Author Archives: KundanKidneyCare

Categories Health, Kidney Disease, Kundan Kidney Care Centre

What can your urine tell you?

If everything is normal and healthy, the color should be straw color yellow. That hue comes from a pigment your body makes called urochrome.

Dark Color: Very dark colored urine could be a sign that you are dehydrated and need to get more fluids right away. Dark color urine may also be a warning sign of liver problems, see your doctor if it doesn’t get better after a day or so.

Clear: This indicate that the urine is too diluted. This can be caused by drinking a lot of water or taking diuretics to get rid of extra fluid. This also indicate that the electrolytes may be low and this can also be hard on the heart.

Bright Yellow: This could happen after consuming too much synthetic B-Vitamins. These vitamins do not get absorbed by the body and are flushed via urine.

Red or Pink: Some foods like carrots, blackberries, beets can turn your pee pinkish-red color. This can also be a side effect of medications or a drug for urinary tract infections (UTIs) called phenazopyridine.

If your pee is red or pink, you should see your doctor. You might have blood in the urine. It doesn’t always mean there’s a problem but it can be a sign of kidney disease, kidney stones, UTI, Prostate problem or a tumor.

Blue or Green: These hues are probably due to dyes in your food or meds, like anesthetic propofol or the allergy/asthma medicine promethazine. There could be some other reasons too, so let your doctor know if the color doesn’t go away after a short time.

Foamy: No matter what color it is, you should check in with your doctor if it consistently looks foamy and frothy. It may be a sign you have protein in your urine indicating that you may have issues with your kidneys.

Smell: Your urine usually doesn’t have a strong smell. But some foods, especially asparagus, which has a smelly sulfur compound can change the odor. When you are dehydrated and your pee gets very concentrated, it can smell like ammonia.

How often should I Pee?: Everyone is different, but most people need to empty their bladders up to ten times a day. If you notice you suddenly have to pee more often than usual, it could be a sign of a UTI, diabetes, an enlarged prostate in men, vaginitis in women or simply an overactive bladder (a common condition for older men and women). We can help you with this condition by offering lifestyle changes and/or medication.

Call us if you notice any change in your urine that does not seem to link with medication or recent meal or exercise especially if the change lasts for more that a few days.

Categories Kidney Disease

Diabetes and Kidney Disease: How Are They Connected

Diabetes mellitus is a condition characterized by high blood glucose levels, either because body is not producing insulin hormone in adequate quantity or the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. Diabetes and kidney disease are connected. How? Diabetes is the number one cause of kidney failure. Over time, people with diabetes may develop Diabetic Nephropathy. The high levels of sugar in the blood damage the glomeruli (tiny filtering units within kidneys). This can eventually lead to kidney failure. Diabetic nephropathy can be cured with alternative kidney disease medicine, but before you start taking alternative treatment and herbal products, read on to find out what exactly happens in this disease.

 

how-are-they-connected

Diabetic Kidney Disease
Diabetic Kidney Disease, also known as diabetic nephropathy, is a serious condition that occurs in some people with diabetes. Since the small blood vessels of the kidneys become damaged, the kidneys cannot clean the blood properly. The body start retaining more water and salt than it should. The kidneys also start leaking abnormal amounts of albumin (a type of protein) into the urine. Diabetes also causes damage to the nerves in the body. This creates difficulty for diabetics to empty their bladder, and the pressure that results from your full bladder can injure the kidneys.

How common is Diabetic Nephropathy?

Diabetes is of two types: Type 1 Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes. In Type 1 Diabetes, the immune system attacks pancreas that make insulin. This diabetes disease is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In Type 2 Diabetes, your body does not make/use insulin well. About 30 percent of patients with Type 1 diabetes and 10-40 percent of those with Type 2 diabetes suffer from kidney failure. Kidney disease in people with type 2 diabetes is increasing these days because of the rising prevalence of people with diabetes and the trend to younger onset of type 2 diabetes.

