Search
Shop by Category
Health Conditions
Herbs We Use
Articles and Research
Shopping Cart
Your cart is empty.

Kidney Disease & Problems


Kidneys

What Your Kidneys Do

You have two kidneys. They are bean-shaped, and about the size of a fist. They are located in the middle of your back, on the left and right sides of your spine, just below your rib cage. Their main job is to filter extra water and wastes out of your blood and make urine. They also help control blood pressure and make hormones that your body needs to stay healthy.

Signs of Kidney Problems & Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic kidney diseasecalled kidney disease here for shortis a condition in which the small blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, making the kidneys unable to do their job. Waste then builds up in the blood, harming the body.

 

Read About Kidney Health Support...*

 

What Causes Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease is most often caused by diabetes or high blood pressure.
Diabetes and high blood pressure damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, so the kidneys are not able to filter the blood as well as they used to. Usually this damage happens slowly, over many years. As more and more blood vessels are damaged, the kidneys eventually stop working.

Other risk factors for kidney disease are cardiovascular (heart) disease and a family history of kidney failure. If you have any of these risk factors, you should get tested for kidney disease.

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Disease?

Early kidney disease has no symptoms
That means you cant feel that you have it. In fact, you might feel just fine until your kidneys have almost stopped working. Dont wait for symptoms. Blood and urine tests are the only way to know if you have kidney disease. A blood test measures your GFR and a urine test checks for protein. Learn more about tests for kidney disease.

How Is the Treatment for Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease can be treated if detected early.
The right treatment can help prevent further kidney damage and slow down kidney disease. The earlier kidney disease is found, the sooner you can take medications, called ACE inhibitors or ARBs, and other steps that can keep your kidneys healthy longer. Learn more about how to keep your kidneys healthy.

Kidney disease is progressive.
Kidney disease does not go away. Instead, it usually gets worse over time. Kidney disease can turn into kidney failure, at which point dialysis or a kidney transplant is needed. Kidney disease can also lead to heart disease. Learn more about what happens if your kidneys fail.

Take the first step
If you are at risk, get your blood and urine checked for kidney disease.

 

Sources: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/index.htm, http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/patients/kidney_disease_information.htm

 

Read About Kidney Health Support...*

 

 

The Kidneys & How They Work

Kidney Information Below on this page:

The kidneys are a pair of vital organs that perform many functions to keep the blood clean and chemically balanced. Understanding how the kidneys work can help a person keep them healthy.

What do the kidneys do?

The kidneys are bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage, one on each side of the spine. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines. Every day, a persons kidneys process about 200 quarts of blood to sift out about 2 quarts of waste products and extra water. The wastes and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The bladder stores urine until releasing it through urination.

Drawing of the urinary tract in a male figure with labels for the kidneys, bladder, and ureters.
The kidneys remove wastes and water from the blood to form urine. Urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureters.

Wastes in the blood come from the normal breakdown of active tissues, such as muscles, and from food. The body uses food for energy and self-repairs. After the body has taken what it needs from food, wastes are sent to the blood. If the kidneys did not remove them, these wastes would build up in the blood and damage the body.

The actual removal of wastes occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Each kidney has about a million nephrons. In the nephron, a glomeruluswhich is a tiny blood vessel, or capillaryintertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. The glomerulus acts as a filtering unit, or sieve, and keeps normal proteins and cells in the bloodstream, allowing extra fluid and wastes to pass through. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave the blood and enter the urinary system.

Drawing of a kidney. Labels show where blood with wastes enter the kidney, clean blood leaves the kidney, and wastes (urine) are sent to the bladder. An inset shows a microscopic view of a nephron. Labels point to the glomerulus and the tubule.
In the nephron (left), tiny blood vessels intertwine with urine-collecting tubes. Each kidney contains about 1 million nephrons.

At first, the tubules receive a combination of waste materials and chemicals the body can still use. The kidneys measure out chemicals like sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and release them back to the blood to return to the body. In this way, the kidneys regulate the bodys level of these substances. The right balance is necessary for life.

In addition to removing wastes, the kidneys release three important hormones:

  • erythropoietin, or EPO, which stimulates the bone marrow to make red blood cells
  • renin, which regulates blood pressure
  • calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D, which helps maintain calcium for bones and for normal chemical balance in the body

[Top]

What is renal function?

The word renal refers to the kidneys. The terms renal function and kidney function mean the same thing. Health professionals use the term renal function to talk about how efficiently the kidneys filter blood. People with two healthy kidneys have 100 percent of their kidney function. Small or mild declines in kidney functionas much as 30 to 40 percentwould rarely be noticeable. Kidney function is now calculated using a blood sample and a formula to find the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). The eGFR corresponds to the percent of kidney function available. The section What medical tests detect kidney disease? contains more details about the eGFR.

Some people are born with only one kidney but can still lead normal, healthy lives. Every year, thousands of people donate one of their kidneys for transplantation to a family member or friend.

For many people with reduced kidney function, a kidney disease is also present and will get worse. Serious health problems occur when people have less than 25 percent of their kidney function. When kidney function drops below 10 to 15 percent, a person needs some form of renal replacement therapyeither blood-cleansing treatments called dialysis or a kidney transplantto sustain life.

