Chronic kidney disease patients can improve kidney function with urate-lowering therapy

Chronic kidney disease patients can improve organ function with urate-lowering therapy. Chronic kidney disease is the gradual loss of kidney function. Higher levels of uric acid in gout patients can contribute to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Which brings up the question of whether lowering urate in the body can prevent CKD.

To answer this questions, researchers used a common gout treatment to lower levels of urate in CKD patients.

Lead author of the study Gerald Levy explained, “Progressive kidney disease leading to dialysis impacts patients on a daily basis and represents a major cost to the health care system. Controlling diabetes and hypertension are the primary tools to prevent end stage kidney disease. Normalizing serum uric acid level potentially is another tool to help prevent worsening kidney disease.”

The researchers examined data between 2008 and 2014 and identified 12,751 patients with serum urate levels above seven mg/dl. Of the group, 2,690 patients received urate-lowering therapies and serum urate levels were met in 42 percent of patients on the therapy. Furthermore, 17.1 percent of the patients showed improved kidney function.

Dr. Levy concluded, “This study suggests that patients with CKD should be tested for uric acid independent of whether they have gout or not. In patients with significantly elevated serum uric acid and moderate kidney failure, the addition of urate-lowering therapy may help stabilize or improve kidney function.”

Uric acid and kidney disease link

Aside from causing joint pain, excessive amounts of uric acid can contribute to kidney stones. Kidney stones are described as being one of the most painful experiences a person can encounter – some even report it’s more painful than childbirth! Although often kidney stones can be passed or removed, in some cases, they can damage the kidneys by causing an obstruction, which prevents the kidneys from filtering out waste, or by scarring the kidneys due to rough edges of the stones. Both scenarios can contribute to chronic kidney disease or even kidney failure.

If the kidneys have endured damage or kidney function has been reduced for three months or longer, chronic kidney disease can develop. In cases of kidney failure, dialysis may be required, which can cause further complications or even death.

Foods that lower uric acid

Some foods producing low levels of uric acid are

• Green vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Fruits
• Bread and cereal that are not wholegrain
• Butter, buttermilk, cheese, and eggs
• Chocolate and cocoa
• Coffee, tea, and carbonated beverages
• Peanut butter and nuts
• Low-fat or non-fat milk
• Low-fat yogurt

Foods producing moderate levels of uric acid

• Fish and seafood (aside from those listed in the section below)
• Oatmeal, wheat bran, and wheat germ

Foods producing high levels of uric acid

• Organ meats, liver, kidney, sweetbread, and brains
• Meat, bacon, beef, pork, and lamb
• Any meat in large quantities
• Anchovies, sardines, herring, mackerel, and scallops
• Gravy
• Beer

Lowering excess uric acid naturally

Here is what you need to incorporate into your diet to help reduce your levels of uric acid and prevent conditions like gout and kidney disease.

• Apple cider vinegar
• Baking soda
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Water
• High fiber foods
• Dairy products
• Wheatgrass juice
• Cherries