Promises of improved kidney function?

Posted by zeppo @zeppo, Jul 13, 2021

Is anyone aware of the naturopath with Kidney Disease Solutions at Kidney solution.net. ? He is promoting a book and diet that participants say are successful in increasing GFR.

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@csage1010

Hi Ginger, after seeing my primary care yesterday (and crying through the entire visit), we decided that it was best to try a newer generation antidepressant that may have less implications for CKD. My amlodipine was increased and my lisinopril was decreased. He agreed to monitor my GFR more closely.

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@csage1010 I know that being upset and showing emotion during a medical appointment might have seemed to be a sign of weakness in your mind, but rest assured it is normal. We are rightfully emotionally involved in our health, and often my anger/sadness/frustration comes out with drs I trust!

Yeah for his agreeing to monitor your eGFR closely. That is key and shows he heard you! I will be curious to hear what anti-depressant you decide on, and how you see it work for you.
Ginger

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We are starting with Luvox. Not my first choice but supposedly no issues with CKD.

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@citizenottawa

We should also keep in mind that if you take your GFR test 3 times at 3 different labs in the same day it would NOT be unusual to get very different scores (e.g., 52, 47, 61). The number means far less than the trend of your GFR scores over time. Be very careful before you assume your score has actually changed and before you attribute a random fluctuation in score to a specific treatment that does not have actual research from a refereed journal behind it.

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Great information thank you

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I have seen this and it is my belief that if it seems too good to be true it probably isn't. If it really works, it seems to me the whole world would know by now. Someone would have shared it. Most of us are all looking for magical, miracle cures for something. Just go to the diet, exercise or self help section of any book store. Be diligent, continue what you're doing. This is a tough disease with a difficult diet. Make walking 30 to 60 minutes part of your day. Get a second opinion. But, I don't think it's a good idea to get your medical advice from the internet. Good luck

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Has anyone in this forum used Ayurveda medicine for IgA Nephropathy for eGFR number at 32 and middle age person. There seems to lots of ads on about it but no real scientific papers. acupuncture seems to help with stress , heart rate and improvement of urine clarity after a months use. Variation of eGFR from 28, 32, 29 was noted from lab reports. Not much can be done by nephrologists at these numbers. Wait and watch.

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@badriv

Has anyone in this forum used Ayurveda medicine for IgA Nephropathy for eGFR number at 32 and middle age person. There seems to lots of ads on about it but no real scientific papers. acupuncture seems to help with stress , heart rate and improvement of urine clarity after a months use. Variation of eGFR from 28, 32, 29 was noted from lab reports. Not much can be done by nephrologists at these numbers. Wait and watch.

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@badriv

First, I have not heard nor told of Ayurveda by my nephrologist. I have been a CKD patient for many years. Over the last 15 months, my eGFR range has been from 37 to 45. I have also been seeing an acupuncturist weekly since January 2022 to stay at this level. On the contrary, in my opinion, much can be done to improve upon your numbers that you stated. Dietitian and PCP management regarding the right foods to eat as well as those to avoid may be a way to seek better health. Getting your nephrology labwork done by your PCP every 6 weeks. If diabetic or heart condition, try to keep these under control. I have been told by my nephrologist that weight loss and exercise will help considerably. There is no magic pill or holistic activity that can get your eGFR numbers higher without first heeding the advice of your PCP and dietitian since quite often it may be difficult to see a nephrologist every 3 months or so. The Indian practice of Ayurveda may be good, but may lack continuous proper care. Unfortunately, I do not see "wait and watch" as an acceptable approach.

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I have been an advocate for alternative approaches to wellness for many years, and believe there is merit to some suggestions and less merit to other approaches, mainly as it relates to herbal supplementation. Our minds and bodies have interesting conversations with each other. Often times, what we believe becomes a reality. Many advocates of alternative approaches do not acknowledge the harmful interactions that may develop when trying new herbs and herbal combinations. In this regard, be careful and do your research. Many approaches are helpful, whether it is from the product or from the mind-body connection. As for stating the internet is a poor source of information, I believe the internet offers more up-to-date information than is readily available from any other source if the person doing the research is diligent in searching out clinical reports that support the information. The patient can be supportive of their doctors, but they can also learn more about their disease from other sources.

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@collegeprof

@badriv

First, I have not heard nor told of Ayurveda by my nephrologist. I have been a CKD patient for many years. Over the last 15 months, my eGFR range has been from 37 to 45. I have also been seeing an acupuncturist weekly since January 2022 to stay at this level. On the contrary, in my opinion, much can be done to improve upon your numbers that you stated. Dietitian and PCP management regarding the right foods to eat as well as those to avoid may be a way to seek better health. Getting your nephrology labwork done by your PCP every 6 weeks. If diabetic or heart condition, try to keep these under control. I have been told by my nephrologist that weight loss and exercise will help considerably. There is no magic pill or holistic activity that can get your eGFR numbers higher without first heeding the advice of your PCP and dietitian since quite often it may be difficult to see a nephrologist every 3 months or so. The Indian practice of Ayurveda may be good, but may lack continuous proper care. Unfortunately, I do not see "wait and watch" as an acceptable approach.

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@collegeprof , thank you very much for your response.
Will keep this group posted of my experience with alternate medicine.
Acupuncture is definitely helping. My situation is elevated creatinine and high BP. No other symptoms so far

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@badriv
There can be many ways to succeed with treating your disease. I am lucky because my acupuncturist also has a Ph.D in Immunology from a great university. I also see a functional doctor from time to time who follows a holistic approach. The point to all of this is to see and work diligently with your medical team. If you get involved especially with a dietitian & PCP, your nephrologist and holistic program could work well to improve your kidney function. These people are your guiding light to help you succeed.

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