[Top]

Why do kidneys fail?

Most kidney diseases attack the nephrons, causing them to lose their filtering capacity. Damage to the nephrons can happen quickly, often as the result of injury or poisoning. But most kidney diseases destroy the nephrons slowly and silently. Only after years or even decades will the damage become apparent. Most kidney diseases attack both kidneys simultaneously.

The two most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. People with a family history of any kind of kidney problem are also at risk for kidney disease.

Diabetic Kidney Disease

Diabetes is a disease that keeps the body from using glucose, a form of sugar, as it should. If glucose stays in the blood instead of breaking down, it can act like a poison. Damage to the nephrons from unused glucose in the blood is called diabetic kidney disease. Keeping blood glucose levels down can delay or prevent diabetic kidney disease. Use of medications called angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) to treat high blood pressure can also slow or delay the progression of diabetic kidney disease.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys. The damaged vessels cannot filter wastes from the blood as they are supposed to.

A doctor may prescribe blood pressure medication. ACE inhibitors and ARBs have been found to protect the kidneys even more than other medicines that lower blood pressure to similar levels. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), one of the National Institutes of Health, recommends that people with diabetes or reduced kidney function keep their blood pressure below 130/80.

Glomerular Diseases

Several types of kidney disease are grouped together under this category, including autoimmune diseases, infection-related diseases, and sclerotic diseases. As the name indicates, glomerular diseases attack the tiny blood vessels, or glomeruli, within the kidney. The most common primary glomerular diseases include membranous nephropathy, IgA nephropathy, and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. The first sign of a glomerular disease is often proteinuria, which is too much protein in the urine. Another common sign is hematuria, which is blood in the urine. Some people may have both proteinuria and hematuria. Glomerular diseases can slowly destroy kidney function. Blood pressure control is important with any kidney disease. Glomerular diseases are usually diagnosed with a biopsya procedure that involves taking a piece of kidney tissue for examination with a microscope. Treatments for glomerular diseases may include immunosuppressive drugs or steroids to reduce inflammation and proteinuria, depending on the specific disease.

Inherited and Congenital Kidney Diseases

Some kidney diseases result from hereditary factors. Polycystic kidney disease (PKD), for example, is a genetic disorder in which many cysts grow in the kidneys. PKD cysts can slowly replace much of the mass of the kidneys, reducing kidney function and leading to kidney failure.

Some kidney problems may show up when a child is still developing in the womb. Examples include autosomal recessive PKD, a rare form of PKD, and other developmental problems that interfere with the normal formation of the nephrons. The signs of kidney disease in children vary. A child may grow unusually slowly, vomit often, or have back or side pain. Some kidney diseases may be silentcausing no signs or symptomsfor months or even years.

If a child has a kidney disease, the childs doctor should find it during a regular checkup. The first sign of a kidney problem may be high blood pressure; a low number of red blood cells, called anemia; proteinuria; or hematuria. If the doctor finds any of these problems, further tests may be necessary, including additional blood and urine tests or radiology studies. In some cases, the doctor may need to perform a biopsy.

Some hereditary kidney diseases may not be detected until adulthood. The most common form of PKD was once called adult PKD because the symptoms of high blood pressure and renal failure usually do not occur until patients are in their twenties or thirties. But with advances in diagnostic imaging technology, doctors have found cysts in children and adolescents before any symptoms appear.

Other Causes of Kidney Disease

Poisons and trauma, such as a direct and forceful blow to the kidneys, can lead to kidney disease.

Some over-the-counter medicines can be poisonous to the kidneys if taken regularly over a long period of time. Anyone who takes painkillers regularly should check with a doctor to make sure the kidneys are not at risk.

[Top]

How do kidneys fail?

Many factors that influence the speed of kidney failure are not completely understood. Researchers are still studying how protein in the diet and cholesterol levels in the blood affect kidney function.

Acute Kidney Injury

Some kidney problems happen quickly, such as when an accident injures the kidneys. Losing a lot of blood can cause sudden kidney failure. Some drugs or poisons can make the kidneys stop working. These sudden drops in kidney function are called acute kidney injury (AKI). Some doctors may also refer to this condition as acute renal failure (ARF).

AKI may lead to permanent loss of kidney function. But if the kidneys are not seriously damaged, acute kidney disease may be reversed.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Most kidney problems, however, happen slowly. A person may have silent kidney disease for years. Gradual loss of kidney function is called chronic kidney disease (CKD) or chronic renal insufficiency. People with CKD may go on to develop permanent kidney failure. They also have a high risk of death from a stroke or heart attack.

End-stage Renal Disease

Total or nearly total and permanent kidney failure is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD). People with ESRD must undergo dialysis or transplantation to stay alive.

[Top]

What are the signs of chronic kidney disease (CKD)?

People in the early stages of CKD usually do not feel sick at all.

People whose kidney disease has gotten worse may

  • need to urinate more often or less often
  • feel tired
  • lose their appetite or experience nausea and vomiting
  • have swelling in their hands or feet
  • feel itchy or numb
  • get drowsy or have trouble concentrating
  • have darkened skin
  • have muscle cramps

[Top]

What medical tests detect kidney disease?

