The Natural Beat

Tess November 29th, 2006

What do your Kidneys do?

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs in your abdomen which form a part of the urinary tract. They are responsible for filtering waste products and useful chemicals from your blood and eliminating the waste products into the urine. Without the kidneys, waste products and toxins would soon build up in the blood to dangerous levels and damage your body.

Your kidneys regulate the body’s level of necessary substances like water, sodium and potassium. The correct balance of such substances is vital for your body to function healthily, but excess amounts can be harmful.

As well as removing wastes, the kidneys are also responsible for releasing vital hormones. Renin is a hormone important in regulating salt levels and blood pressure. Erythropoietin is vital in the process of red blood cell formation in the bone marrow.

The kidneys also produce the biologically active form of Vitamin D which is used for absorbing calcium and maintaining the health and strength of your bones.

What can go wrong with your Kidneys?

As with all organs of the body, the kidneys are subject to a range of disorders and diseases. Kidney damage usually takes place gradually and without symptoms and it may only be after years of kidney disease that kidney functioning becomes noticeably decreased. Some people are born with only one kidney or donate one of their kidneys to a family member or friend. These people can live healthy and normal lives as long as their remaining kidney stays healthy. In kidney disease one can lose more than 75% of kidney functioning before the effects become obvious.

The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. If you or your family has a history of these diseases, you may be at risk for kidney problems. Some kidney diseases are inherited, for example Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). Infection, direct injury, poisons and drugs (Like prescription or over-the-counter painkillers) can also lead to serious kidney damage or dysfunction.

All of the above disorders and diseases can lead to decreased kidney function or kidney (renal) failure. This may happen suddenly (Acute Renal Failure) or, more commonly, gradually over years of disease (Chronic Renal Failure).

Kidney stones are also a very common problem. These are formed by clumps of crystals which can block the urinary system. Depending on the size of a kidney stone, it may be passed out in the urine unnoticed or cause severe pain- some may even require surgery.

What are the symptoms of kidney disease?

In the early stages of kidney disease, many people experience no symptoms at all. As kidney functioning deteriorates one may develop the following problems:

* A decreased amount of urine
* Urine that looks foamy or dark
* Pain in the flanks
* High Blood Pressure
* Loss of appetite
* Nausea and vomiting
* Itchiness
* Swollen face, hands or feet
* Muscle cramps

How is kidney disease diagnosed?

Although there are a number of tests that may be done to establish kidney disease, the urine sample your doctor takes is a common way that kidney problems may be first identified. For example, blood, protein, or white blood cells in the urine may indicate injury, infection, or inflammation of the kidneys, and glucose in the urine may be an indication of diabetes.

How is kidney disease usually treated?

The treatment of kidney disease will depend on the specific condition and may involve a number of prescription drugs including antibiotics and steroids. The control of blood pressure and diabetes also plays a major role in preventing further damage to diseased kidneys. In the case of kidney failure, dialysis (filtering of the blood by an artificial kidney machine) is required. In severe and irreversible cases of kidney failure, kidney transplant may be necessary.

Can natural remedies help?

If left untreated, kidney disease can become irreversible and can be a significant threat to your health. People with diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease also need to actively prevent kidney disease and keep these organs in optimum condition.

Kidney problems respond well to complementary medicine and a holistic approach (including diet). These will improve kidney functioning and ultimately decrease the need for prescription drugs or surgery.

What is Kidney Dr.?

Kidney Dr. is a 100% herbal remedy containing herbs known for their ability to improve the functioning of both healthy and diseased kidneys and act as a tonic for the entire urinary system.

Caution: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

Note: If you have high blood pressure or diabetes, keep it well controlled. Kidney Dr. may be combined with our Insulate Plus for Diabetes or our High-Rite and Aqua-Rite for high blood pressure.

Use Kidney Dr.:

* To improve functioning of the kidneys and urinary system.
* To prevent kidney damage caused by high blood pressure or diabetes.
* To help treat kidney disease and prevent further damage to the kidneys.
* To reduce cholesterol levels.
* To improve immune functioning and general health.

What are the ingredients of Kidney Dr.?

Kidney Dr. contains the following ingredients in our unique 100% herbal formula:

Agathosma betulina: - also called Buchu is a urinary antiseptic and possesses diuretic properties. Buchu has been used by the natives of the Western Cape of Southern Africa for many centuries. Early Dutch settlers used buchu to make a brandy tincture and Boegoebrandewyn (buchu brandy) is still used today to treat many disorders.

Berberis vulgaris:-also called Barberry, has been used medicinally for thousands of years and has documented use in Ancient Egypt - where it was used by pharaohs to ward off the plague. Berberine alkaloids contained in Barberry have demonstrated antibacterial and infection-fighting properties, stimulating microphages (white blood cells) to fight off infection and improving immune functioning. Barberry is also used extensively for kidney disease, kidney stones, gallbladder problems and enlarged spleen.

Polygonum multiflorum: also called He-shou-wu or Fo ti, is an important blood tonic in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is often prescribed for kidney and liver problems, to strengthen the blood, invigorate the liver and kidneys and revitalize the system. Studies also suggest that Fo ti has the ability to stimulate