May 2018 – Genesis Health

TOP 10 Diseases & Conditions Part 1 of 10: Heart Matters. 1 in 3 (633,842)
TOP 10 Diseases & Conditions Part 2 of 10: Cancer Wars. 1 in 3 (595,930)
TOP 10 Diseases & Conditions Part 3 of 10: You Take My Breath Away (155,041)
TOP 10 Diseases & Conditions Part 4 of 10: Accidents Happen unintentional injuries; 5.2% (146,571)
TOP 10 Diseases & Conditions Part 5 of 10: Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases) 1 in 6 (140,323)
TOP 10 Diseases & Conditions Part 6 of 10: Alzheimer’s disease 1 in 10 (110,561)
TOP 10 Diseases & Conditions Part 7 of 10: Diabetes 1 in 4 (79,535)
TOP 10 Diseases & Conditions Part 8a of 10: Influenza (part one) 1 in 10 (57,062) 8b of 10 Pneumonia “The Winter Fever” (part one)

GLOBAL FACTS: ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE

1 in 7 (57,062)

73 million 1 in 3 American adults is currently at risk for developing kidney disease
30 million 1 in 9 American adults of 15% is estimated to have chronic kidney disease (CKD), although most don’t know
48% of those with severely reduced kidney function but not on dialysis are not aware of having CKD.

According the 2010 Global Burden of Disease study, chronic kidney disease was ranked 27^th in the list of causes of total number of deaths worldwide in 1990, but rose to 18^th in 2010. This degree of movement up the list was second only to that for HIV and AIDs.

Over 2 million people worldwide currently receive treatment with dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive, yet this number may only represent 10% of people who actually need treatment to live.

In the US, treatment of chronic kidney disease is likely to exceed $48 billion per year. Treatment for kidney failure consumes 6.7% of the total Medicare budget to care for less than 1% of the covered population.

In people aged 65 through 74 worldwide, it is estimated that one in five men and one in four women have Chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Chronic kidney disease is a worldwide health crisis. For example, in the year 2005, there were approximately 58 million deaths worldwide, with 35 million attributed to chronic disease, according to the World Health Organization.

More than 661,000 Americans have kidney failure; of these, 468,000 individuals are on dialysis, and roughly 193,000 live with a functioning kidney transplant. You are at greater risk for kidney disease if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Diabetes injures the small blood vessels in the kidneys.

Kidney disease is sometimes called the silent epidemic because there are no symptoms until the later stages.

As a result of the fast paced city life and unhealthy eating habits, a greater number of younger people are being diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension which in turn leads to irreversible kidney failure, in most cases. Hypertension is a leading contributor of kidney disease and kidney failure.

Topic Line Up:

The Common Kidney Diseases
What puts you at risk for kidney disease?
How To Treat Kidney Failure Naturally
Natures Pharmacy – Kidney-friendly foods
Recipes

The Common Kidney Diseases:

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means that the kidneys have been damaged to such an extent that they tend to start malfunctioning. CKD is mainly a secondary disease developed due to an underlying primary condition, and according to statistics, chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease are the main causes of CKD.
Gallstones are hard crystalline mass formed abnormally in the gallbladder or bile ducts from bile pigments, cholesterol, and calcium salts. People over age 40, losing weight quickly may increase the chances of getting gallstones and a lack of melatonin that boosts the conversion of cholesterol to bile has been thought to contribute to gallbladder stones. Cholesterol gallstones — are the most common type consisting of more than 80% cholesterol by weight. Pigment gallstones — are made of bilirubin, a product of red blood cells destruction (haemolysis).
Kidney infection/Pyelonephritis ~ Inflammation of the substance of the kidney as a result of bacterial infection. Kidneys commonly get infected and inflamed when the bacteria spread up the urinary tract or travel through the bloodstream to reach the kidneys. Acute pyelonephritis: It occurs rapidly and is a life-threatening infection of the kidneys that can lead to renal scarring. Chronic pyelonephritis: It is a permanent damage and scarring of the kidney due to repeated episodes of acute pyelonephritis or even a single episode of severe acute pyelonephritis.
Kidney stones are solids formed in the kidneys when substances like calcium, oxalate and phosphorus that are excreted through the urine become concentrated. Kidney stones—known as renal calculi—are solid, often sharp substances made of mineral and acid salts. The occurrence of kidney stones is due to excess buildup of mineral deposits that develop from this waste in our kidneys, most commonly oxalate, phosphorous, and magnesium. These mineral deposits crystallize and form the small stones famous for causing so much pain. The main culprit for kidney stone formation in most cases, lack of adequate hydration. During the summer months, we lose body fluid through perspiration and fail to replace it. Drinking enough water is really critical for preventing the development of stones.
There are four major types of kidney stones.
- Calcium is the most common type of stone. Calcium can combine with other substances, such as oxalate (the most common substance), to form the stone.
- A uric acid stone may form when your urine contains too much acid.
- A struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) stone may form after an infection in your urinary system.
- Cystine stones are rare. The disease that causes cystine stones runs in families.
The leading cause of kidney stones is a lack of water in the body. A major risk factor for kidney stones is constant low urine volume. Low urine volume may come from dehydration (loss of body fluids) from hard exercise, working or living in a hot place, or not drinking enough fluids. Adults who form stones should drink enough fluid to make at least 2.5 liters (⅔ gallon) of urine every day.
Kidney failure ~ An infection or inflammation of the organ, leading to kidney damage is known as acute kidney failure, and the damaged resulted due to an underlying health condition that slowly affects the failure.
Polycystic kidney disease ~ characterized by multiple cysts
Diabetic Nephropathy ~ Fluctuating or poorly controlled blood sugar levels can affect every system of the body, including the renal system. According to a hospital based study, about 46 % of diabetics are currently suffering from kidney disease.
Nephrotic syndrome Each kidney has about 1 million filtering units called nephrons. Each nephron is about the thickness of a human hair. A tiny tuft of blood vessels (glomerulus) in each nephron filters waste from the blood under pressure. High blood sugar levels due to diabetes can damage these blood vessels, leading to leakage of protein and eventually kidney failure.
Glomerulonephritis |ɡlôˌmeryəlōnəˈfrīdəs| An acute inflammation of the kidney, typically caused by an immune response.
Preventing kidney stones isn’t complicated, but it does take some determination.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has morphed into a major epidemic – and is now the most common cause of chronic liver disease in America. Costs a whopping $32 billion a year. NAFLD – defined as excess fat in the liver that is not caused by alcohol – is primarily caused by excess caloric intake, and is closely associated with the obesity epidemic. Avoid: GMOs and pesticides – with particular attention to avoiding glyphosate, the active ingredient in the weed killer Roundup. Glyphosate is linked with serious liver disease, and animal studies have suggested that exposure to very small quantities – such as amounts found in drinking water – can cause liver damage and scarring. Eat iron-rich foods – such as parsley, arugula, and cilantro, cruciferous vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli and kale.

What puts you at risk for kidney disease?

While CKD can affect anyone, people are at higher risk if they have any one or more of a number of risk factors:

Having established cardiovascular disease,
Having a family history of kidney failure
Race, Ethnicity, & Kidney Disease

African Americans are almost 4 times more likely to experience kidney failure?

Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in African Americans. African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as Caucasians. Approximately 4.9 million African Americans over 20 years of age are living with either diagnosed or undiagnosed diabetes.

High blood pressure is the second leading cause of kidney failure among African Americans, and remains the leading cause of death due to its link with heart attacks and strokes.

Hispanics

Since 2000, the number of Hispanics with kidney failure has increased by more than 70 percent.

American Indians and Alaska Natives

Compared to Whites, American Indians are about 1.2 times more likely to be diagnosed with kidney failure. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure among American Indians.
This risk is due in part to high rates of diabetes and high blood pressure in these communities. People who live in poverty have less healthy dietary patterns and their dietary patterns could influence the rate of kidney disease. High carb diets without the balance of other nutrients are the poor man’s diet. They are usually high in transfats, processed sugars and/or salt, and alcohol.

Why Are the Kidneys So Important?