Because a person can have kidney disease without any symptoms, a doctor may first detect the condition through routine blood and urine tests. The National Kidney Foundation recommends three simple tests to screen for kidney disease: a blood pressure measurement, a spot check for protein or albumin in the urine, and a calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on a serum creatinine measurement. Measuring urea nitrogen in the blood provides additional information.

Blood Pressure Measurement

High blood pressure can lead to kidney disease. It can also be a sign that the kidneys are already impaired. The only way to know whether a persons blood pressure is high is to have a health professional measure it with a blood pressure cuff. The result is expressed as two numbers. The top number, which is called the systolic pressure, represents the pressure in the blood vessels when the heart is beating. The bottom number, which is called the diastolic pressure, shows the pressure when the heart is resting between beats. A persons blood pressure is considered normal if it stays below 120/80, stated as 120 over 80. The NHLBI recommends that people with kidney disease use whatever therapy is necessary, including lifestyle changes and medicines, to keep their blood pressure below 130/80.

Microalbuminuria and Proteinuria

Healthy kidneys take wastes out of the blood but leave protein. Impaired kidneys may fail to separate a blood protein called albumin from the wastes. At first, only small amounts of albumin may leak into the urine, a condition known as microalbuminuria, a sign of deteriorating kidney function. As kidney function worsens, the amount of albumin and other proteins in the urine increases, and the condition is called proteinuria. A doctor may test for protein using a dipstick in a small sample of a persons urine taken in the doctors office. The color of the dipstick indicates the presence or absence of proteinuria.

A more sensitive test for protein or albumin in the urine involves laboratory measurement and calculation of the protein-to-creatinine or albumin-to-creatinine ratio. Creatinine is a waste product in the blood created by the normal breakdown of muscle cells during activity. Healthy kidneys take creatinine out of the blood and put it into the urine to leave the body. When the kidneys are not working well, creatinine builds up in the blood.

The albumin-to-creatinine measurement should be used to detect kidney disease in people at high risk, especially those with diabetes or high blood pressure. If a persons first laboratory test shows high levels of protein, another test should be done 1 to 2 weeks later. If the second test also shows high levels of protein, the person has persistent proteinuria and should have additional tests to evaluate kidney function.

Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Based on Creatinine Measurement

GFR is a calculation of how efficiently the kidneys are filtering wastes from the blood. A traditional GFR calculation requires an injection into the bloodstream of a substance that is later measured in a 24-hour urine collection. Recently, scientists found they could calculate GFR without an injection or urine collection. The new calculationthe eGFRrequires only a measurement of the creatinine in a blood sample.

In a laboratory, a persons blood is tested to see how many milligrams of creatinine are in one deciliter of blood (mg/dL). Creatinine levels in the blood can vary, and each laboratory has its own normal range, usually 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL. A person whose creatinine level is only slightly above this range will probably not feel sick, but the elevation is a sign that the kidneys are not working at full strength. One formula for estimating kidney function equates a creatinine level of 1.7 mg/dL for most men and 1.4 mg/dL for most women to 50 percent of normal kidney function. But because creatinine values are so variable and can be affected by diet, a GFR calculation is more accurate for determining whether a person has reduced kidney function.

The eGFR calculation uses the patients creatinine measurement along with age and values assigned for sex and race. Some medical laboratories may make the eGFR calculation when a creatinine value is measured and include it on the lab report. The National Kidney Foundation has determined different stages of CKD based on the value of the eGFR. Dialysis or transplantation is needed when the eGFR is less than 15 milliliters per minute (mL/min).

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)

Blood carries protein to cells throughout the body. After the cells use the protein, the remaining waste product is returned to the blood as urea, a compound that contains nitrogen. Healthy kidneys take urea out of the blood and put it in the urine. If a persons kidneys are not working well, the urea will stay in the blood.

A deciliter of normal blood contains 7 to 20 milligrams of urea. If a persons BUN is more than 20 mg/dL, the kidneys may not be working at full strength. Other possible causes of an elevated BUN include dehydration and heart failure.

Additional Tests for Kidney Disease

If blood and urine tests indicate reduced kidney function, a doctor may recommend additional tests to help identify the cause of the problem.

Kidney imaging. Methods of kidney imagingtaking pictures of the kidneysinclude ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT) scan, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tools are most helpful in finding unusual growths or blockages to the flow of urine.

Kidney biopsy. A doctor may want to examine a tiny piece of kidney tissue with a microscope. To obtain this tissue sample, the doctor will perform a kidney biopsya hospital procedure in which the doctor inserts a needle through the patients skin into the back of the kidney. The needle retrieves a strand of tissue less than an inch long. For the procedure, the patient lies facedown on a table and receives a local anesthetic to numb the skin. The sample tissue will help the doctor identify problems at the cellular level.

For more information, see the fact sheet Kidney Biopsy from the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse.

[Top]

What are the stages of CKD?

A persons eGFR is the best indicator of how well the kidneys are working. An eGFR of 90 or above is considered normal. A person whose eGFR stays below 60 for 3 months or longer has CKD. As kidney function declines, the risk of complications rises.

