Top 10 Tips for Reducing Salt in Your Diet

Top 10 Tips for Reducing Salt in Your Diet When it comes to dietary sodium, less is certainly best, yet Americans today consume 50% more than the recommended daily quantities of sodium. Diets high in sodium increase blood pressure levels. High blood pressure damages the kidneys over time, and is a leading cause of kidney failure. To help Americans reduce salt intake to the ideal one teaspoon per day, the National Kidney Foundation offers 10 tips to reduce sodium in your diet. To help Americans reduce salt intake to the ideal one teaspoon per day, the National Kidney Foundation and Council of Renal Nutrition member Linda Ulrich offer 10 tips to reduce sodium in your diet. Use fresh, rather than packaged, meats. Fresh cuts of beef, chicken or pork contain natural sodium, but the content is still much less than the hidden extra sodium added during processing in products like bacon or ham. If a food item keeps well in the fridge for days or weeks, that’s a tip off that the sodium content is too high. Choose fresh fruit and vegetables, as well, since they are very low in sodium. Canned and frozen fruits are also low in sodium. When buying frozen vegetables, choose those that are labeled "fresh frozen" and do not contain added seasoning or sauces. Begin reading food labels as a matter of course. Sodium content is always listed on the label. Sometimes the high sugar content in a product like apple pie can mask the high sodium content so it’s important to check every label for sodium content. Compare various brands of the same food item until you find the one that has the lowest sodium content, since this will vary from brand to brand. Select spices or seasonings that do not list sodium on their labels, i.e. choose garlic powder over garlic salt. Before dining out, do your research. Visit the restaurant’s website which should list the sodium content of various dishes served there. Alternatively, when you’re at the restaurant and ready to order, you can request that the dish be served without salt. Beware of products that don't taste especially salty but still have high sodium content, such as cottage cheese. If you have elevated blood pressure, dietary sodium restriction can not only lower your blood pressure, but can enhance your response to blood pressure medications. Salt preference is an acquired taste that can be unlearned. It takes about 6-8 weeks to get used to eating food with much lower quantities of salt, but once it’s done, it’s actually difficult to eat foods like potato chips because they taste way too salty.