The kidneys are powerful chemical factories that perform the following functions:
remove waste products from the body – Our kidneys are incredible little organs – every day they process 200 quarts of blood, removing waste products and excess water in order to detoxify the body and keep things running smoothly. When the kidneys stop filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. Dangerous levels of electrolytes and waste then build up in the body.
remove drugs from the body
balance the body’s fluids
release hormones that regulate blood pressure
produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
stimulate red blood cell production
control calcium metabolism
control the production of red blood cells
regulates the body’s salt, potassium and acid content
When the kidneys stop filtering waste and excess fluid from the blood. Dangerous levels of electrolytes and waste then build up in the body.

Kidney disease often has no symptoms, and it can go undetected until very advanced. But a simple urine test called albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) can tell you if you have kidney disease. Albumin is a type of protein in your body that should be in the blood, not the urine. Remember, it’s important to get tested because early detection and treatment can slow or prevent the progression of kidney disease.

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

When kidneys work the way they should, they play an important role in keeping the whole body clean, strong, well-fueled and functioning properly. Waste products that the kidneys filter include extra fluids, particles left behind in the digestive system, sodium/salt or other electrolytes, and various other substances found in the blood. Not only do the kidneys pass waste out from the body in the form of urine, but they also help control blood pressure, remove drugs or toxins, regulate hormones, and maintain a strong skeletal system (strong bones).
If our kidneys aren’t working to the best of their abilities, we can experience exhaustion, headaches, water retention, stomach pain and more. Kidney failure, therefore, can be a very serious condition — requiring a high level of intervention, including dialysis treatments in order to do the filtering work the kidneys are no longer able to.
A list of studies about sodium intake:
- A 2004 meta-analysis by the Cochrane Collaboration
- “Intensive interventions, unsuited to primary care or population prevention programs, provide only minimal reductions in blood pressure during long-term trials.”
- A 2006 study in the American Journal of Medicine “raised questions regarding the likelihood of a survival advantage accompanying a lower sodium diet.”
- In 2011, the Cochrane Collaboration concluded that when you reduce your salt intake, you actually increase several other risk factors that could theoretically eliminate the reduced risk for cardiovascular disease predicted from lowering your blood pressure!

How To Treat Kidney Failure Naturally

The following nutrients are needing regulation:

Protein – Protein is essential for tissue maintenance and other bodily roles. Protein is not a problem for healthy kidneys. Normally, protein is ingested and waste products are created, which in turn are filtered by the nephrons of the kidney. The waste then, with the help of additional renal proteins, turns into urine. Protein in the urine is the earliest sign of kidney disease. When your kidneys are not working well, they can’t handle as much protein. It is very important you eat enough carbohydrates and fats to supply your body with all the energy you need.
Sodium – is one of the body’s three major electrolytes. Electrolytes control the fluids going in and out of the body’s tissues and cells. Some people are sensitive to salt. And, here again, the effects of salt and sodium on blood pressure tend to be greater in blacks. But don’t think you’re off the hook if your white!

Did you know that on average, Americans eat more than 3,400 milligrams of sodium each day? That is nearly seven times the minimum amount that your body needs.More than 75 percent of the sodium Americans eat comes from some processed, prepackaged and restaurant foods – not from the salt shaker. An ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults. (See the top 10 food sources to the left.) If the U.S. population moved to an average intake of 1,500 mg/day sodium from its current level, it could result in a 25.6% overall decrease in blood pressure and an estimated $26.2 billion in health care savings.

How sodium contributes to our health:

Regulating blood pressure and blood volume
Helps in regulating nerve function and muscle contraction
Regulating the acid-base balance of blood
Balances how much fluid the body keeps or eliminates

However, kidney patients must monitor sodium intake because damaged kidneys can’t filter out excess sodium. Sodium can raise your blood pressure and cause you to retain fluids. Sodium is found in salt and most processed foods. It’s often recommended to limit total sodium content to 400 mg per meal and 150 mg per snack.

How can patients monitor their sodium intake?