Moderate decrease in eGFR (30 to 59). At this stage of CKD, hormones and minerals can be thrown out of balance, leading to anemia and weak bones. A health care provider can help prevent or treat these complications with medicines and advice about food choices.

Severe reduction in eGFR (15 to 29). The patient should continue following the treatment for complications of CKD and learn as much as possible about the treatments for kidney failure. Each treatment requires preparation. Those who choose hemodialysis will need to have a procedure to make veins in their arms larger and stronger for repeated needle insertions. For peritoneal dialysis, one will need to have a catheter placed in the abdomen. A catheter is a thin, flexible tube used to fill the abdominal cavity with fluid. A person may want to ask family or friends to consider donating a kidney for transplantation.

Kidney failure (eGFR less than 15). When the kidneys do not work well enough to maintain life, dialysis or a kidney transplant will be needed.

In addition to tracking eGFR, blood tests can show when substances in the blood are out of balance. If phosphorus or potassium levels start to climb, a blood test will prompt the health care provider to address these issues before they permanently affect the persons health.

[Top]

What can be done about CKD?

Unfortunately, CKD often cannot be cured. But people in the early stages of CKD may be able to make their kidneys last longer by taking certain steps. They will also want to minimize the risks for heart attack and stroke because CKD patients are susceptible to these problems.

  • People with reduced kidney function should see their doctor regularly. The primary doctor may refer the patient to a nephrologist, a doctor who specializes in kidney disease.
  • People who have diabetes should watch their blood glucose levels closely to keep them under control. They should ask their health care provider about the latest in treatment.
  • People with reduced renal function should avoid pain pills that may make their kidney disease worse. They should check with their health care provider before taking any medicine.

Controlling Blood Pressure

People with reduced kidney function and high blood pressure should control their blood pressure with an ACE inhibitor or an ARB. Many people will require two or more types of medication to keep their blood pressure below 130/80. A diuretic is an important addition when the ACE inhibitor or ARB does not meet the blood pressure goal.

Changing the Diet

People with reduced kidney function need to be aware that some parts of a normal diet may speed their kidney failure.

Protein. Protein is important to the body. It helps the body repair muscles and fight disease. Protein comes mostly from meat but can also be found in eggs, milk, nuts, beans, and other foods. Healthy kidneys take wastes out of the blood but leave in the protein. Impaired kidneys may fail to separate the protein from the wastes.

Some doctors tell their kidney patients to limit the amount of protein they eat so the kidneys have less work to do. But a person cannot avoid protein entirely. People with CKD can work with a dietitian to create the right food plan.

Cholesterol. Another problem that may be associated with kidney failure is high cholesterol. High levels of cholesterol in the blood may result from a high-fat diet.

Cholesterol can build up on the inside walls of blood vessels. The buildup makes pumping blood through the vessels harder for the heart and can cause heart attacks and strokes.

Sodium. Sodium is a chemical found in salt and other foods. Sodium in the diet may raise a persons blood pressure, so people with CKD should limit foods that contain high levels of sodium. High-sodium foods include canned or processed foods like frozen dinners and hot dogs.

Potassium. Potassium is a mineral found naturally in many fruits and vegetables, such as oranges, potatoes, bananas, dried fruits, dried beans and peas, and nuts. Healthy kidneys measure potassium in the blood and remove excess amounts. Diseased kidneys may fail to remove excess potassium. With very poor kidney function, high potassium levels can affect the heart rhythm.

Not Smoking

Smoking not only increases the risk of kidney disease, but it also contributes to deaths from strokes and heart attacks in people with CKD.

Treating Anemia

Anemia is a condition in which the blood does not contain enough red blood cells. These cells are important because they carry oxygen throughout the body. A person who is anemic will feel tired and look pale. Healthy kidneys make the hormone EPO, which stimulates the bones to make red blood cells. Diseased kidneys may not make enough EPO. A person with CKD may need to take injections of a form of EPO.

Preparing for End-stage Renal Disease (ESRD)

As kidney disease progresses, a person needs to make several decisions. People in the later stages of CKD need to learn about their options for treating the last stages of kidney failure so they can make an informed choice between hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and transplantation.

[Top]

What happens if the kidneys fail completely?

Total or nearly total and permanent kidney failure is called ESRD. If a persons kidneys stop working completely, the body fills with extra water and waste products. This condition is called uremia. Hands or feet may swell. A person will feel tired and weak because the body needs clean blood to function properly.

Untreated uremia may lead to seizures or coma and will ultimately result in death. A person whose kidneys stop working completely will need to undergo dialysis or kidney transplantation.

