Kidney Function Recovery

The human kidney, even as it struggles to overcome damage and disease, can heal if the affected person maintains a proper diet, medication, exercise and works proactively with physicians and specialists.

Basic Goals

• Those determined to realize kidney function recovery have two pressing dilemmas: a body that simply can't rid itself properly of waste and a mindset that must retrain itself to reduce the strain levied on weakened kidneys. Understanding the importance of implementing the best possible medical techniques and advice becomes paramount. Kidneys are indeed able to rejuvenate provided their owners are willing to exert themselves in treatment of this serious disease.

Diet

• The National Kidney Foundation says a kidney specialist (known as a nephrologist) should refer a patient to a dietitian for ideas in developing a balanced nutritional approach. Some dietitians specialize in kidney function recovery and are experts in providing this type of ideal diet. Normally, adoption of a low-protein meal plan is the first step. This is vital as waste products from protein force kidneys to exert more cleansing effort than that of other foods. A buildup of excess toxins in the blood brings on fatigue and appetite loss. Additionally, reducing the consumption of salt is crucial as patients strive to recover from painful and debilitating symptoms of swelling brought about by the kidney's inability to regulate water levels in the body.

  Anemia, a shortage of red blood cells, contributes to fatigue, and also to heart disease, the primary cause of death among those with kidney disorders. Dietitians will assist patients in growing their consumption of iron, the most important nutrient in the battle against anemia.

Managing Co-Conditions

• Unfortunately, kidney disease, hypertension and diabetes are medical conditions that go hand-in-hand. Kidneys regulate high blood pressure, so hypertension tends to become unmanageable when kidneys are suffering. Additionally, learning to avoid the onset of diabetes is vital to kidney function recovery. Maintenance of healthy weight and regular exercise are two of the keys in this effort. Current diabetics will help their kidney recovery by diligently monitoring blood-sugar levels and following prescribed medical dosage.

  It should be noted that heart disease is the primary cause of death among those with kidney disease, so maintenance of a heart-healthy lifestyle becomes doubly important for those seeking kidney function recovery.

Medications

• The Medical Education Institute advises kidney patients to be especially cautious with consumption of pain medication. Some over-the-counter pills like the brand names Advil, Aleve and Motrin contain ibuprofen and naproxen, ingredients known to negatively affect kidney function. These medications, especially used in conjunction with caffeine, can be especially damaging.

Healthy Habits

• Smokers with kidney disease tend to experience excessive amounts of protein collecting in the urine. As previously described, forcing kidneys to process too much protein is problematic. Diabetics who smoke may even see their kidney disease progress twice as quickly.

  And yes, exercise really is a panacea for most everything. According to "Exercise: A Guide for People on Dialysis" by Patricia Painter, PhD, exercise helps deter many of the ailments common to those with kidney disease; high blood pressure, diabetes, depression and heart disease, among others.

Herbs

• Dandelion, cat's claw, rosehips, cranberry, goldenrod and hawthorne are some of the primary herbs believed by natural health practitioners to contribute to overall kidney health. However, institutions such as the National Kidney Foundation, as well as many other physicians and researchers, maintain that there is no scientific evidence to support these herbs as providing any sort of health benefit. Those with kidney issues must consult their doctor or dietitian before utilizing natural herbs.