1. Microalbuminuria: In this condition, Albumin:Creatinine Ratio (ACR) is greater than or equal to 2.5 mg/mmol (men) or 3.5 mg/mmol (women).
2. Proteinuria: In this condition, albumin concentration is greater than or equal to 200 mg/L while ACR ratio is greater than or equal to 30 mg/mmol.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease in diabetics?
In diabetic nephropathy, your blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels increase drastically. You may also experience nausea, vomiting, weakness, fatigue, muscle cramp, and a loss of appetite. If you have diabetes and develop any of these symptoms, call your kidney specialist. One can reduce these symptoms with alternative kidney disease medicine, but always consult your doctor prior to taking alternative treatment for kidney disease for better results.

What should you do if you have diabetes?

Many of the risk factors for kidney disease are treatable. If you have diabetes, take these steps:

• Manager your blood sugar levels
• Control your blood pressure
• Manage your weight
• Monitor your urine albumin levels

Kidney Disease and Alternative Treatment

Kidney disease progresses slowly over a period of years. You can reverse kidney failure or lessen the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy with time tested safe herbal medicine and alternative treatment for kidney disease. You can also make changes in your dietary intake to keep your kidneys function well for long time:

• Eat anti-inflammatory foods
• Lower protein-rich foods
• Lessen salt intake
• Perform body detox
• Treat your blood sugar problems
If you have diabetes, you can take steps and alternative kidney disease medicine to lower your chances of developing diabetic nephropathy.

Categories Kidney Disease

Understanding Acute and Chronic Pyelonephritis

pyelonephritisMost urinary tract infections (UTIs) involve the lower part of the urinary system – the bladder and urethra. Pyelonephritis occurs when UTI progresses to the upper urinary system – the kidneys and ureters. Natural kidney disease treatment is the most effective option for pyelonephritis, but if left untreated, pyelonephritis can damage your kidneys and can also be life-threatening. A woman is more likely to develop pyelonephritis during pregnancy while men with enlarged prostate are more likely to develop this problem but this usually occurs after the age of 50.

 

 

 

Acute and Chronic Pyelonephritis

Acute pyelonephritis is a sudden kidney infection that causes your kidneys to swell and may also permanently damage them. Chronic pyelonephritis is characterized by renal inflammation and fibrosis induced by recurrent renal infection. People at risk for pyelonephritis are those who have:

• An untreated urinary tract infection
• Anatomic problem in urinary tract
• Diabetes or weakened immune system
• Nerve problems that affect the bladder
• Kidney stones or bladder tumor
• Vesicoureteral Reflux (Abnormal backflow of urine from the bladder to the kidneys)
• Pregnant women

What Causes Pyelonephritis?

Pyelonephritis is caused by many types of bacteria or viruses, but the bacterium Escherichia coli is often the cause. Bacterium or virus can move to the kidneys from the infected bladder or can be carried through the bloodstream to kidneys from other infected parts of the body. With natural kidney disease treatment such as taking herbal products and alternative medicine can help you treat pyelonephritis naturally, without any side effects.

Symptoms of Pyelonephritis:

• Fever & Chills
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Back and side pain
• Mental Confusion
• Frequent, Painful Urination
• Fatigue and ill feeling

How is Pyelonephritis diagnosed?

The tests that are used to diagnose pyelonephritis depend on the patient’s age and gender, and include the following:

• Urinalysis: Urinalysis is testing of a urine sample.
• Ultrasound: medical imaging to find out if there is any obstructions in the urinary tract
• CT Scan: With CT scans, you get three-dimensional (3-D) images. It can show obstructions in the urinary tract.
• Dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scintigraphy: DMSA scintigraphy is an        imaging technique that is used to diagnose the severity of kidney damage, such as  scarring, due to bacteria/virus infection.

Food to avoid when you are suffering from pyelonephritis

When you are suffering from kidney infection like this, your doctor or kidney specialist will ask you to avoid food that:

• Contains a low amount of sodium
• Protein-rich foods
• Potassium-rich foods

You must eat a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables to get all necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients to strengthen your immune system to fight off the kidney infection.