Take Steps to Keep Your Heart Healthy on Dialysis

Take Steps to Keep Your Heart Healthy on Dialysis What is cardiovascular disease? Cardiovascular disease means having problems with your heart and the blood vessels throughout your body, including brain, lungs and legs. Heart and blood vessel disease is common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Over time, the blood vessels that bring blood to the heart and brain can become blocked from a buildup of cells, fat and cholesterol. This reduces blood flow to the heart and brain and can cause heart attacks and strokes. Are there different kinds of heart and blood vessel disease? Yes. Some of the most common ones are: Coronary artery disease – The most common form of heart disease. It affects blood vessels of the heart and causes angina (chest pain) and heart attacks. Left ventricular hypertrophy – The muscle on the left side of the heart becomes thicker and does not working as well. Heart failure – The heart is not able to pump blood around the body as well as it should. Heart failure develops slowly over time. It can have a large impact on ability to perform daily activities. Stroke – Lack of blood flow to the brain. A stroke may be caused by a blood clot or bleeding in the brain from a broken blood vessel. Do dialysis patients have an increased risk for heart and blood vessel disease? Yes. Dialysis patients are much more likely than the general population to develop heart and blood vessel disease. This increased risk is related to kidney disease and other health problems like diabetes and high blood pressure. For this reason, it’s very important for dialysis patients to follow the steps to help prevent heart and blood vessel problems (see next section). If heart and blood vessel problems occur, patients need to follow their treatment plan carefully to avoid complications like heart attacks and strokes. Can dialysis patients do anything to help prevent heart and blood vessel disease? Yes. Take steps to control health problems that can lead to heart and blood vessel disease, especially diabetes and high blood pressure. Follow a healthy lifestyle-eat the right foods, exercise regularly and stop smoking. Here are some steps that can help prevent heart and blood vessel disease. Speak to your doctor about them. The doctor and other members of your health care team will work with you to develop a care plan that meets your needs. Control blood sugar if you have diabetes Check your blood sugar as often as your doctor tells you to. Follow your treatment plan of medications, diet and exercise. Keep high blood pressure controlled Follow your treatment plan carefully to control high blood pressure. The blood pressure pills usually preferred for people with CKD are called angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). They help to protect your heart. Be sure to follow your fluid and sodium (salt) limits to keep fluid from building up in your body and increasing your blood pressure. Ask your health care team about other steps to help prevent fluid buildup. The target blood pressure for dialysis patients before a dialysis treatment is less than 140/90. The target blood pressure after a dialysis treatment is less than 130/80. Ask your doctor or nurse if your blood pressure readings are on target. If you check your own blood pressure at home, keep a record of your daily blood pressures and show this to your doctor at each visit. If your blood pressure readings are not on target, ask your doctor what can be done to improve them. Reduce high cholesterol levels High blood levels of fats like cholesterol increase your chance of developing heart and blood vessel problems. You will have blood tests to check for total cholesterol and other fats in your blood. If your levels are too high, you may need to follow a low-fat diet and exercise more. Some patients may also need to take pills (such as a Statin) to help lower cholesterol. Follow a heart-healthy diet Your diet should have the right amount of protein and calories to keep you at a healthy weight. Your doctor and dietitian may also ask you to: Reduce foods that are high in saturated fats and cholesterol like eggs, whole milk, cheese and fried foods. (See NKF booklet “Heart Health on Dialysis: How Lipids Can Affect Your Heart”) for more information. Eat more foods that are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These include cold water fish like salmon, albacore tuna, lake trout and sardines, and other foods like flaxseed oil, canola oil and walnuts. If you are on a protein or potassium modified diet, speak to your doctor and dietitian before making any changes in your diet. Increase physical activity Be sure to ask your doctor about an exercise program that is right for you. Regular exercise helps you: Lower high cholesterol levels Control blood sugar levels if you have diabetes Reduce high blood pressure Lose excess weight Improve the fitness of your heart and lungs Increase your energy level Improve emotional well-being. Treat anemia CKD patients often develop anemia-a low red blood cell count. This makes you feel tired and can lead to a heart problem called left ventricular hypertrophy. This is a thickening of the muscle on the left side of the heart. Anemia can be treated with a hormone called erythropoietin (EPO) and extra iron. Correcting anemia helps to keep your heart healthy. Keep important minerals—calcium and phosphorus—in balance. These important minerals get out of balance when you have CKD. As a result, bones lose calcium and weaken over time. Some calcium may end up in parts of your body where it does not belong, like your heart and blood vessels. This makes your blood vessels get stiffer and narrower. When this happens, you are more likely to have a heart attack or stroke. You may need to: Follow a diet that is low in high-phosphorus foods like cola drinks, dairy foods, dried beans and peas and nuts and seeds. Discuss this diet with a registered dietitian. Take medications called phosphate binders. These help to keep your blood phosphorus level in a healthy range. Take an active form of vitamin D if your doctor orders it for you. Speak to your doctor about taking aspirin to prevent heart attacks Your doctor may ask you to take aspirin to help prevent heart attacks. Sometimes aspirin can cause bleeding problems. Ask your doctor what signs and symptoms you should look for to check for bleeding problems caused by aspirin. Reduce high homocysteine levels Homocysteine is an amino acid that is made in your body. High levels of homocysteine in your blood are associated with an increased chance of having heart and blood vessel problems. Getting enough folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 helps keep homocysteine levels in the normal range. Ask your doctor to give you the name of a vitamin that contains the right amounts of folic acid, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12 for people with kidney disease. Stop smoking if you are a smoker If you are a smoker, ask your doctor about a program to help you quit. Smoking makes you more likely to develop heart and blood vessel disease. Maintain emotional well-being At times, dialysis patients may feel depressed, angry or upset. These feelings can make it harder for you to follow your treatment plan, improve your health and return to your normal routine. They may also increase your chance of developing heart disease or of making it worse. It’s important to get treatment if you have these feelings. Talk to your dialysis social worker or your doctor to find out if counseling and/or medications may be helpful. Should dialysis patients have tests for heart and blood vessel disease? Yes. To check how well your heart is working, you should have: An electrocardiogram (ECG) when you first start dialysis and then once a year after that. An echocardiogram when you first start dialysis. If these tests show any problem, you may also need to have: A stress echocardiogram (a type of echocardiogram that includes exercise, usually on a treadmill) or a nuclear imaging test. These are done to check for a blocked artery. An angiogram (an x-ray of the heart or arteries) to locate a blocked area and help plan treatment. What type of treatment will I need if I have heart and blood vessel disease? Your treatment will depend on the exact type of heart and blood vessel disease you have. See the chart to find out about some of the treatments used for the most common types of heart and blood vessel disease. If you have a different type, your doctor will speak to you about the treatment you need.