Always read food labels, sodium is always listed.
Pay close attention to serving size.
Use fresh, rather than packaged meats.
Choose fresh fruits and vegetables, no salt added canned, and frozen produce.
Avoid processed foods.
Use spices that do not list “salt” in their title (choose garlic powder, instead of garlic salt).
Cook at home but try to cook without salt
Limit total sodium content to 400 mg per meal and 150 mg per snack

Potassium Role: Potassium is keeping a heartbeat regular and muscles working correctly. Potassium is also necessary for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance in the bloodstream. The kidneys help to keep the right amount of potassium in your body and eliminate excess amounts into the urine. Potassium must stay balanced in your body. If your kidneys are not working well, potassium levels in your blood can rise, and high potassium levels affect your heart rhythm. Limit potassium to less than 2,000 mg per day. To stay within your limit, it is best to limit your potassium intake found in many fruits and vegetables, beans, and nuts. Most nuts are high in phosphorus and not recommended for those following a renal diet.

Tips to help keep potassium at safe levels:

Read labels on packaged foods & avoid potassium chloride.
Pay close attention to serving size. Stick to recommended serving sizes
Keep a food journal.

Phosphorus role: Phosphorus is a mineral critical in bone maintenance and development. It also functions in developing connective tissue and organs and aids in muscle movement. When food containing phosphorus is consumed and digested, the small intestines absorb it and it becomes stored in the bones.

Why monitor Phosphorus? Normal working kidneys can remove extra phosphorus in your blood. Damaged kidneys can’t remove excess phosphorus. A high phosphorus level’s in your body decreases the availability of calcium for your bones. Poor kidney function can cause phosphorus levels to rise in your blood. Restricted to less than 800–1,000 mg per day in most patients.

Tips to help keep phosphorus at safe levels:

Pay close attention to serving size
Eat fresh fruits and vegetables.
Avoid packaged foods that contain added phosphorus. Look for phosphorus, or for words with PHOS, on ingredient labels.
Keep a food journal

Calcium. Common causes of calcium kidney stones is high levels of calcium in the urine. Control Dairy: Although most doctors ask for milk to have good calcium in bones and teeth, these are not very healthy for the kidneys. Lowering the amount of calcium in your diet rarely stops stones from forming. Dairy products are the main causes of “kidney lithiasis” which is stone formation.

First, ditch all processed foods: They are very high in processed salt and low in potassium and other essential nutrients. Potato chips, crackers, cheese spreads, instant potato mix, and deli meats and cheese all are examples of processed foods that are high in phosphorus additives and sodium – both of which can have a damaging effect on the kidneys.
Limit red meat: Diets high in protein – especially those with animal protein – may harm the kidneys. Red meat is also high in the wrong kind of saturated fat. A diet high in animal protein, such as beef, fish, chicken and pork, can raise the acid levels in the body and in the urine. High acid levels make it easier for calcium oxalate and uric acid stones to form.
Avoid soda: Sugar-sweetened drinks, like sodas, are high in calories and contain no nutritious value. Additionally, colas have phosphorus additives which can damage kidneys.
Reduce sugar intake: Consuming too much sugar can result in diabetes or obesity – both linked to kidney disease. A high level of blood glucose is a big threat to kidney health. In fact, around half of those with diabetes go on to develop kidney damage. A high sugar diet can affect the absorption of calcium and magnesium and contribute to kidney stones.
Avoid medications: If you are one of the people who take drugs for any discomfort or self-medicate for the least discomfort, The kidneys can be damaged by overuse of some over-the-counter pain killers.
Kidney disease alters metabolism of protein, water, salt, potassium and phosphorous, and kidney failure makes all of this even more complicated.
A poor diet stresses weak or damaged kidneys and contributes to various complications like anemia, cholesterol changes, heart damage and bone metabolism dysfunction.

Drinking Enough Water

Water is a miracle potion. It has the power to bring you back to health. It’s also important to prevent dehydration, since not drinking enough fluids can put you at risk for kidney complications (especially if you exercise a lot, live in a hot climate, drink diuretic beverages and sweat a lot). Drinking enough water and other hydrating fluids should become a regular habit, including herbal tea, sparkling water or fruit-infused water. Drink just enough fluids to keep your urine either light yellow or colorless. Drinking enough water will be different and conditional for every one. A standard recommendation is 13 cups daily for men and 9 for women. This includes both healthy fluids like filtered water, and the water found naturally in fruits and vegetables. Water dilutes the materials that lead to stones, and helps flush out existing stones and other toxins.