Dialysis

The two major forms of dialysis are hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis uses a special filter called a dialyzer that functions as an artificial kidney to clean a persons blood. The dialyzer is a canister connected to the hemodialysis machine. During treatment, the blood travels through tubes into the dialyzer, which filters out wastes, extra salt, and extra water. Then the cleaned blood flows through another set of tubes back into the body. The hemodialysis machine monitors blood flow and removes wastes from the dialyzer. Hemodialysis is usually performed at a dialysis center three times per week for 3 to 4 hours. A small but growing number of clinics offer home hemodialysis in addition to standard in-clinic treatments. The patient first learns to do treatments at the clinic, working with a dialysis nurse. Daily home hemodialysis is done 5 to 7 days per week for 2 to 3 hours at a time. Nocturnal dialysis can be performed for 8 hours at night while a person sleeps. Research as to which is the best method for dialysis is under way, but preliminary data indicate that daily dialysis schedules such as short daily dialysis or nocturnal dialysis may be the best form of dialysis therapy.

Drawing of a man receiving hemodialysis treatment. Labels point to the hemodialyzer, where filtering takes place; hemodialysis machine; a tube where unfiltered blood flows to the dialyzer; and a tube where filtered blood flows back to the patients body.
Hemodialysis.

In peritoneal dialysis, a fluid called dialysis solution is put into the abdomen. This fluid captures the waste products from a persons blood. After a few hours when the fluid is nearly saturated with wastes, the fluid is drained through a catheter. Then, a fresh bag of fluid is dripped into the abdomen to continue the cleansing process. Patients can perform peritoneal dialysis themselves. Patients using continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) change fluid four times a day. Another form of peritoneal dialysis, called continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis (CCPD), can be performed at night with a machine that drains and refills the abdomen automatically.

Diagram of a patient receiving continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. Labels point to the dialysis solution, catheter, peritoneum, and abdominal cavity.
Peritoneal dialysis.

Transplantation

A donated kidney may come from an anonymous donor who has recently died or from a living person, usually a relative. The kidney must be a good match for the patients body. The more the new kidney is like the person receiving the kidney, the less likely the immune system is to reject it. The immune system protects a person from disease by attacking anything that is not recognized as a normal part of the body. So the immune system will attack a kidney that appears too foreign. The patient will take special drugs to help trick the immune system so it does not reject the transplanted kidney. Unless they are causing infection or high blood pressure, the diseased kidneys are left in place. Kidneys from living, related donors appear to be the best match for success, but kidneys from unrelated people also have a long survival rate. Patients approaching kidney failure should ask their doctor early about starting the process to receive a kidney transplant.

Anatomical diagram of a female figure with a transplanted kidney. The two diseased kidneys are still in place on either side of the spine, just below the rib cage. The transplanted kidney is located on the left side, just above the bladder. A transplanted ureter connects the new kidney to the bladder. Labels point to the diseased kidneys, artery, vein, transplanted kidney, transplanted ureter, and bladder.
Kidney transplantation.

[Top]

Points to Remember

  • The kidneys are two vital organs that keep the blood clean and chemically balanced.
  • Kidney disease can be detected through a spot check for protein or albumin in the urine and a calculation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) based on a blood test.
  • The progression of kidney disease can be slowed, but it cannot always be reversed.
  • End-stage renal disease (ESRD) is the total or nearly total and permanent loss of kidney function.
  • Dialysis and transplantation can extend the lives of people with kidney failure.
  • Diabetes and high blood pressure are the two leading causes of kidney failure.
  • People with reduced kidney function should see their doctor regularly. Doctors who specialize in kidney disease are called nephrologists.
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
  • People in the early stages of CKD may be able to save their remaining kidney function for many years by
    • controlling their blood glucose
    • controlling their blood pressure
    • following a low-protein diet
    • maintaining healthy levels of cholesterol in the blood
    • taking an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor or an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB)
    • not smoking

[Top]

 

Sources: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/yourkidneys/index.htm, http://www.nkdep.nih.gov/patients/kidney_disease_information.htm

Supporting Your Healthy Kidneys

In Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (TCM), and other traditional medicinal practices, it is believed that supporting normal healthy body functions creates conditions that do not allow disease to occur, that in fact all "health conditions" are a malfunction of a body system that has its roots in a lack of proper support for that system, including healthy renal and kidney function. In these millennia old practices it is therefore believed that dietary and herbal support of healthy body systems can support vibrant health and longevity, with an anti-aging, anti-disease effect.*

 

Read About Kidney Health Support...*

 

 

[Top]

Signup For Herbal & Health News Sign Up Past Issues

Featured Health Support Products

Kidney Health Kit 1

Developed by doctors & herbalist for their patients concerned about:

  • Healthy Kidney Filtration & Kidney Function (Maximum Support)*
  • Both High Creatinine Levels & High Urinary Protein Levels (Proteinuria)*

Kidney Health Kit 2

Developed doctors and herbalist for their patients concerned about:

  • High Creatinine Levels*
  • Lowered Kidney Function*

Kidney Health Kit 3

Developed by doctors & herbalist for their patients concerned about:

  • High Urinary Protein Levels (Proteinuria)*
  • Lowered Kidney Function*

 

Support for Kidney Health*

100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Signup for Herbal and Health News Free signup pastissues Quantity Discount Buy 3 Save 15 Percent Chinese Herbal Supplement Testimonials

Customer Testimonials:

Allergy Free Health

Ever since I was a child, I have had allergies. I used to get allergy shots every 2-4 weeks and took numerous types of allergy medicines. This year my hay fever was much worse than in the past. In fact, there had been days when I was not able to stay outside because I was sneezing continuously, and my eyes were swollen. I have tried 3 different prescription allergy medicines and none of them have relieved all my symptoms.*

