March is kidney month as detailed by the American Kidney Fund. In recognition, here is Bel Marra Health’s kidney health update, featuring information on rheumatoid arthritis, nephrotic syndrome, kidney damage, and yoga to improve kidney health.
Rheumatoid arthritis and kidneys: Protecting your kidneys from RA
Rheumatoid arthritis patients are at an increased risk for chronic kidney disease. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients have a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) along with an increase in inflammation within the first year of diagnosis, corticosteroid usage, hypertension, and obesity. The researchers recommend that rheumatoid arthritis patients be tested periodically for signs of kidney problems. Patients should also work to manage blood pressure by avoiding high-salt diets and scaling back on medications that can harm the kidneys.
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The study looked at 813 Mayo Clinic patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 813 patients without the condition. Over the course of 20 years, rheumatoid arthritis patients had a one in four chance of developing chronic kidney disease, in comparison to the general public who had a one in five chance. Continue reading…
Nephrotic syndrome (a kidney disease): Causes, symptoms, treatment, and diet
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder that results from the release of too much protein in the urine. When damage is caused to the blood vessels within the kidneys, which filter waste and water, it can lead to nephritic syndrome. Nephrotic syndrome leads to swelling of the feet and ankles, along with other health conditions as well.
To treat nephritic syndrome, it’s important to treat the underlying health issue causing it. Because nephrotic syndrome can lead to other complications, it’s important to begin treatment right away. Continue reading…
Anti-aging hormone may lead to treatments for kidney and heart disease
A deficiency of the anti-aging hormone klotho has been found in patients with diabetes who are also suffering from early stage kidney disease—a discovery that may lead to the development of new treatments. This hormone has previously been linked to the protection of the vascular system and has been found to help prevent abnormal symptoms of aging, such as atherosclerosis—the thickening of the artery walls. Atherosclerosis is characteristic of many age-related medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension, making klotho levels extremely relevant to healthy aging.
This newest study was conducted by King’s College London and tested blood and urine samples gathered from 78 participants with type 1 diabetes. Thirty-three of these participants were also showing signs of early stage diabetic kidney disease, also referred to as microalbuminuria. These 33 patients had much lower levels of klotho circulating in their systems, while the remaining participants had levels similar to those seen in healthy adults. Continue reading…
Faster and simpler way of detecting kidney damage developed
A new method for detecting and locating kidney damage has been developed by researchers from Aarhus University. The method combines the use of blood tests and/or urine tests to first diagnose whether the kidney has been injured by measuring the levels of an enzyme called fumarase. Fumarase is released from the cells of the kidney when they are damaged by an outside factor. Researchers have concluded that the higher the level of fumarase present in the blood or urine tests, the greater the damage sustained to the kidney.
Once damage has been confirmed, patients are placed in a scanner that allows doctors to determine which kidney is damaged, as well as the specific location of the damaged tissue. This method is effective as early as half an hour after the injury first occurs, and for as long as one full week afterwards. The whole process takes approximately 45 minutes, making it extremely efficient in diagnosing patients so the treatment can start sooner and any further damage is prevented. Continue reading…
Yoga for healthy kidneys: Reduce the risk of kidney stones and improve kidney function
Yoga can be beneficial in promoting kidney health. The main role of the kidneys is to help filter waste from the body, along with secreting necessary hormones and stabilizing blood pressure. The kidneys also help maintain homeostasis which goes to show how important the kidneys really are for the healthy functioning of the entire body, not just the urinary system.
Although modern medicine has come a long way in improving treatment for kidney diseases, there are natural remedies that can offer relief, too. Case in point, yoga can be an effective approach to the risk of kidney stones and improving kidney function.
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Yoga promotes overall well-being and a healthy lifestyle. It is a safe mode of treatment for kidney disease patients because it is not associated with any adverse side effects.
Yoga can stimulate and massage various organs, this way promoting health. When paired with a kidney-friendly diet, it can yield even better results and more significant improvement. Continue reading…