Water might not always work if a person is dehydrated, though it is the best place to start. For one, you should not gulp down glass after glass of water. If you drink water too fast, your body will not be able to absorb and use it effectively, causing your kidneys to expel most of it. And, this means you will have to make multiple trips to the restroom, even if you haven’t had much water to drink.

If you already have kidney disease, your doctor will advise you to drink much less so you don’t overwhelm your kidneys. People on dialysis often have decreased urine output, so increased fluid in the body can put unnecessary pressure on the person’s heart and lungs. Frequent urination inhibits the process of rehydration, compromising the purpose for which you were drinking water in the first place. For starters, drink 1 or 2 glasses of water, taking small sips initially.

A fluid allowance for patients is calculated on an individual basis depending on urine output and dialysis settings. It is vital to follow your nephrologist/nutritionists fluid intake guidelines.

To control fluid intake, patients should:

Not drink more than what your doctor orders
Count all foods that will melt at room temperature (Jell-O® , popsicles, etc.)
Be cognizant of the amount of fluids used in cooking

**Most Hydrating Kidney Foods:**

Celery > Watermelon > Cucumber > Kiwi > Bell peppers > Citrus fruit > Carrots > Pineapple > Iceberg lettuce > Radishes > Tomatoes > Cauliflower > Spinach > Berries > Broccoli

Ditch the Salt!? So much confusion about sodium!

All salts are not equal, in terms of their impact on your health. Processed (table) salt is health-harming, while natural unprocessed salt is not only healing, but in fact essential for many biological functions. The vilification of salt is similar to that of fat. Just as there are healthy fats that are necessary for optimal health and unhealthy fats that cause health problems, there are healthy and unhealthy types of salt. Recent research, which has been widely publicized, suggests that too little salt in your diet may be just as hazardous as too much. Moreover, the balance between sodium and potassium may be a deciding factor in whether your salt consumption will ultimately be harmful or helpful.

Here are some helpful measurement guidelines:

1/4 teaspoon salt = 575 mg sodium
1/2 teaspoon salt = 1,150 mg sodium
3/4 teaspoon salt = 1,725 mg sodium
1 teaspoon salt = 2,300 mg sodium

How much sodium should you take? Check the ingredient list for words like sodium, salt and soda. The total sodium shown on the Nutrition Facts label includes the sodium from salt, plus the sodium from any other sodium-containing ingredient in the product (for example, ingredients like sodium nitrate, sodium citrate, monosodium glutamate [MSG], or sodium benzoate).

Natural unprocessed salt, such as pink Himalayan salt (known as pink gold), contains about 84 percent sodium chloride (just under 37 percent of which is pure sodium). The remaining 16 percent are naturally-occurring trace minerals, including silicon, phosphorus, and vanadium. Since pink Himalayan salt contains so many minerals, it’s more beneficial to the body, but as a salt, it’s still naturally high in sodium. Sodium is also widely used throughout the food supply. It’s used to cure meats, boost flavor, and aid in the preservation of foods. As with any salt, you don’t want to overdo it.

1. Rich in Trace Minerals 2. Helps Avoid Dehydration and Balance Fluids 3. Excellent Electrolyte Source (major electrolytes, like sodium, magnesium, calcium and potassium) 4. Proper Brain, Muscle and Nervous System Function 5. Digestive Health Aid 6. Nutrient Enhancer

As much as you hear about making sure you don’t get too much salt in your diet, it’s also absolutely just as important to make sure we get enough.

Processed (table) salt contains 97.5 percent sodium chloride (just over 39 percent of which is sodium). The rest is man-made chemicals, such as moisture absorbents and flow agents, such as ferrocyanide and aluminosilicate. Many commercial table salts also undergo a bleaching process and contain aluminum derivatives and other terrible ingredients known to be highly toxic to human health.

Besides the basic differences in nutritional content, the processing also detrimentally alters the chemical structure of the salt. it’s important to realize that most Americans and other Westerners get the majority of their sodium from commercially available table salt and processed foods—not from natural unprocessed salt.