ADRENAL GLANDS

ADRENAL GLANDS Adrenal glands are situated over the top of each kidney. Adrenal adenomas are non-cancerous tumors of the adrenal gland. They arise from the outer layer of the gland, called the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex normally makes hormones that belong to the steroid family. If an adrenal adenoma produces hormones, it is called 'functioning', though this term makes them sound healthy when in fact such adenomas often produce excessive amounts of steroid hormones. If an adenoma does not produce a hormone it is termed 'non-functioning'. Adrenal adenomas are often found by chance during a scan of the body for an unrelated condition. However, all adrenal masses (lumps) need careful evaluation to ascertain their nature, especially to see whether they are producing hormones. If an adrenal adenoma that is producing hormones is not treated, it can have serious consequences. The cause of adrenal adenomas is unknown, but the current accepted theory is that they arise because of mutations (changes) in certain genes (which are not yet identified). Adrenal adenomas are more common in some inherited diseases, including multiple endocrine neoplasia type Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome, the Carney complex and I. Also, patients with genetic defects of the body systems that manufacture steroid hormones (e.g. congenital adrenal hyperplasia), especially that condition is poorly controlled, may have a higher risk of adrenal adenomas. However, most adrenal adenomas are not linked with an inherited disease. The likelihood of developing an adenoma increases with age. About 6 per cent of patients over 60 years of age have an adrenal adenoma. SYMPTOMS Most patients with an adrenal adenoma will have no symptoms caused by the adenoma. However, even in symptom-free patients, proper investigations reveal that many adrenal adenomas produce abnormal amounts of steroid hormones to some degree. The commonest abnormality is the production of too much cortisol, a steroid hormone involved in the response to stress and energy balance. Adenomas that produce massive amounts of steroid hormones will cause obvious symptoms. Large amounts of cortical will cause Cushing's syndrome; too much aldosterone causes Conn’s syndrome, and an excess of male sex steroids causes acne and hair growth. Very rarely, bleeding can occur into adenomas and cause pain in the flanks or back. DIAGNOSIS Most adrenal adenomas are discovered by chance when an abdominal computed-tomography (CT) or magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) scan is done for unrelated symptoms. Others possibilities. More rarely, a mass in the adrenal gland is cancer that has spread from another part of the body, usually the lung or bowel (ie 'metastatic' cancer). Generally, the origin of the cancer is clear from the clinical examination or from simple tests such as a chest X-ray. In addition, the CT or MRI appearance of metastatic cancer in the adrenal gland can be distinguished from a benign adrenal adenoma by use of specialized radiology. An adrenal mass might also be a cancer of the adrenal cortex (adrenocortical carcinoma). Although they are very rare, these cancers are often large and can produce a combination of hormones. Adrenal masses can also arise from the inner part of the adrenal gland, called the adrenal medulla, which is part of the nervous system and produces the hormones adrenaline and nor adrenalin. Tumors of the adrenal medulla are called phaeochromocytomas, and they also can be distinguished from adenomas by specialized scanning techniques as well as by blood and urine tests for adrenaline and nor adrenalin. All these are treatable by CHINESE MASTER'S WAY OF TREATMENT . we have shown a high change of recovery. Hypoadrenalism (under activity of the adrenal glands) Adrenal glands are two small but very important glands, situated one above each kidney, which produce a range of hormones, or 'chemical messengers'. Under activity of the adrenal glands is called hypoadrenalism. Many of the symptoms of hypoadrenalism are due to a deficiency of the steroid hormone cortisol, which is a potentially fatal deficiency if left uncorrected. These are calling the Kidney's Yin deficiency. Each adrenal gland consists of two parts: an outer ring - the cortex an inner core - the medulla. The two parts have separate hormone functions and control mechanisms. The production of cortical in the cortex is controlled by the hormone adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), which is produced by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain which is also call the associated Kidney's Qi. FUNCTION OF PITUITARY GLAND IN ADRENAL FUNCTION The way in which the pituitary gland regulates the normal production of steroid hormones by the adrenal gland is through the secretion of ACTH. If the adrenal gland produces too little cortical, then there will be a lower level of cortical in the blood. This is sensed by the pituitary, which therefore will increase the release of ACTH, which in turn stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce more cortical. Conversely, too much circulating steroid hormone will switch off the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland, which in turn reduces the adrenal gland production of steroids. HYPOADRENALISM CAUSE Primary hypoadrenalism or Addison's disease, results from failure of the adrenal glands themselves. This is usually andautoimmune’ disease, where the immune system produces antibodies that attack tissues of the body rather than a virus or bacteria. In Addison's disease, antibodies attack the adrenal cortex, causing damage and scarring. Antibodies to the adrenal cortex can be detected in the blood of some patients. This is also call the Kidney’s Qi . Secondary hypoadrenalism or ACTH deficiency Secondary hypoadrenalism, or ACTH deficiency hypoadrenalism, is caused by diseases of the pituitary gland, which lead to adrenal failure as a secondary effect. Other causes Tuberculosis of the adrenal glands may also cause hypoadrenalism. This was a common cause of Addison's disease in Britain before the 20th century and remains a major cause in underdeveloped countries. Tuberculosis destroys the whole gland, both the cortex and the medulla. There are usually signs of tuberculosis in other organs, particularly the lungs. Destruction of the adrenal glands by tuberculosis is irreversible once hormonal deficiencies are clinically detectable. Being the Lung's which are the Metal and the Kidney the Water, Metal gives rise to Water, Lung give rise to Kidney, the Five Elements. The Kidney's Qi deficiency when it comes to too low a stage it may be dangerous, so act fast. ALL of these cases have been proven effective with CHINESE MASTER'S WAY OF TREATMENT. MALE MENOPAUSE, ANDROGEN DEFICIENCY and PADAM All men and women undoubtedly experience symptoms related to reduce production of sex hormones (sex steroids) as they get older. These changes affect individuals differently, could be balance and minimize of symptom with the use of CHINESE MASTER'S Herbal Medicine . Some people experience very few symptoms, whereas others are completely disabled by them. It is important to remember that this fall in sex hormone production is a natural process and not a disease. However, many unpleasant natural processes can be helped with CHINESE MASTER'S medical treatment just as effectively as diseases. In women, the fall in sex hormone production is quite abrupt and usually occurs over a few months or years in there 40s or 50s. The ovaries dramatically reduce their production of estrogens (the female-determining sex steroids), a woman's periods become disturbed and eventually stop (menopause). Menopausal women may also experience: hot flushes Sweating Mood changes Weight changes Breast changes Alterations in sexual response, such as vaginal dryness Changes in the level of sexual interest. In men, the fall in sex hormone production is much more gradual, developing over decades rather than months or years. Mental and physical changes can occur, but they are much more gradual and can easily be missed. As such, the term 'male menopause', or andropause, is probably not accurate. Instead, experts prefer to talk about 'partial androgen deficiency of the ageing male' (PADAM). Formation of testosterone (the principal male-determining sex steroid) falls gradually and progressively from the 40s onwards. Other hormones are also affected, including growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), parathyroid hormone and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Other endocrine (hormonal) disorders, such as hypothyroidism (thyroid under activity) and diabetes, are also more common with advancing age but are better understood. Research on treatment for the menopause in women is done widely in the western world, but very little research has been undertaken into PADAM and the effects of treatment except for Chinese Master in KL. A very considerable body of evidence supports the use of estrogen replacement in menopausal women, which in long term may cause cancer, but hormone supplementation in ageing men is highly controversial. Chinese Master has done many years of research and now has the formula’s for enhancing the male sexual hormone and keep it going for a very long time. What are androgens? Androgens are steroid hormones with specific effects on tissue growth (muscle, fat, skin, hair and others) and brain function. They play important roles in both men and women, but are produced in much bigger quantities for men. The testicles produce men after puberty, the majority of androgens, mainly as testosterone. Other androgens - dehydroepiandrostenedione (DHEA), its sulphate (DHEAS), and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - are produced in the adrenal cortex, skin and liver. Androgen deficiency can occur in younger men, and even in children and adolescents, as a result of testicular damage, genetic disorders, long term sickness or metabolic disorders. It is very important to get treatment at an early stage and receive our herbal treatment. Symptoms of androgen deficiency The symptoms: Circulation and the nervous system Hot flushes Sweating Insomnia Nervousness. Mood disturb Irritability and tiredness Decreased sense of well-being Lack of motivation Low mental energy Difficulty with short-term memory Depression Low self-esteem Being easily frightened. Masculinity and virility Decreased vigor and physical energy Diminished muscle strength. Sexuality Decreased interest in or desire for sex Less sexual activity Poor erections Reduced quality of orgasm Weakness of ejaculation Reduced volume of ejaculated fluid. Physical features include: diminished muscle mass Loss of body hair Abdominal obesity. Several other effects on body chemistry and metabolism occur, such as: Reduction in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and increase in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which increases the risk of developing coronary artery disease. Increase in total body fat (because of a fall in the proportion of body weight that is muscle rather than through weight gain). Osteoporosis Reduction in red cell volume (a reduction in the proportion of red blood cells to plasma.