I finally decided to try Get Well’s Aller Well since I really liked the philosophy of the doctors that developed this product. Their idea to use herbs to support an allergy-free body instead of treating symptoms of allergies is a great idea. I really appreciate this herbal dietary supplement and have used it all season to support my health.*
- - Keli D., NY

I spent most of my life miserable during hay fever season with itchy nose and throat and really runny nose like if a faucet was turned on. A box of tissue was always near to me during that time of year. Outdoor activities between March and May were something I avoided. Cats and dogs also made my nose run and since I love pets, it was hard to be around them.*

The last 2 years have been very different. I learned that if I changed certain things in my life, I was better able to stay allergy free around pets and pollen. I no longer focus on treating my allergy symptoms, rather I work to keep my body from getting allergies in the first place. What worked for me to support my body in maintaining allergies free were things like removing or limiting the amount of processed sugar and wheat/gluten out of my diet, detoxifying my body on a regular basis, using hepa filters at home and taking Get Well’s Aller Well.*

From my experience, not only do I live allergy free, but my body overall is also much healthier as well. I have tried many other products from Get Well over the years and I have been totally satisfied with how effective they have been for me for supporting my health. Thanks to the helpful and knowledgeable staff at Get Well Natural!*
- - William L., CA

Blood & Platelet Health

My history involves a condition called idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and brings on bruising, petechiae and bleeding symptoms.*

Throughout my life, my platelet counts often fluctuated up and down. I spent much of my time worrying and going from doctor to doctor looking for answers. I did not want to go the splenectomy route since I had learned that the spleen is a very important organ to hang onto in eastern medicine philosophies. Thankfully, my doctor agreed with me and did not push me to have it removed.*

Eventually, one of my doctors recommended I investigate the Blood Well and Restore Immune II herbal formulas. I have taken these as well as many of your natural products.*

Thank you so much for making healthful products like these available. I am constantly telling all of my family and friends about Get Well Natural. My hope is that other people can experience these supportive formulas like I have. Thanks for everything,*
- - Julia L., CA

Dear Get Well Natural: In the past, due to my I.T.P., I had been on various medications wondering if my platelets would every rise. I have taken your products Calm Ezz, Blood Well and Restore Immune II since May 07 and I am very grateful to have found these products.*
- - Darlene - Cleveland, Ohio

Originally in October 2001 I was diagnosed with ITP; bruising and a very low platelet count. Then in November 2001 I had a splenectomy then everything fell apart and my platelets became extremely low; I was so beside myself in that the doctor did not seem to know much about ITP.*

So in January 2002 I found a great doctor to support me and I was put through 3 chemotherapies. After I recovered, my daughter searched the internet and found PDSA...and with the approval of my hematologist I began taking the ITP Combo from Get Well Natural.*

Currently (October 2008), I have been on both Blood Well and Restore Immune II for several years now. My hematologist was so amazed at how the herbal formulas support my body. At the age of 82, I know that I was blessed with a miracle for my daughter to find these herbs, and I will continue to take them for the rest of my life for continued support.*
- - Barbara W., Leawood, KS

Dear Staff, in my life I had a lot of ups and downs. My body ranged from healthy platelet levels to lowered levels. I first experienced platelet count issues during my first pregnancy. My doctors kept track of my platelets, which had dropped to 100k. My OB/GYN sent me to an Oncologist & I was told it was perfectly normal for a pregnant woman. At delivery I couldn't get an epidural because my platelets dropped to 86k. All seemed ok until about a week later when I started running a 103 fever. I went to our family doctor and he prescribed Augmentin (thought I had a uterine infection). Three days later they did an ultrasound & found placenta still left inside me so I was immediately scheduled for a DNC. The morning of my surgery my blood panel came back & my platelets were now at 1,000! It was touch & go for awhile, but after 6 pints of blood & 3 pints of platelets I was ok and released from the hospital with platelets at 168k.*

Doctors said that I either had an allergic reaction or it was just all the trauma from delivery, either way I was put on 80mg of Prednisone. In 3 weeks I had the "moon face", gained 17 lbs. & my platelets dropped back down to 11,000. I was then injected with Win-Rho (which did nothing to raise my platelets, only made me really sick!), had a bone marrow biopsy & my doctor was scheduling to have my spleen removed. I said "NO", I had had enough!*

My uncle told me about your website and I immediately ordered and started the Blood Well & Restore Immune II. I want to report to you that I am totally happy with these platelet health supporting products. I like the idea of using natural methods like stress reduction and natural dietary supplements to support my body’s natural ability to produce healthy platelets versus waiting for my platelets to go down and then having to take drugs like Prednisone. I've tried to tell my medical doctors that for me, supporting my body with healthy and natural products is a better choice for me, but they keep telling me that their drug and surgery recommendations are simply "protocol", and the only thing they are trained to provide. Thank you Get Well Natural, your natural herbs are a blessing!*
- - Sincerely, Alicia S., Kansas