You Need Salt, But Make Sure It’s the Right Kind

Avoid seasoning your food with processed salt and salt substitutes, use natural salt in moderation and opt instead for dried or fresh herbs, chopped garlic or onion and a splash of olive oil.

READING LABELS:

Here are sodium-related terms you may see on food packages:

Sodium-free – Less than 5 milligrams of sodium per serving and contains no sodium chloride
Very low sodium – 35 milligrams or less per serving
Low sodium – 140 milligrams or less per serving
Reduced (or less) sodium – At least 25 percent less sodium per serving than the usual sodium level
Light (for sodium-reduced products – If the food is “low calorie” and “low fat” and sodium is reduced by at least 50 percent per serving
Light in sodium – If sodium is reduced by at least 50 percent per serving

How to Optimize Your Sodium-to-Potassium Ratio

It is important to get these two nutrients—sodium and potassium—in the appropriate ratios. While there is a relationship between sodium and blood pressure, it’s not a direct relationship. It is wiser to consume high-quality diets rich in potassium instead like potatoes, bananas, avocados, leafy greens, nuts, apricots, mushrooms all high in potassium. It’s easier for people to add things to their diet than to take away something like salt.”

To easily determine your sodium to potassium ratio every day, you can use a free app like Cronometer.com for your desktop, smart phone, or tablet that will easily allow you to enter the foods you eat and painlessly make this calculation for you.

Natures Pharmacy – Kidney-friendly foods

Healthy nutrition is essential for the functionality of the body when talking about kidney health. Try to eat healthy will make our kidneys work better. Avoid excess fats, sugars and dyes because they are the ones that accumulate different toxins that force the kidneys to work extra for cleaning the body. Optimize on your electrolytes and your antioxidants.

Choose The Rainbow (Whole Foods)

Eating the rainbow also prevents against major disease in all forms. Please visit the Color Me Beautiful Series. Also browse the drop-down menu for the series giving individual color benefits.

Crowd Out, Don’t Cut Out

The best way to keep your diet whole-food based without feeling deprived from sugary cookies and salty chips is to crowd them out, not focus on cutting them out. Instead of choosing a cookie, go for an apple. Instead of salty chips, have some carrots or celery sticks dipped in hummus or salsa. You’d be surprised how these better choices actually taste great and won’t leave you feeling hungry just half an hour later. The more you crowd out the bad stuff, the less room in your belly you’ll have for those cookies, chips, and vegan candy bars.

Yes, there IS help for reversing Chronic Kidney Disease

Asparagus can act as a natural diuretic, according to a 2010 study published in the West Indian Medical Journal. This can help rid the body of excess salt and fluid, making it especially good for people suffering from edema and high blood pressure. It also helps flush out toxins in kidneys and prevent kidney stones. On the other hand, the National Institutes of Health recommends that people who are suffering from uric acid kidney stones should avoid asparagus.
Cabbage for instance, contains a compound called sinigrin, which helps fight cancers of kidney. Cabbage improves kidney functioning and is most commonly used as a natural medicine to repair and nourish the kidneys. It is an essential food for anyone suffering from kidney problems. It is high in vitamins B6, C and K, along with fiber and folic acid. Low in potassium, cabbage makes a great addition to a dialysis diet. You can enjoy this vegetable steamed or boiled. Including cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Eating a cup of these veggies at least 2- 3 times a week protects your kidney.
*Black Cherries – These tasty little fruits help reduce redness and swelling and contain a healthy amount of vitamin C as well as vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6, magnesium, and citrate. The more tart the cherry, the higher the level of citrate. Citrate reduces uric acid in the bloodstream which can lead to gout and arthritis.
Garlic has antioxidants that help in reducing inflammation and anti-clotting properties that can effectively reduce the chances of kidney disease as well as heart disease. It also protects the kidneys from the potentially harmful effects of heavy metals. It is also thought to play a role in reducing renal reperfusion injury which is linked to increased mortality due to acute kidney failure.
Berries are an excellent sources of manganese, vitamin C, fiber and folate. Different types of berries like strawberries, cranberries, raspberries and blueberries are good for your kidneys. These tasty little fruits help reduce redness and swelling and contain a healthy amount of vitamin C as well as vitamin K, folate, vitamin B6, magnesium, and citrate. The more tart the cherry, the higher the level of citrate. Citrate reduces uric acid in the bloodstream which can lead to gout and arthritis. 3 factors in berries promote kidney health. They are: antioxidants, anti-inflammatory agents, phyto-nutrients.

