HBP & Kidneys

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High Blood Pressure Sufferers, Watch Your Kidneys

The miracles of modern science and the frequency of kidney donation and transplant may leave some thinking kidney problems are easily solved, but in fact once chronic kidney disease (CKD) starts, there is no going back. CKD is incurable, which makes it imperative to halt or slow disease development as quickly as possible. Older people, as well as those who have chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes are especially vulnerable to this gradual deterioration of the kidneys’ ability to filter the bloodstream. Complicating the scenario, CKD has few, if any, symptoms in its early stages.

I contacted Mark Stengler, ND, for his advice on what we should know about caring for our kidneys. Conditions most dangerous to the kidneys are uncontrolled high blood pressure and diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), he told me. CKD can also result from long-term and/or high-dose use of some antibiotics and also, certain everyday drugs including aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, laxatives and Alka-Seltzer because of its content of sodium acetylsalicylate. Other causes can be chemotherapy medications, long-term use of steroids and environmental toxins. Though rare, kidney stones can possibly lead to obstruction and therefore, CKD. Age is another factor, in that kidney function often slows down as people grow older... if added to the stress of, say, diabetes, this can make matters that much worse.

DETECTING KIDNEY DISEASE

Past age 40, a complete physical should always include blood and urine tests to identify whether any problems are starting in the kidneys. Problematic symptoms include changes in urine frequency, output, color or odor, along with problems starting, stopping, dribbling, urgency, etc. The reason: Healthy kidneys pull out products the body needs and send them back into the bloodstream, while at the same time they filter waste products and expel them through urine. Therefore, if the urine has increased levels of products the body needs (such as creatinine and the protein albumin), it indicates that the kidneys are filtering improperly... and if the level of waste products decreases, this too points to a problem.

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT According to Dr. Stengler, a healthy lifestyle is the most important way to prevent kidney disease -- don’t smoke, abuse alcohol or overuse pain killers, and stay away from known toxins including non-natural cleaning and dry cleaning products. Try to avoid contrast dye CT scans, as the dyes, such as gadolinium, can cause kidney damage in a small percentage of people getting these tests. If you have high blood pressure, monitor it regularly, as HBP may stress or damage the filtration apparatus of the kidney, possibly irreparably -- exercise, stress reduction, losing weight, supplements such as magnesium, CoQ10, calcium and a diet rich in potassium (fruits and vegetables) can all be helpful in keeping it down. Dr. Stengler also advises maintaining a normal weight and staying well-hydrated each day. If you already have a chronic kidney condition, it’s imperative to follow proper treatment and monitoring in order to keep kidney function as optimal

as possible.

Additional kidney strengtheners that Dr. Stengler prescribes for patients with kidney disease include...

Ginkgo. Helpful at improving circulation in the kidneys, gingko has blood-thinning properties as well -- check with your doctor before using.

Cordyceps. Traditionally used by Chinese doctors to treat CKD, this comes in capsule form and is helpful in improving filtration, says Dr. Stengler. Several studies have found it may also protect the kidneys against toxic chemicals. Dr. Stengler prefers the Cs-4 extract -- there are several brands available, including Planetary Formulas. (Note: People with diabetes should be aware that this supplement may lower glucose levels.)

Dan Shen. Also known as Chinese sage or red sage, Salvia miltiorrhiza is a traditional Chinese herb that helps kidney function and some studies show it helps prevent cell damage in the kidneys. Taken in tea, tincture or tablet, Dan Shen is available only through naturopathic physicians and/or practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. This herb should never be combined with blood thinners or used at all by individuals who have a hormone-sensitive disorder such as breast or prostate cancer.

Milk Thistle. Best known for its use in promoting liver health, milk thistle also helps protect kidneys. An animal study showed that milk thistle reduced kidney damage from cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug.

Beware that patients with CKD may be especially endangered by herbs from India and China that are contaminated with toxic metals. Only use those tested by a third-party lab, with certified purity. Dr. Stengler also advises using filtered water, so metals such as lead and arsenic will be removed.

GOOD FOODS FOR GOOD KIDNEY HEALTH

Kidney-healthy foods include black beans, kidney beans, parsley, raspberries, walnuts, watermelon, brown rice and celery. Incorporate two servings of a combination of these foods daily into your diet. Essential fatty acids are also good for keeping inflammation down in kidneys and thinning the blood for filtration. You can get them from fatty fish such as wild salmon, sardines and trout, as well as from walnuts, almonds and pumpkin seeds.

In addition, there are several dietary cautions for people with CKD, says Dr. Stengler. Animal proteins can stress the kidneys and should be limited (for example, he says a person with CKD who weighs about 150 pounds should not exceed two to two-and-a-half ounces/day). Keep salt intake below 2,000 mg per day. Also, some people with CKD may be told they should limit potassium (bananas, potatoes and oranges) and phosphorous (in many foods including dairy, meat and fish). Your doctor will review these and other guidelines with you, along with your intake of mineral or vitamin supplements.

CKD can’t be cured, but it can be managed with the proper medical care and tests to monitor health via blood and urine. Work with a registered dietician or holistic doctor who can help evaluate changes and advise dietary adjustments for your optimal health.

Source(s): Mark Stengler, ND, a naturopathic physician and leading authority on the practice of alternative and integrated medicine. He is author of Bottom Line/Natural Healing newsletter, author of The Natural Physician’s Healing Therapies (Bottom Line Books), director of the La Jolla Whole Health Clinic in La Jolla, California and adjunct associate clinical professor at the National College of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. To learn more about his work, visit www.drstengler.com.

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