Treatment for Pyelonephritis

Natural kidney disease treatment will help people with pyelonephritis to fight off the bacteria or virun infection. Combine healthy diet, exercise and natural herbal treatment to keep your kidneys healthy and functioning well.

Categories Kidney Disease, Risk Factors

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Do you have the urge to go to the washroom more often than usual? Do you feel thirsty, fatigued and blurred vision? These are the tell tale signs of diabetes. Diabetes is having a high level of sugar in the blood as a result of not enough secretion or insulin resistance. There are mainly two different types of diabetes that are similar in their elevated blood sugar but different in many ways.

Type 1 Diabetes: This is caused by the Pancreas inability to produce insulin. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. The symptoms of Type 1 diabetes are quite obvious, frequent urination, increased thirst, weight loss, irritability and other mood changes, fatigue and weakness, blurred vision and extreme hunger.

In addition, having Type 1 diabetes increases your risk for many serious complications, kidney disease, nerve damage, blindness, heart disease and cuts and bruises that are slow to heal.

Treatment for Type 1 disease can be managed with intermediate or long-acting insulin. There are also safe and herbal alternatives available to deal with this disease.

Type 2 Diabetes: This is usually developed in men and women over the age of 40. The main reason could be obesity and lack of physical activity. In this type – the Pancreas still produces insulin, however, the body cannot use it efficiently. Pear shape people with a lot of fat around their abdomen are at greater risk of developing diabetes.

Type 2 can start at an early age if you are overweight, sedentary, affected by high blood pressure, from a family with a history of Type 2 diabetes and from an ethnic background that has a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes (African-Caribbean or Asian).

Higher sugar levels can also cause rapid weight loss (10 – 20 lbs) over two or three months.

With diabetes, the kidneys are also working overtime to eliminate the excess sugar and this lead to a loss of calories and this can harm the kidneys.

If you suspect you have Diabetes, it is important to immediately seek help. It could be frightening to find out that you have diabetes but you must know that people with diabetes can live a long, healthy and happy lives.

Eat right and exercise. This will keep you healthy.

Categories Kidney Disease, Kundan Kidney Care Centre, Risk Factors

How to lower creatinine

Creatinine is a chemical waste molecule produced from creatine. Roughly 2% of creatine in our body converts to creatinine every day and transported via bloodstream to our kidneys. Most of this creatinine is filtered by the kidneys and removed via urine. Usually creatinine production in our body remains unchanged thus making it a reliable way of identifying the kidney function. A sudden change in creatinine level may indicate the kidney disease or impaired kidney function.

What can cause high creatinine level? Dehydration, ACE inhibitors, high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid issues, excessive blood loss, taking creatine as a dietary supplement and excessive amounts of red meat can result in higher creatinine levels.

How to lower creatinine level:

  • creatinine level may start to increase if the body is dehydrated. It is recommended to drink plenty of fluid every day. Drinking water means more urination that means more creatinine released from the body.
  • healthy diet can play a vital role in controlling the creatinine level. Add fresh fruits and vegetables to your diet, prefer whole wheat and include oats in your diet. Avoid food items with refined sugar, replace beverages with water.
  • avoid excessive creatine supplements. Taking creatine supplements could be potentially dangerous. It increases pressure on the kidneys and can cause heart issues and muscle cramps.
  • salt (sodium) can cause body to retain more water which leads to less frequent visits to the washroom. Stay away from foods with excessive salt.

If you are suffering from the kidney disease then it is best to consult with our doctor and a dietitian to have your diet planned. We at Kundan Kidney Care Centre offer a free assessment and offer a safe and alternative method of treatment for kidney disease.

Categories Kidney Disease

Uncovering Glomerulonephritis Kidney Disease: Causes and Treatment

What is Glomerulonephritis?