*Blueberry (1/2 a cup/day) have been found to reduce stiffness of blood vessels because of their antioxidants. This helps lower high blood pressure which is critical for kidney health. They’re also low in sodium and contain minerals for healthy blood pressure. The antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory properties in these berries help reduce inflammation and improve bladder functioning.

*Cranberries benefit CKD patients by protecting their Gastrointestinal (GI) tract and preventing ulcer-causing bacteria from attacking their stomach. They also benefit both the urinary tract and kidneys. These tiny, tart fruits contain phytonutrients called A-type proanthocyanidins, which prevent bacteria from sticking to the lining of the urinary tract and bladder, thus preventing infection. Cranberry juice has a decades-long association with kidney health, especially in preventing urinary tract infections.

6. Pomegranate JuiceThe seeds and the juice of pomegranate are important for removing kidney stones as they are a good source of potassium. Potassium prevents the formation of mineral crystals that can develop in to kidney stones. It also reduces the formation of stones due to its astringent properties, flushing out the toxins from the kidney and lowering the acidity levels in the urine.

7. Red Grapes – (1/2 cup) Resveratrol is an antioxidant in grapes that reduces oxidative damage and prevents injuries to kidneys.

8. The presence of citric acid in apple cider vinegar helps in dissolving kidney stones, further alkalizing blood and urine, and helping to remove the stones.

9. *Celery – promotes healthy and normal kidney function by aiding elimination of toxins from the body. While eliminating toxins, it also prevents formation of kidney stones. Celery has anti-inflammatory properties it is not safe for some kidney disease patients. Celery is an effective home remedy for bladder disorders, urinary tract infections, kidney problems and cysts on the reproductive organs.

10. Cucumber have the reputation as the best kidney cleanser known. This is because they help to wash the kidneys and bladder of debris and stones. Studies have shown that eating cucumbers regularly helps to regulate uric acid in the body, thereby preventing certain kidney and bladder stones.

11. Lemons or oranges – Start Your Day With Lemon Water. A warming glass of lemon water every morning provides a variety of health benefits such as aid the kidneys to filter blood, flushes them out. Lemon’s natural citrate content, may also prevent the calcium in the body from binding with other minerals that lead to stones.
Citrate in these foods prevents stones from forming.

12. Beets – They contain nitric oxide that cleanses the blood and kidney cleanser.

13. Spirulina and Chlorella

14. Red bell peppers help break down toxic waste in the blood, and therefore contribute to kidney health. They are low in potassium and rich in vitamins A, B6 and C, folic acid and fiber. When suffering from kidney problems, it is often advised to keep your potassium intake low because damaged kidneys may not be able to effectively filter potassium from your blood. You can include red bell peppers in your diet in raw, baked, roasted, cooked or stuffed form.

15. Basil is diuretic in nature and acts as a detoxifier that helps in removing kidney stones and further strengthens its functioning. It lowers uric acid levels in blood, cleansing the kidneys. It consists of acetic acid and other essential oils that help in breaking the stones down to pass through urine. It also acts as a pain killer.

16. Beans – Low sodium: Dry peas, lentils and beans. Kidney beans that have a close resemblance to that of a kidney, is known to remove kidney stones effectively and cleanse the kidneys. Kidney beans are high on fiber and are a great source of minerals and B vitamins that help in cleaning your kidneys and help the urinary tract function better.

17. Olives improve the life of those suffering from chronic kidney disease and will certainly provide kidney support to those looking to maintain kidney health.

18. Onions are full of powerful antioxidants that help detoxify and cleanse the kidneys, thereby helping prevent many types of kidney-related health problems. The chemical properties found in onions work to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer in Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients.

Onion is healthy food for people who have a high creatinine level along with reduced kidney function. They contain a substance called prostaglandin that naturally reduces blood viscosity and helps to lower high BP, thereby reducing the progression of kidney disease.

