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Kidneys are pair of organs located on our back on either side of our spine, which are cleaning the blood and filter waste and extra water from our body. They balance certain elements in the blood such as sodium, potassium, calcium and also make the hormones that control blood pressure and red blood cells.

Chronic kidney disease, also called chronic kidney failure, describes the gradual loss of kidney function. The main factors associated with the development of kidney disease are diabetes and overweight. That is why a healthy diet plays a very important role in relieving this condition. The main treatment for renal dysfunction can be supported by natural remedies some of which are – Coenzyme Q10, Vitamin E, Vitamin B6, Juniper berries, Dandelion root.

It is thought that CoQ10 supplementation may offer some therapeutic potential in the treatment of patients with CKD, since CoQ10 has a key role in normal mitochondrial function, as well as having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action.

Vitamin E – It has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and helps improve kidney function. Published studies have shown that taking 1,800 IU of vitamin E daily restores the kidneys’ ability to clear creatinine in diabetes.

Vitamin B6 – One of the important functions of vitamin B6, B12 and folic acid is to work together with iron to prevent anemia. Vitamin B6 is very important for the normal function of multiple organ systems and supports the kidneys by preventing the formation of dangerous glycation end products – AGEs. In the majority of patients with chronic renal failure and in patients during various forms of renal replacement therapy is observed vitamin B6 deficiency.

Juniper berries – Juniper is a powerful diuretic – a herb that increases the flow of urine, helping to cleanse the system of excess fluids and stimulating the kidneys. This causes the body to flush out uric acid and excess crystals that can cause many problems including gout, arthritis and kidney stones.

Dandelion root – Dandelion is both an herb and a valuable culinary plant, a natural biostimulator. Dandelion root is widely used to treat kidney and liver disorders, but can also be used for jaundice, anemia and acne, as well as soothing urinary tract irritation.

Garlic – Garlic is usually used to increase overall immune health and for its antioxidant properties. However, recent evidence has suggested that garlic could be used to promote overall kidney health due to its diuretic properties. It is believed that garlic has the potential to protect the kidneys from heavy metals, and other environmental poisons.

VITAMIN D AND CHRONIC KIDNEY FAILURE

How important is the balance of potassium, sodium, and phosphorus in the diet of the hemodialysis patients?

The lоw intake of potassium, sodium, and phosphorus is crucial when the case involves feeding patients on hemodialysis.

Potassium

Potassium is involved in the water balance maintaining and in the transmission of nerve impulses and muscles contractions and regulates the blood pressure.

High plasma potassium is a life-threating case of emergency and is an indicator that the patient has made a mistake with his/her diet. Such a state of health is called hyperkalemia and is distinguished by muscle weakness, paralytic symptoms and irregular heart beat, In patients with anuria (complete absence of diuresis) the potassium intake is limited up to 1.5 – 2.0 gr. per day.

Dietary recommendations: the intake of rich in K food is limited – stone fruits, beans, lentils, olives, nuts, vegetable juices, dietary salt, dried fruits. Potatoes and the other vegetables lose most of the potassium when they are pre-cut and soaked in water for 3 hours as well as when they are cooked for 30 minutes. When using canned fruits and vegetables the liquid must be removed beforehand. Fruit juices, dried fruits, and nuts must be avoided.

Sodium

It is crucial to minimize sodium intake and to avoid food additives and fast foods.  The use of salt causes fluid retention in the body and is a reason for high blood pressure, cardiac hypertrophy and eventually increases cardio-vascular mortality. Water and potassium control for patients on dialysis is important for the quality of the dialysis treatment and for their survival.

Dietary recommendations: to avoid rich in salt food – canned, marinated, salty and smoked products.

Phosphorus

Since phosphorus can not be fully extracted through dialysis, it is accumulated, thus damaging the bone structure and making bones fragile. The product of potassium and phosphorus values is called the potassium-phosphorus product and its levels should not overcome 4. Otherwise, it is subcutaneously accumulated and causes unpleasant itching.

Dietary recommendation: Foods high in phosphorus must be limited. Limiting the intake of phosphorus may also be done by decreasing the intake of proteins in food. However, this may cause malnutrition of the patient, which is highly undesirable. An efficient way of decreasing the serum phosphorus is the intake of calcium tablets while eating, since at that time the potassium intake is highest and its binding is most efficient.

This mineral may reach high levels in the blood and cause complications such as weak bones, heart problems, joint pain, and skin ulcers.