Glomerulonephritis is a type of kidney disease that is caused by the inflammation of glomeruli. Glomeruli are the globular structures of entwined vessels, fibers, or neurons that act as the filtering unit of the kidney. When inflammation occurs in these blood vessels, it leads to glomerulonephritis. When glomeruli are inflammed, they cannot help kidney to get rid of  wastes and extra fluid in the body. If remain undiagnosed and illness continues, the kidney may stop working properly, resulting in kidney failure. This kidney disease can occur on its own and can also co-occur with another disease. Natural herbal treatment for this kidney disease can help the person recover faster.

Treatment For Kidney Disease

Types of Glomerulonephritis

There are many types of glomerulonephritis, but it is divided into two types:

Acute Glomerulonephritis (AGN): The acute form of this kidney disease develops suddenly. It may develop it after an infection in your throat or skin. It is detected after the sudden onset of proteinuria and red blood cell (RBC) casts in the urine.

Early symptoms of AGN include:

• Urinating less often
• Blood in your urine
• Extra fluid in your lungs
• High blood pressure
• Puffiness in the face

Chronic Glomerulonephritis (CGN): The chronic form of glomerulonephritis is a cumulative damage and scarring of the tiny
blood vessels in the kidneys. This condition may develop after survival of the acute phase of glomerulonephritis. Only natural herbal treatment for kidney disease prove effective in most of the cases of CGN. This kidney disorder first appears as chronic kidney failure. However, by seeing the symptoms of CGN, you can determine whether it is CGN or kidney failure:
• Blood or excess protein in your urine detect in urine tests
• High blood pressure and swelling in ankles and face
• Frequent nighttime urination
• Abdominal pain and frequent nosebleeds
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Fatigue and frequent hiccups
• Muscle cramps and twitching
• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsiness, lethargy & confusion

Causes of Glomerulonephritis

There are many causes of Glomerulonephritis which can be classified as follows:

1. Autoimmune Disease: In autoimmune disease, the immune system produces autoantibodies that attack the body itself.
Autoimmune diseases affect many parts of the body including kidneys, lungs, skin and more. For instance, in Goodpasture’s
Syndrome, one’s body creates an autoantibody that specifically targets the kidneys.

2. Infection: Glomerular disease develops after an infection in other parts of the body such as respiratory tract infection
or a skin infection. Infection with streptococcal bacteria can trigger glomerulonephritis.

3. Sclerotic Diseases: Sclerotic Diseases such as diabetes and lupus may trigger scarring of the glomeruli. In such cases, it is called Glomerulosclerosis, wherein glomerular cells are activated to produce scar materials.

4. Idiopathic: When glomerulonephritis occurs without an apparent associated disease.

Treatment for Glomerulonephritis Kidney Disease

Glomerulonephritis often cause kidney damage and other health problems. In severe cases of glomerulonephritis, doctors often
recommend kidney dialysis to remove waste products from your body. However, natural herbal treatment for kidney disease is effective in blocking inflammation of glomerulus. Herbal medicines help to remove harmful substances deposited in glomeruli, strengthen immune system, and improve blood circulation in patients suffering from glomerulonephritis condition.

It is advisable to consult our specialist, we offer 100% herbal treatment if you develop symptoms of glomerulonephritis.

Categories Health, Kidney Diet, Kundan Kidney Care Centre

What is Gout?

Gout is one of the most painful forms of arthritis. Gout is caused when the body produces an excess of uric acid, and the sharp uric acid crystals collect in the spaces in the joints. This causes stiffness, swelling and often very intense pain.

Usually the first attack of gout occurs in the big toe, this may wake you up from sleep. The toe becomes very sore, red, hot and swollen. In addition to the toe, gout can also affect; insteps, ankles, heels, knees, wrists, fingers, elbows.

Uric acid comes from the breakdown of substances called purines. Purines are found in all of your body’s tissues. When uric acid levels in the blood are high, it is called hyperuricemia.