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THE KIDNEYS AND HOW THEY WORK

The Kidneys and How They Work The kidneys are a pair of vital organs that perform many functions to keep the blood clean and chemically balanced. Understanding how the kidneys work can help a person keep them healthy. What do the kidneys do? The kidneys are bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines. Every day, a person’s kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to sift out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water. The wastes and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores urine until releasing it through urination. Wastes in the blood come from the normal breakdown of active tissues, such as muscles, and from food. The body uses food for energy and self-repairs. After the body has taken what it needs from food, wastes are sent to the blood. If the kidneys did not remove them, these wastes would build up in the blood and damage the body. The actual removal of wastes occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Each kidney has about a million nephrons. In the nephron, a glomerulus—which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary—intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. The glomerulus acts as a filtering unit, or sieve, and keeps normal proteins and cells in the bloodstream, allowing extra fluid and wastes to pass through. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave the blood and enter the urinary system. The kidneys remove wastes and water from the blood to form urine. Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureters. Kidneys Ureters Bladder What is renal function? The word “renal” refers to the kidneys. The terms “renal function” and “kidney function” mean the same thing. Health professionals use the term “renal function” to talk about how efficiently the kidneys filter blood. People with two healthy kidneys have 100 percent of their kidney function. Small or mild declines in kidney function—as much as 30 to 40 percent—would rarely be noticeable. Kidney function is now calculated using a blood sample and a formula to find the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The eGFR corresponds to the percent of kidney function available. The section “What medical tests detect kidney disease?” contains more details about the eGFR. Some people are born with only one kidney but can still lead normal, healthy lives. Every year, thousands of people donate one of their kidneys for transplantation to a family member or friend. For many people with reduced kidney function, a kidney disease is also present and will get worse. Serious health problems occur when people have less than 25 percent of their kidney function. When kidney function drops below 10 to 15 percent, a person needs some form of renal replacement therapy— either blood-cleansing treatments called dialysis or a kidney transplant—to sustain life. Why do kidneys fail? Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons, causing them to lose their filtering capacity. Damage to the nephrons can happen quickly, often as the result of injury or poisoning. But most kidney diseases destroy the nephrons slowly and silently. Only after years or even decades will the damage become apparent. Most kidney diseases attack both kidneys simultaneously. The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. People with a family history of any kind of kidney problem are also at risk for kidney disease. Diabetic Kidney Disease Diabetes is a disease that keeps the body from using glucose, a form of sugar, as it should. If glucose stays in the blood instead of breaking down, it can act like a poison. Damage to the nephrons from unused glucose in the blood is called diabetic kidney disease. Keeping blood glucose levels down can delay or prevent diabetic kidney disease. Use of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to treat high blood pressure can also slow or delay the progression of diabetic kidney disease. High Blood Pressure High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. The damaged vessels cannot filter wastes from the blood as they are supposed to. A doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication. ACE inhibitors and ARBs have been found to protect the kidneys even more than other medicines that lower blood pressure to similar levels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), one of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that people with diabetes or reduced kidney function keep their blood pressure below 130/80. Glomerular Diseases Several types of kidney disease are grouped together under this category, including autoimmune diseases, infection-related diseases, and sclerotic diseases. As the name indicates, glomerular diseases attack the tiny blood vessels, or glomeruli, within the kidney. The most common primary glomerular diseases include membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The first sign of a glomerular disease is often proteinuria, which is too much protein in the urine. Another common sign is hematuria, which is blood in the urine. Some people may have both proteinuria and hematuria. Glomerular diseases can slowly destroy kidney function. Blood pressure control is important with any kidney disease. Glomerular diseases are usually diagnosed with a biopsy—a procedure that involves taking a piece of kidney tissue for examination with a microscope. Treatments for glomerular diseases may include immunosuppressive drugs or steroids to reduce inflammation and proteinuria, depending on the specific disease. Inherited and Congenital Kidney Diseases Some kidney diseases result from hereditary factors. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), for example, is a genetic disorder in which many cysts grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts can slowly replace much of the mass of the kidneys, reducing kidney function and leading to kidney failure. 