"I was happy to get my order of Blood Well and Restore Immune II. I started to take them right away and I am glad I did. I really appreciate the time and knowledge you shared with me. I thank the lord for all the help your experienced staff have given me."*
- - Dolores S., Florida

Dear Get Well Natural: I write this communication to let individuals with various immune disorders know that Get Well Natural and staff are true professionals. They were the driving force of educating and helping me understand my situation. These products that Get Well Natural provides are the real deal. No gimmicks, no hype, just effective dietary supplements to support my body. I am glad that somehow God directed me to such men and women. Again, thanks to everyone. Each time I call for an order everyone is so cordial and it makes my day each time I talk to them.*
- - With Respect, William Shear, Ohio

After a scary dip in my platelets several years ago I was told by my doctor that I had something called Chronic ITP. I was given costly infusions of IVIG, and very little happened. I refused to go on any steroid therapy because of the side effects. I did my own research and came across this herbal website, and ordered the ITP Combo Pak (Blood Well & Restore Immune 2).*

At first I didn’t notice any difference from taking these supplements. But, I figured since they are natural herbs and designed to support my body’s healthy functions, I decided to stay on them longer. Well, it has been a couple years since I first took these herbal products from Get Well. I am very pleased with these platelet supportive products. My doctor, who at first was skeptical about me taking herbs, is now a believer.*

Over the last couple of years, the friendly folks at Get Well Natural have added, and subtracted certain herbs to my herbal health program, and have been very helpful with giving me information about what I'm taking. Coincidentally (or not) my elderly Mother was hospitalized and also diagnosed with ITP due to her shocking low platelet count numbers. She was put on 60mg of prednisone.*

Two months ago, I convinced her to try the herbal products to support her body’s health. Now, mom is also happy with her decision to give it a try. We are both very grateful to have found Get Well Natural and recommend them to others.*
- - Warmest Regards, Nick, P., Los Angeles, CA

In June 2005 our 2 ½ year old daughter was diagnosed with ITP. She had bruises everywhere and her count was 4K. After an immunoglobulin treatment they went up to 90K and stayed OK for 10 days, and then she was back down to 6K. We went on like this for another 6 months, treatment every 10 days to 2 weeks. We tried cortisone, Vinchristine and immunoglobulin—all these three combined, but it never lasted more than 3 weeks.*

We originally found out about Get Well Natural’s products in 2005. Our first product we gave her was the dietary supplement, "Blood Well Special". We can tell you that we are 100% grateful for this product and for the research that has been conducted by the doctors that developed this formula.*

Get Well Natural’s products have been a great addition in all our lives. We appreciate your company and product line and recommend this product to other parents who are looking to support their child’s body naturally.*
- - Louise S., France

My dog was diagnosed with ITP last October and has been on prednisone since. Only in very high doses did the steroids have an impact on her platelets; however every time we tried to wean her off her platelets would drop. We came across Blood Well Special and started her on that in January. We are now on our 3rd order of this Wonderful product and are totally happy with it. One day we hope her body will be totally healthy. This product is truly AWESOME.*
- - Kim, AZ

[Top]

Women's & Female Health

Menopause is so miserable. My doctors and friends all believe that I am too young to go through menopause at 37. I have been having "hot flashes" in the a.m. and then a few times throughout the day as well, especially at night. It was disrupting and uncomfortable. I'm not fond of taking hormonal medications so I was left with little hope.*

Then my neighbor told me about Get Well Natural’s Female Well. I called your company and realized that there were herbs I could take as a dietary supplement to support the female body. I remember when you first told me about the Female Well product. Not surprising, I was very skeptical. I did not believe in herbs or their supportive qualities since I know nothing about herbs nor had ever taken any.*

But, then I thought, "Why not? What could it hurt?" So, I went into this "trial" with an open mind. Well here I am writing a testimonial to your company. I guess you can say I am a believer now in the power of herbs. I am completely amazed. I have now been on Female Well for over a month and I will definitely be a continual customer.*
- - Linda N., San Jose, CA

Heart & Cardiovascular Health

I strongly urge everyone to check out Get Well Natural’s Cardio Well and Cardio Well Classic products.*

I am 57 years old and several months ago, I had tightness in my chest after exercising for quite awhile. My business friend told me about Get Well so I decided to give them a call. I am very glad I did. Their helpful staff recommended I take Cardio Well Classic to support healthy cardiovascular function.*

I now understand how important it is to take natural dietary supplements to support my health rather than waiting for my body to warn me that something is wrong. My heart is just too important to not take care of. I can tell you that this herbal formula is truly fantastic!*
- - P.N., Granite Bay, CA

After being diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism and ITP, I was put on Prednisone for 8 months and my cholesterol shot up to 252. After this experience, I began to make my health more of a higher priority.*

I added your Cardio Well to my dietary supplement regiment and I am so glad I did.*

I prefer to support my body’s ability to have a healthy and normal cardiovascular system versus relying on taking harmful medications when my cholesterol spikes up. I recommend everyone try Cardio Well to help support their own healthy cholesterol levels wherever that might be. Thanks again for your help and I love your products.*
- - T.R., Las Vegas, NV