The main source of purines is:
– organ meats (kidneys, liver, brains)
– meats including bacon, beef, pork and lamb
– any other meat in large quantity
– anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel and scallops
– gravy

Foods that are low in purines and are safe to eat are as follow:
– green vegetables
– fruits
– breads and cereals that are not white-grain
– butter, buttermilk, cheese and eggs
– coffee, tea and carbonated drinks
– peanut butter and other nuts
– low-fat milk and yogurt

So, one of the easiest way and the most natural way of eliminating the symptoms of gout is to reduce the levels of purine going into the body.

There is a natural production of purines in the body, so there will always be some purine which will be broken into uric acid. You can manage the level of purine by diet selection to a point that the kidneys can restore a balance.

How is it diagnosed?

We may ask about your symptoms, blood report and family history. Signs of gout may include the following:
– hyperuricemia (high level of uric acid in the blood)
– uric acid crystals in joint fluid
– arthritis that may develop overnight and produce swollen, red and warm joint
– attack of arthritis in only one joint usually the toe, ankle or knee

We may may also prescribe you anti-inflammatory drugs to address gout.

Categories Health, Kidney Disease, Risk Factors

CKD Mangement

This article can help in understanding some general issues and the management of Chronic Kidney Disease:

Issues:

  • It is important to understand that CKD is a spectrum of disease. Mild CKD is common and rarely progresses to a more severe form and it does not necessarily equate to renal dialysis.
  • Understand eGFR and monitor it on a regular basis to ensure that the condition is not deteriorating.
  • Understand the link between diabetes and hypertension – maintaining a tight control can limit the damage of the kidneys.
  • People with CKD should exercise, achieve a healthy weight and must stop smoking.
  • A good glycaemic control should be achieved in patients with diabetes mellitus and CKD.
  • Review all prescribed medicines regularly.

Already Diagnosed: eGFR is less than 60

  • Review GFR and assess the rate of deterioration.
  • Review all medication including the over-the-counter drugs.
  • Haematuria and proteinuria suggest glomerulonephritis, this may progress rapidly.
  • Look for sepsis, heart failure, hypovolaemia, palpable bladder.
  • Repeat serum creatinine measurement to exclude rapid progression.
  • Seek professional help – there are safe and natural options to address this disease.

Monitoring:

  • Based on the severity of the disease, eGFR should be monitored regularly.
  • Have the level of proteinuria assessed at least annually.
  • Proteinuria should be assessed by measurement either of the PCR or ACR, ideally on an early-morning urine specimen.
  • An abnormal eGFR should prompt a clinical assessment and a repeat test within two weeks should be done to assess the progression.
  • Patient with CKD should have an annual assessment of their cardiovascular risk factors, lipid profile, BMI, exercise, alcohol and smoking habits.
  • Keep the systolic blood pressure below 140mm Hg and the diastolic blood pressure below 90mm Hg.
  • Routinely measure calcium, phosphate, parathyroid hormone (PTH) and vitamin D levels.
  • Renal dietitian should be consulted to carry out a dietary assessment and give individualized information and advice on diet.

Complications:

  •  Anemia: left ventricular hypertrophy, fatigue, impaired cognitive functioning.
  •  Coagulopathy.
  • Hypertension: left ventricular hypertrophy, heart failure, stroke, CVD.
  • Calcium phosphate loading: cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, arthropathy, soft tissue calcification.
  • Renal osteodystrophy: disorders of calcium, phosphorus and bone, most commonly osteitis fibrosa cystica.
  • Bone changes of secondary hyperparathyroidism: bone pain and fractures.
  • Neurological: uraemic encephalopathy, neuropathy including peripheral neuropathy.
  • Dialysis amyloid: bone pain, arthropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome.
  • Fluid overload: pulmonary oedema, hypertension
  • Malnutrition: increased morbidity and mortality, infections, poor wound healing.
  • Glucose intolerance due to peripheral insulin resistance.
Categories Kidney Diet, Kidney Disease

CKD and diet

Chronic kidney patient may need to make changes to their diet. These changes include limiting fluid, limiting salt, potassium, phosphorus and eating low-protein diet. Further changes in diet may be required if the kidney disease gets worse or a regular dialysis is required.