3 The Kidneys and How They Work Some kidney problems may show up when a child is still developing in the womb. Examples include autosomal recessive PKD, a rare form of PKD, and other developmental problems that interfere with the normal formation of the nephrons. The signs of kidney disease in children vary. A child may grow unusually slowly, vomit often, or have back or side pain. Some kidney diseases may be silent—causing no signs or symptoms—for months or even years. If a child has a kidney disease, the child’s doctor should find it during a regular checkup. The first sign of a kidney problem may be high blood pressure; a low number of red blood cells, called anemia; proteinuria; or hematuria. If the doctor finds any of these problems, further tests may be necessary, including additional blood and urine tests or radiology studies. In some cases, the doctor may need to perform a biopsy. Some hereditary kidney diseases may not be detected until adulthood. The most common form of PKD was once called “adult PKD” because the symptoms of high blood pressure and renal failure usually do not occur until patients are in their twenties or thirties. But with advances in diagnostic imaging technology, doctors have found cysts in children and adolescents before any symptoms appear. Other Causes of Kidney Disease Poisons and trauma, such as a direct and forceful blow to the kidneys, can lead to kidney disease. Some over-the-counter medicines can be poisonous to the kidneys if taken regularly over a long period of time. Anyone who takes painkillers regularly should check with a doctor to make sure the kidneys are not at risk. How do kidneys fail? Many factors that influence the speed of kidney failure are not completely understood. Researchers are still studying how protein in the diet and cholesterol levels in the blood affect kidney function. Acute Kidney Injury Some kidney problems happen quickly, such as when an accident injures the kidneys. Losing a lot of blood can cause sudden kidney failure. Some drugs or poisons can make the kidneys stop working. These sudden drops in kidney function are called acute kidney injury (AKI). Some doctors may also refer to this condition as acute renal failure (ARF). AKI may lead to permanent loss of kidney function. But if the kidneys are not seriously damaged, acute kidney disease may be reversed. Chronic Kidney Disease Most kidney problems, however, happen slowly. A person may have “silent” kidney disease for years. Gradual loss of kidney function is called chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chronic renal insufficiency. People with CKD may go on to develop permanent kidney failure. They also have a high risk of death from a stroke or heart attack. End-stage Renal Disease Total or nearly total and permanent kidney failure is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). People with ESRD must undergo dialysis or transplantation to stay alive. What are the signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD)? People in the early stages of CKD usually do not feel sick at all. People whose kidney disease has gotten worse may • need to urinate more often or less often • feel tired • lose their appetite or experience nausea and vomiting • have swelling in their hands or feet • feel itchy or numb • get drowsy or have trouble concentrating • have darkened skin • have muscle cramp What medical tests detect kidney disease? Because a person can have kidney disease without any symptoms, a doctor may first detect the condition through routine blood and urine tests. The National Kidney Foundation recommends three simple tests to screen for kidney disease: a blood pressure measurement, a spot check for protein or albumin in the urine, and a calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on a serum creatinine measurement. Measuring urea nitrogen in the blood provides additional information. Blood Pressure Measurement High blood pressure can lead to kidney disease. It can also be a sign that the kidneys are already impaired. The only way to know whether a person’s blood pressure is high is to have a health professional measure it with a blood pressure cuff. The result is expressed as two numbers. The top number, which is called the systolic pressure, represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is beating. The bottom number, which is called the diastolic pressure, shows the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. A person’s blood pressure is considered normal if it stays below 120/80, stated as “120 over 80.” The NHLBI recommends that people with kidney disease use whatever therapy is necessary, including lifestyle changes and medicines, to keep their blood pressure below 130/80. Microalbuminuria and Proteinuria Healthy kidneys take wastes out of the blood but leave protein. Impaired kidneys may fail to separate a blood protein called albumin from the wastes. At first, only small amounts of albumin may leak into the urine, a condition known as microalbuminuria, a sign of deteriorating kidney function. As kidney function worsens, the amount of albumin and other proteins in the urine increases, and the condition is called proteinuria. A doctor may test for protein using a dipstick in a small sample of a person’s urine taken in the doctor’s office. The color of the dipstick indicates the presence or absence of proteinuria. A more sensitive test for protein or albumin in the urine involves laboratory measurement and calculation of the protein-to-creatinine or albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Creatinine is a waste product in the blood created by the normal breakdown of muscle cells during activity. Healthy kidneys take creatinine out of the blood and put it into the urine to leave the body. When the kidneys are not working well strand of tissue less than an inch long. For the procedure, the patient lies facedown on a table and receives a local anesthetic to numb the skin. The sample tissue will help the doctor identify problems at the cellular level. For more information, see the fact sheet Kidney Biopsy from the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. What are the stages of CKD? A person’s eGFR is the best indicator of how well the kidneys are working. An eGFR of 90 or above is considered normal. A person whose eGFR stays below 60 for 3 months or longer has CKD. As kidney function declines, the risk of complications rises. Moderate decrease in eGFR (30 to 59). At this stage of CKD, hormones and minerals can be thrown out of balance, leading to anemia and weak bones. A health care provider can help prevent or treat these complications with medicines and advice about food choices. Severe reduction in eGFR (15 to 29). The patient should continue following the treatment for complications of CKD and learn as much as possible about the treatments for kidney failure. Each treatment requires preparation. Those who choose hemodialysis will need to have a procedure to make veins in their arms larger and stronger for repeated needle insertions. For peritoneal dialysis, one will need to have a catheter placed in the abdomen. A catheter is a thin, flexible tube used to fill the abdominal cavity with fluid. A person may want to ask family or friends to consider donating a kidney for transplantation. Kidney failure (eGFR less than 15). When the kidneys do not work well enough to maintain life, dialysis or a kidney transplant will be needed. In addition to tracking eGFR, blood tests can show when