Onions are rich in an antioxidant called quercetin. Quercetin helps improve blood circulation to all organs. It helps relax the blood vessels, lower blood pressure, and supports kidney function. Low in potassium, onions also contain chromium, a mineral that helps the body metabolize fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. They also have anti-inflammatory properties. Onions can be enjoyed raw or cooked in a variety of dishes. Eating raw onions can help treat kidney stones naturally.

19. Spices and Condiments

Low sodium: Fresh garlic * basil * black pepper * cayenne pepper * chili powder * cinnamon * cumin * curry * dill * thyme * red pepper * parsley * paprika * nutmeg * oregano * lemon juice * vinegar

Avoid seasoning your vegetable dishes with salt and salt substitutes, and opt instead for dried or fresh herbs, chopped garlic or onion and a splash of olive oil.

Extra virgin olive oil is good for your heart as well as your kidneys. This oil is a great source of oleic acid, anti-inflammatory fatty acids that lower oxidation and promote kidney health.

Olives improve the life of those suffering from chronic kidney disease and will certainly provide kidney support to those looking to maintain kidney health.

Get Rid of Kidney Stones with Kidney Beans

It is interesting that the kidney-shaped legumes are of immense value to treat various conditions of the kidneys including renal stones! The vital vitamins, minerals, and compounds that are there in the legumes will do the job for you very effectively! Kidney beans are known as an effective home remedy for kidney stones. In ancient times, the pods served as a medicinal tonic. To reduce kidney stone pain, remove the beans from the pods and in a slow cooker, boil the pods in purified water for 6 hours. Once finished, strain the liquid and let it cool before drinking. Drink throughout the day.

A Kidney Bean Salad

You are now going to read about an excellent recipe of kidney bean salad, which is not just delicious, but also keeps you overall healthy. Begin to have this recipe, which also includes many other healthy ingredients, regularly and there will be no need for you to visit your physician!

Ingredients:

Kidney beans- 1 cup
Green beans- 1 cup
Black beans- 1 cup
Chopped red onion- ½ cup
Chopped celery- ½ cup
1 small bunch Parsley
Chopped 1/4 Red, 1/4 Orange, 1/4 Yellow Bell Pepper
1-2 tbsp Olive oil
Vinegar- ½ cup
Himalayan Sea Salt- 1 tsp
Pepper- 1 tsp

Directions

Combine all these ingredients together in a big bowl.
Toss them so that they get mixed properly.
Store in your fridge for minimum 8 hours.

Body Cleanse Juice

Cucumbers and celery are natural diuretics and help with cleaning out the kidneys. Beets are great for liver cleansing and strengthening the blood. Lemons, ginger and apples aid in protecting and healing the body. They help cleanse the entire body. Cranberries are good for cleansing the bladder and kidneys.

Natural Liver and kidney Cleanse (removes toxins not stones)

For seven (7) days. Along with you must eat wholesome rainbow foods.
2 large Apples (prevent gallstones)
1 celery 1 (useful for UTI’s, gout, HBP)
medium Carrot

Note: While it’s true that celery contains more sodium than most vegetables, the sodium is offset by very high levels of potassium. Furthermore, the amount of sodium is not significant even for the most salt-sensitive individuals.

One celery stalk contains approximately 32 milligrams of sodium and 104 milligrams of potassium and only 20 calories as carbohydrate.

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Month: May 2018

Top 10 Diseases & Conditions Part 9 of 10: Kidney Disease – “A Silent Killer”

GLOBAL FACTS: ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE

Topic Line Up:

The Common Kidney Diseases:

What puts you at risk for kidney disease?

Why Are the Kidneys So Important?

How To Treat Kidney Failure Naturally

**Most Hydrating Kidney Foods:**

READING LABELS:

Natures Pharmacy – Kidney-friendly foods

GLOBAL FACTS: ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE

Topic Line Up:

The Common Kidney Diseases:

What puts you at risk for kidney disease?

Why Are the Kidneys So Important?

How To Treat Kidney Failure Naturally

Most Hydrating Kidney Foods:

READING LABELS:

Natures Pharmacy – Kidney-friendly foods

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**Most Hydrating Kidney Foods:**