I am 71 years old and was experiencing high blood pressure 200/107. I did not want to take any drugs because of the side effects that have been reported. I decided to try Get Well’s products after a friend recommended that I look into them. They were so helpful in educating me about their herbs that I decided to try them. I like their products so much that I am now taking several of them to support my own body’s health potential. I feel so happy and thankful to have found these natural products.*
- - B.B., San Jose, CA

After my husband had open heart surgery he was still experiencing high blood pressure. One of my friends suggested that he and I investigate further and checkout a website from Get Well. They have an herbal formula called CARDIO WELL CLASSIC, which supports healthy blood pressure. We are both elated to have found this product and have referred others to try it.*
- - Sincerely, J.D., CA

Kidney Health

Today, when I went in to see my doctor, he let me know that I was healthy and told me to continue doing whatever I was doing. Well I’ve been on Kidney Well 2 and Alisma and I really like these products. Now he just wants me to lose some weight. I recommend anyone interested in supporting healthy kidney function to try both Kidney Well 2 and Alisma.*
- - S.K., VA

After 22 years, my transplanted kidney was showing a serious weakness and it looked as if it was coming to an end, despite a stiff diet and medical precautions. Also, I had developed a serious case of proteinuria which was getting worse by the week. I decided to try Get Well Natural’s combination of Kidney Well 2 and Phyto Antioxidants. I am very pleased with these products and have added them to my daily health protocol along with eating a healthy diet. Thank you so much for making these kidney supportive products available.*
- - Rui Moreira, Portugal - 2008

From December 2000 to the present date my husband Johnny began his journey with hitting his toe going up stairs, which transitioned into gout, then numerous doctors and multiple challenging and changing health conditions along the way; the last being Glomerulonephritis where many drugs were given and side effects experienced.*

In the end, trying both acupuncture and Get Well Natural’s herbal formulas have been the best thing for my Johnny. We really took responsibility for my husband’s health and I personally felt very proud when the last renal specialist said to us, "Whatever you are taking, keep taking it," and he wanted me to give him the information about your supplements, which I did. God Bless You All.*
- - D.P. Australia

I was concerned about maintaining healthy creatinine levels in my body. I decided to give myself your Alisma herbal extract along with the Kidney Well II herbal product. I really believe in the idea of supporting healthy levels rather than waiting till they are unhealthy. Your products are a god-send. Thank you!*
- - L.H., WI

Liver Health

Over the years I have used many of Get Well’s products to support my body’s health. According to my western doctors, who are all great as well, they keep telling me “whatever you are doing, just keep doing it”. Unfortunately, most are too busy to investigate herbs in general, nor do they understand them. Thanks again to everyone at Get Well Natural.*
- - Douglas, San Diego, CA

Lung Health

In the past, my wife has received treatment for asthma-symptoms, lung infections and severe nasal blockage many times over the last 5 years. You can say we have a lot of experience with the respiratory system in general.*

Her condition worsened last summer and she was on a total of seven medications including 2 types of inhalers. I was forced to stand helpless and watch her struggle for her breathing to return.*

Last month she began taking dietary supplements from Get Well Natural like their Breathe Well product. Both of us are very pleased we decided to try your products. They are definitely one of the best natural products we have ever tried and I want to personally thank you for making these available to my wife!*
- - Richard D., San Jose, CA

Prostate Health

My name is Will. I am 67 years old. I live in Phoenix Arizona. I was getting up every 10 or 15 minutes at night to urinate; when I did get up to urinate I would usually just get a few drops, instead of a stream of urine. Even though I have no cancer after a biopsy test, my PSA test was still high at 21. The doctor said I just had a swollen prostate.*

The only thing they suggested was that I could have surgery that would cut and remove some of the prostate, and I decided against that. I decided to look for something natural that could be taken daily to support my prostate function.*

I was recommended to call Get Well and ask them about their Healthy Prostate & Ovary herbal formula to support healthy prostate function. I have now used this natural dietary supplement for about four months. It is so nice to know that there are great products like this available and I will continue taking this supplement for years to come.*
- - Will Swanson., AZ

In the past when I had a problem with my prostate, I first began using saw palmetto; however, it did not work for me. I repeatedly found myself in the bathroom 4 or 5 times a night and my elimination flow was a dribble. I was told that Get Well Natural, LLC sold an herbal formula that might offer the support I was looking for.*

So I gave them a call. I now have been taking Get Well’s Healthy Prostate & Ovary for three months. I am very satisfied with these herbs and will definitely tell others about it.*
- - S.S., NM

My friend told me about a company called Get Well Natural, LLC. I called them and began taking their herbal formula Healthy Prostate & Ovary immediately. I was so pleasantly surprised with this product. Thank you Get Well for supplying your incredible formula to Me.*
- - M.A., Canada

Stress Management

I have been feeling quite anxious and stressed over the last year and I decided to look on the internet to see if I could find help. I came across Get Well’s website. They have a product called Calm Ezz which to my surprise really helped to support my healthy state of mind without any side effects of sleepiness or fatigue. Calm Ezz is an awesome product. I love feeling more normal and overall happier as well as being able to work throughout the day in a more stress-free manner. Thanks a million.*
- - Ilya K., CA