substances in the blood are out of balance. If phosphorus or potassium levels start to climb, a blood test will prompt the health care provider to address these issues before they permanently affect the person’s health. What can be done about CKD? Unfortunately, CKD often cannot be cured. But people in the early stages of CKD may be able to make their kidneys last longer by taking certain steps. They will also want to minimize the risks for heart attack and stroke because CKD patients are susceptible to these problems. • People with reduced kidney function should see their doctor regularly. The primary doctor may refer the patient to a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney disease. • People who have diabetes should watch their blood glucose levels closely to keep them under control. They should ask their health care provider about the latest in treatment. • People with reduced renal function should avoid pain pills that may make their kidney disease worse. They should check with their health care provider before taking any medicine. Controlling Blood Pressure People with reduced kidney function and high blood pressure should control their blood pressure with an ACE inhibitor or an ARB. Many people will require two or more types of medication to keep their blood pressure below 130/80. A diuretic is an important addition when the ACE inhibitor or ARB does not meet the blood pressure goal. Changing the Diet People with reduced kidney function need to be aware that some parts of a normal diet may speed their kidney failure. Protein. Protein is important to the body. It helps the body repair muscles and fight disease. Protein comes mostly from meat but can also be found in eggs, milk, nuts, beans, and other foods. Healthy kidneys take wastes out of the blood but leave in the protein. Impaired kidneys may fail to separate the protein from the wastes. Some doctors tell their kidney patients to limit the amount of protein they eat so the kidneys have less work to do. But a person cannot avoid protein entirely. People with CKD can work with a dietitian to create the right food plan. Cholesterol. Another problem that may be associated with kidney failure is high cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol in the blood may result from a high-fat diet. Cholesterol can build up on the inside walls of blood vessels. The buildup makes pumping blood through the vessels harder for the heart and can cause heart attacks and strokes. Sodium. Sodium is a chemical found in salt and other foods. Sodium in the diet may raise a person’s blood pressure, so people with CKD should limit foods that contain high levels of sodium. High-sodium foods include canned or processed foods like frozen dinners and hot dogs. Potassium. Potassium is a mineral found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, potatoes, bananas, dried fruits, dried beans and peas, and nuts. Healthy kidneys measure potassium in the blood and remove excess amounts. Diseased kidneys may fail to remove excess potassium. With very poor kidney function, high potassium levels can affect the heart rhythm. Not Smoking Smoking not only increases the risk of kidney disease, but it also contributes to deaths from strokes and heart attacks in people with CKD. Treating Anemia Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not contain enough red blood cells. These cells are important because they carry oxygen throughout the body. A person who is anemic will feel tired and look pale. Healthy kidneys make the hormone EPO, which stimulates the bones to make red blood cells. Diseased kidneys may not make enough EPO. A person with CKD may need to take injections of a form of EPO. Preparing for End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD) As kidney disease progresses, a person needs to make several decisions. People in the later stages of CKD need to learn about their options for treating the last stages of kidney failure so they can make an informed choice between hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplantation. What happens if the kidneys fail completely? Total or nearly total and permanent kidney failure is called ESRD. If a person’s kidneys stop working completely, the body fills with extra water and waste products. This condition is called uremia. Hands or feet may swell. A person will feel tired and weak because the body needs clean blood to function properly. Untreated uremia may lead to seizures or coma and will ultimately result in death. A person whose kidneys stop working completely will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation. Transplantation A donated kidney may come from an anony-mous donor who has recently died or from a living person, usually a relative. The kidney must be a good match for the patient’s body. The more the new kidney is like the per-son receiving the kidney, the less likely the immune system is to reject it. The immune system protects a person from disease by attacking anything that is not recognized as a normal part of the body. So the immune system will attack a kidney that appears too “foreign.” The patient will take special drugs to help trick the immune system so it does not reject the transplanted kidney. Unless they are causing infection or high blood pressure, the diseased kidneys are left in place. Kidneys from living, related donors appear to be the best match for success, but kidneys from unrelated people also have a long survival rate. Patients approaching kidney failure should ask their doctor early about starting the process to receive a kidney transplant. • The kidneys are two vital organs that keep the blood clean and chemically balanced. • Kidney disease can be detected through a spot check for protein or albumin in the urine and a calculation of glom-erular filtration rate (GFR) based on a blood test. • The progression of kidney disease can be slowed, but it cannot always be reversed. • End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the total or nearly total and permanent loss of kidney function. • Dialysis and transplantation can extend the lives of people with kidney failure. • Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney failure. • People with reduced kidney function should see their doctor regularly. Doc-tors who specialize in kidney disease are called nephrologists. • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. • People in the early stages of CKD may be able to save their remaining kidney function for many years by controlling their blood glucose controlling their blood pressure following a low-protein diet maintaining healthy levels of choles-terol in the blood taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angio-tensin receptor blocker (ARB)

