilage helps soothe an inflamed and irritated urinary tract. It also helps heal the urinary tract.
Couch grass increases the amount of urine by the osmotic process. It has some active constituents with an antibiotic effect, and can be used in gout and rheumatism. It is also used in cystitis, prostatitis, nephritis, calculus (stones), urethritis, and benign prostatic hypertrophy.
Horsetail
Horsetail is high in silica, and is used as an astringent in the genito-urinary tract. It is also a diuretic. It has been found to reduce the levels of lead in the body, and there is "evidence of an anti-rheumatic effect and a positive effect on lipid [fat] metabolism". (Fisher and Painter)
The increased volume of urine helps flush out irritants and infectious agents. The astringent action may help with bladder tone and the reduction of prostate enlargement. The high levels of silica help with tissue repair.
Horsetail is used in cystitis, prostatitis, prostatic enlargement, incontinence, edema with menopause or arthritis, and urethritis. It helps prevent damage to the ureters, bladder, and urethra, and the prostate.
Foods Good for Kidney Disease Patients
A healthy kidney plays an important role for a healthy life, so we need to protect our kidneys. Scientific diet provide us with necessary nutrition, and improper diet will do harm for our health. For kidney disease patients, their kidneys are injured, so they need to make diet changes, so as to protect residual kidney tissues from being damaged, well, what are the foods good for kidney disease patients? Read on to find the answer.
Fruits and Vegetables
Appropriate foods for kidney failure include low potassium fruits and vegetables. Low-potassium fruits include apples, pears, peaches, pineapple, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, apricots, mandarin oranges, plums, lemons, limes and cranberries. Low-potassium vegetables include green beans, raw cabbage, cooked cauliflower, celery, corn, lettuce such as iceberg and romaine, raw spinach, cooked sweet peppers, raw broccoli, cooked summer squash and onions.
Protein for Kidney patients and renal disease
Kidney or renal patients should be specially take care of their protein consumption. Protein intake must also be carefully monitored and may be limited to 0.6 grams per kilogram of the body weight per day. Also it is recommended that you can go to vegetable protein which is supposed not to put extra effort in straining. This means that you must meet protein requirements of your body with vegetable sources like beans, lentils and other green vegetables.
So if you are a kidney patient you must avoid animal protein and go for vegetable protein as animal protein produces purine which is helpful in the production of uric acid forming crystals (kidney stones) in the kidneys
Low-Potassium FoodsSince kidneys regulate potassium, it’s important that you monitor your potassium intake. If your potassium level gets too high, you may develop a greater risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. Some examples of low-potassium foods include apples, beans, corn, rice, noodles, pasta, eggplant, cookies without nuts or chocolate, pears, peas, peppers and zucchini.
Fruits and Vegetables
Appropriate foods for kidney failure include low potassium fruits and vegetables. Low-potassium fruits include apples, pears, peaches, pineapple, strawberries, grapes, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, apricots, mandarin oranges, plums, lemons, limes and cranberries. Low-potassium vegetables include green beans, raw cabbage, cooked cauliflower, celery, corn, lettuce such as iceberg and romaine, raw spinach, cooked sweet peppers, raw broccoli, cooked summer squash and onions.
Protein for Kidney patients and renal disease
Kidney or renal patients should be specially take care of their protein consumption. Protein intake must also be carefully monitored and may be limited to 0.6 grams per kilogram of the body weight per day. Also it is recommended that you can go to vegetable protein which is supposed not to put extra effort in straining. This means that you must meet protein requirements of your body with vegetable sources like beans, lentils and other green vegetables.
So if you are a kidney patient you must avoid animal protein and go for vegetable protein as animal protein produces purine which is helpful in the production of uric acid forming crystals (kidney stones) in the kidneys
Low-Potassium FoodsSince kidneys regulate potassium, it’s important that you monitor your potassium intake. If your potassium level gets too high, you may develop a greater risk of suffering a stroke or heart attack. Some examples of low-potassium foods include apples, beans, corn, rice, noodles, pasta, eggplant, cookies without nuts or chocolate, pears, peas, peppers and zucchini.
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