Promises of improved kidney function?

Hi @zeppo, If you glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is lower than normal, your doctor needs to evaluate the reason for your abnormal result. If you've been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease, changes to your diet may help improve or slow decline of your GFR and lessen your risk of kidney failure.

I am not familiar with the website or book that you mention. Your doctor or dietician can also be a good resource for dietary recommendations.

Have you been diagnosed with CKD?

Hi, yes been diagnosed and am working on my diet. But my diet and lifestyle have been good for many years and the reason for my dx is unknown. No hypertension, diabetes, weight issues or smoking. But am now more severely limiting my potassium as it’s at the upper range and following a renal diet. Other than that, there does not seem that there is anything else I can do.

I want to comment that I was able to improve my GFR and Creatinine after just 3 months with an accomplished Acupuncurist and Chinese herbs. My creatinine was 1.14 and my GFR 45. I improved these numbers to 1.0 and 55 respectively. I have been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in the last 2 years. Using acupuncture and long term Chinese therapy has been known to improve kidney function. I can only comment on my progress ( which I’m really pleased about) after only 3 months. That was the only thing I changed (I also improved my Potassium by following a low K diet. This approach is long term. I plan to continue with this into the future.

@zeppo Congratulations on improving your kidney numbers! Time and time again, we see members who become more aware of their own health journey, and step up to do something to make healthier choices and better living. I'm glad to hear this is working for you! Have you noticed changes in energy and focus?
Ginger

I don’t think my energy level has really changed. I’ve been generally quite healthy except for the shock of discovering I had kidney disease as I have no other mitigating factors(that is, no high BP, diabetes or anything else). I’m vegan and follow a very good plant based diet and have for years. The only thing is that I’m 72 yrs old!

By low potassium, did you go vegan?

@zeppo There is a natural decline in kidney function as we age, just like all the organs. My dad lived to age 95, his mind was very sharp, but his body got tired.

You mentioned blood pressure and diabetes, which are two of the biggest causes for kidney disease. There are also hereditary factors, some long-term medications, and lifestyle. As you have found, dietary awareness plays a big role no matter the health issue. Glad you found a path that works for you!
Ginger

How did you find Acupuncturist and know which herbs to take

I found a Chinese trained Acupuncturist who knew how to treat kidney disease. He also was knowledgeable about using specific Chinese herbs. You would have to ask around to people you know and /or approach a licensed Acupuncture school for referrals.

My potassium was slightly high. However I was already Vegan and as a vegetarian, one must watch vegetables as well as some veggies, like squash, potatoes, tomatoes are high in Potassium.