AMD related to Kidney disease
AMD related to kidney disease? A new study finds a relationship between serum cystatin C level (a measure of kidney function) and chronic kidney disease (defined by glomerular filtration rate) with the incidence of AMD.

The finding of a relationship of complement factor H Y402H (1277T->C) genotype status to both age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and kidney disease has led to speculation that kidney disease might be associated with AMD. Furthermore, many factors associated with chronic kidney disease such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and endothelial dysfunction have been hypothesized to have a role in the pathogenesis of AMD.

Cystatin C is abundant in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells and has been hypothesized to have a role in the pathogenesis of AMD. Cystatin C is an inhibitor of cysteine proteinases (known as cathepsins). It has been hypothesized that cathepsins are involved in the pathogenesis of AMD. Data from cell culture and animal studies suggest that cathepsins may maintain homeostasis of the retinal photoreceptors and the extracellular environment of the Bruch membrane. The deleterious effect of a high serum cystatin C concentration is postulated to be due to its reduction of the protective effect of cathepsins. Inhibition of cathepsins increases the release of antineogenic endostatins from Bruch membrane, resulting in higher risk of exudative AMD. Serum levels of cystatin C tend to be higher in persons with impaired kidney function.

This research analyzed data from the Beaver Dam Eye Study, a population-based study of 4926 residents of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin that were aged 43 to 86 years at baseline. AMD was determined by grading photographs of the macula. The level of serum cystatin C was determined using a nephelometer. Individuals were defined as having mild or moderate to severe chronic kidney disease based on a glomerular filtration rate of more than 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or less and 45 mL/min/1.73 m2 or less, respectively, according to the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation.
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While controlling for age and other risk factors, the level of serum cystatin C at baseline was associated with the 15-year cumulative incidence of early AMD (odds ratio: 1.16) and exudative AMD (1.42) but not geographic atrophy (0.89) or progression of AMD (1.02). Mild chronic kidney disease (defined by glomerular filtration rate) was associated with the 15-year cumulative incidence of early AMD (odds ratio: 1.36) but not the incidence of other AMD end points.

