Home Remedies and Herbs for Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a broad-spectrum term for ailments that affect the kidneys. Also known as acute or chronic kidney failure, the term describes the body’s sudden or gradual loss of kidney function.²
 
The human body has two kidneys located in the lower back and to the left and right of the spine. They are responsible for filtering toxins, wastes and fluid excess from the body which are disposed of in urine. Kidneys also filter blood and assist in controlling blood pressure.^1,2
 
Acute kidney disease occurs suddenly and is often the result of an injury or some other illness. This can usually be controlled and treated with no long lasting effects. Chronic kidney disease is a long-term condition and occurs over many years, often the result of diabetes or hypertension.¹
 
When kidney disease reaches a state of advancement, toxic levels of waste, electrolytes and fluids build up in the blood and urine which is dangerous to all other body systems and organs.¹
 
Left untreated, chronic kidney disease can lead to total breakdown of the kidneys or end-stage kidney failure. Without dialysis or a kidney transplant, chronic kidney disease can be fatal.²

What Causes Kidney Disease
 
Kidney disease causes vary in individuals. Acute kidney disease can be brought on suddenly by another acute disease or injury to the kidneys. Chronic kidney disease is a condition of its own and occurs after a lengthy breakdown in the renal system. ²
 
Common kidney disease causes include the following conditions:

• High blood pressure or hypertension
• Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
• Glomerulonephritis, which is inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units
• Vesicoureteral reflux, which causes a urine backup in the kidneys
• Pyelonephritis, or recurrent kidney infection
• Obstruction of the urinary tract

People most at risk of suffering chronic kidney disease are:

• Diabetic
• Hypertensive
• Smokers
• Alcoholics
• Obese
• African-American
• Older age

Kidney Disease Symptoms
 
Acute or early-stage chronic kidney disease symptoms are few. Kidneys are very adaptable organs and are able to compensate and keep functioning in the early stages. The danger lies in kidney disease symptoms not being evident until irreversible damage has occurred. ²
 
Primary kidney disease symptoms include:

• Urination issues such as pain and frequency
• Fatigue and weakness
• Pain in lower back
• Blood in urine
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sleeplessness
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Hypertension
• Shortness of breath

Urine and blood tests are the only method of diagnosis kidney disease. Urine tests determine protein in the urine and blood tests look at the glomerular filtration rate.¹
 
Natural Remedies and Herbs for Kidney Disease
 
Kidney disease natural treatments include:

• Banaba Leaves - Banaba is an ornamental plants from the tropics that have been used for centuries as diuretics to cure urinary tract disorders and increase flow.
• Dill Weed - Dill is a culinary herb often dismissed as a weed. It grows naturally in Europe and Asia and is widely cultivated in North America. Dill has exceptional medicinal qualities including antibiotic and antioxidant treatment for kidney and urinary disorders.
• Couch Grass - Couch grass is rich in volatile oils, polysaccharides and mucilages that increase urine production and excretion. These benefits make couch grass an effective kidney disease natural cure.
• Fumitory - Fumitory is an herbal remedy known to act as a kidney disease natural treatment. Fumitory is available as a liquid or capsule natural health supplement.
• Labrador Tea - The leaves and shoots of the Labrador Tea plant are effective urinary system and kidney disease natural cures. They are consumed internally.
• Celeriac Leaf - Celery roots are another kidney disease natural treatment. They are natural diuretics containing potassium and sodium which are beneficial to kidney health.

References

1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-communication-programs/nkdep/learn/causes-kidney-disease/kidney-disease-basics/Pages/kidney-disease-basics.aspx
2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-kidney-disease/home/ovc-20207456
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/chronic-kidney-disease