As the urine output may also be impacted, it is a good idea to limit the fluid intake in kidney disease patients. Without passing of urine, fluid can build up in the body and can cause fluid accumulation in heart, lungs and ankles.

You may consult your physician and/or dietitian about your ideal weight and design your diet accordingly. Weigh yourself often to keep track of your goals.

Protein: Your may be asked to go on a low protein diet before you start dialysis. This may change once the dialysis is started. People on dialysis may required to eat up to 10ozs of high protein food each day.

Calcium and Phosphorus: These two minerals go hand in hand and are checked very often in kidney patients. Even in the early stages of this disease, the level of calcium can go low and phosphorus can go high.

High phosphorus level can also cause itchiness and low level of calcium can cause body to pull calcium from the bones making them weak and easy to break. You may need to take calcium pills to prevent bone disease and take vitamin D to keep the balance between calcium and phosphorus in the body.

Dairy foods contains large amount of phosphorus, this includes milk, cheese, yogurt. You can look for labels where the dairy products have lower amount of phosphorus. To address high phosphorus you may also be prescribed the phosphorus binder.

Potassium: Potassium is another electrolyte that should be aware of. Fruit and vegetables are a good source of potassium. You will need to look for items that are low in potassium. Higher levels of potassium can cause dangerous heart rhythms.

Avoid orange juice, nectarines, kiwis, raisins, dry fruit, bananas, cantaloupe, honeydew, prunes, avocado, potatoes, tomatoes, pumpkin, spinach, asparagus as they are high in potassium.

In the early stage of the chronic kidney disease you may not be required to limit the intake of fluid however, as the disease progresses, you may be required to limit the amount of fluid you can drink. To avoid the thirst – you may avoid salty snacks and stay cool on hot days.

Iron: Advanced kidney disease can also cause anemia and patients in this case may require iron supplements. This can be addressed via iron supplements or by taking the Erythropoietin (EPO) injections.

 

 

Categories Health, Kidney Diet, Kidney Disease, Risk Factors

Red meat may trigger kidney malfunction – study

Crispy bacon, a juicy rib eye steak, or beef burger – these mouthwatering red meat delicacies have long been accused of being bad for health. Unfortunately, a new study based on 15 years of research now claims to back that theory with scientific evidence.

Risk of kidney failure significantly increases with constant red meat consumption, a new study conducted at the National University of Singapore suggests.

“Red meat intake is strongly associated with ESRD risk [end-stage renal disease, or kidney failure] in a dose-dependent manner,” the study’s abstract says.

More than 60,000 adults from Singapore took part in the long-term research. They were divided into several groups according to how much red meat they consumed. Constant follow-ups showed that around 1,000 participants developed kidney failure.

The people in the group claiming to eat the largest amount of red meat had a 40 percent higher risk of experiencing kidney failure compared to those consuming moderate amounts.

Luckily, not every type of protein has been found harmful to kidneys, and those who look after their muscles can still get their needed protein fix from poultry, fish, eggs, or dairy products, thus reducing the risk.

“Our study shows that red meat intake may increase the risk of ESRD in the general population and substituting alternative sources of protein may reduce the incidence of ESRD,” according to the study.

This, however, doesn’t mean that people should “avoid red meat like poison,” but finding a substitute for at least one meal with red meat a day is not a bad idea, the study’s senior author, Woon-Puay Koh, told Reuters Health in an email letter.

“Current guidelines recommend restricting dietary protein intake in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease to help reduce symptoms and slow progression to end-stage renal disease,” Koh also noted.

An estimated 500 million people suffer from chronic kidney condition, some of whom need constant dialysis procedures or a kidney transplant, researchers noted.

It was previously thought that people with kidney problems who eat red meat on a daily basis could encounter problems with a substance known as urea building up in their bodies, because if a person’s kidney’s aren’t working problem, it is not sufficiently expelled in their urine.

The new study stresses that there is no evidence that red meat causes kidney conditions, but it apparently contributes to the pathological process.

*article source – https://www.rt.com/news/353781-red-meat-kidney-failure/

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