The researchers found that when controlling for age, sex, smoking status, and other risk factors, a higher level of serum cystatin C was associated with increased risk of incident early AMD and exudative AMD. The effect was stronger for incident exudative AMD in individuals without chronic kidney disease compared with those with chronic kidney disease, which suggests that this relationship might not be due to kidney-related processes. They also found a statistically significant relationship of mild chronic kidney disease (defined by glomerular filtration rate) with the incidence of early AMD but not with exudative AMD, geographic atrophy, or progression of AMD. The underlying biological processes responsible for these findings remain to be determined.

The investigators conclude that there is a relationship between the level of serum cystatin C and chronic kidney disease with the incidence of AMD.

Intake of citrus fruits—prevents Kidney stones. Really
Kidney stones strike more than a million Americans every year. Sometimes, it causes hurting to bring them factually to their knees.
Along with medication to dampen the formation of kidney stones, fatalities are often buoyant to make nutritional changes, among them intake of more citrus juices. Citrate in the fruit juices often reduces the creation of calcium oxalate stones and also lowers urine acidity, almost like the kidney stone prescription potassium citrate.

Kidney failure is also known by chronic renal failure and end stage renal disease. The kidney failure disease occurs when metabolism produces and rapidly increases in the body. These products are harmful for body and liver filters some toxin when it comes in body for breathing then these products again get filtered and expelled as urine. Thus, those toxins get accommodated on the liver and kidney. Kidney started to anomaly in working and it become dangerous for kidney so the result, kidneys are not able to work properly and this stage is known as kidney failure.
Symptoms of kidney failure
The symptoms of kidney failure are given below-
1. Digestion of food is not well that means food can not be digested completely.
2. Vomit occurs after eating because liver is not able to digest food.
3. Swelling in foot or feet and heavy pain occurs in it.
4. Some time pain occurs in back and stomach.
5. Change in urination is the big symptom of kidney failure.
6. Short breathing is started because heart is also affected by that harmful product.
7. Itching in body because blood circulation got slow due to blood pumping by heart already got slow by that harmful products.
These are the main symptoms which are definitely shown in kidney failure patients. Some time kidney is also affected by nutrients or large use of nutrients. Generally kidney is affected by protein because this nutrient presents in mostly food and vegetable.

Causes of kidney failure
The causes which are responsible for kidney failure are given below-
1. Use of Nicotine, Smocking, Alcohol etc. these things are very harmful for human body.
2. More use of nutrients is also harmful for body.
3. Poor intake of fluid means when blood circulation got slow then the fluid which is produces by body is also got slow then result swelling in foot.
4. Problem occurs during urination.
5. More use of oily food.
These are the common reasons due to kidney failure possible but for preventing from kidney failure some diet tips are also given below.
Diet tips for kidney failure patients
There are some tips are here which helps in kidney failure diet-
1. Eat healthy food like green vegetables, corns, pulses etc.
2. Take nutrients in similar manner means don’t take any nutrients in more amounts.
3. Eat balance amount of protein like fish, chicken, meet etc.
4. Much amount of potassium is dangerous for body so avoid more use of salt.
5. Avoid heavy drink because liquid is quickly gone to the kidney and kidney is not able to filter for urine and due to it tissues of body got swelled.
6. Avoid more use of milk, cheese, butter, oil and those things in which oil is presented.

Treatment for kidney failure
There are many treatments available for kidney failure but it is possible until kidneys are not destroyed totally. So it is necessary that if you feel any symptoms from these so quickly go to the doctor and do check-up for conform it.
1. Dialysis is the treatment for kidney failure but doctors suggest you that you need of it or not.
2. Kidney transplant is the treatment when your kidney is totally destroyed and not able to work.

Home remedy for kidney failure
1. Burdock: – By use of burdock you can do treatment of kidney failure. Take one table spoon of dry powdered burdock and boil it with one glass of water for 5 minutes and then drink this water daily 3 times in a day.
2. Cucumber: – Cucumber is a very useful thing which helps in treatment of kidney failure and it also easily available in the market. Take it daily with food as salad.

• Botanic Choice Ultra Kidney Complex Capsules, 60-Count Bottle
• Native Remedies Kidney Doctor, 50 ml
• Kidney Well II – Concentrated Herbal Blend – Dietary Supplement
• Balanceuticals NephroEase Dietary Supplement Capsules, 500 mg, 60-Count Bottle
• “Special” Kidney Mix Tea
• Renatrophin PMG (90 Tablets)
• Phyto & Antioxidant (100 Capsules) – Concentrated Herbal Blend – Dietary Supplement

Stem Cell Therapy for Kidney Failure