Reversing Chronic Glomerulonephritis

In a Johns Hopkins University study led by kidney diseases expert Mackenzie Walser MD it was found that a very low protein diet with amino acid supplements may cure a severe kidney disease such as chronic Glomerulonephritis in some people. This was a surprising result since kidney disease patients already lose too much protein in their urine and  yet this study showed that restricting dietary protein may help many kidney sufferers such as those with chronic Glomerulonephritis. Detailed dietary restrictions are contained in Dr Mackenzie Walser 's Book, Coping with Kidney Disease,which I would strongly recommend you read before you embark on this journey

 

Scientists have not solved the paradox of why eating less protein benefits some patients -- sufferers already lose too much protein in their urine, yet restricting dietary protein may help many sufferers, says Mackenzie Walser, M.D., the study's lead author and a professor of pharmacology, molecular sciences and medicine. In the study, which was supported in part by the National Institutes of Health and published in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases,  "Five patients remain virtually cured, while only one patient's blood-protein level worsened, " says Walser.

 

In the study the researchers put 16 adults on a very low protein diet with essential amino acid or ketoacid supplements for 10 months. Essential amino acids are those amino acids -- building blocks of protein -- that the body can not make. Ketoacids are slightly modified forms of amino acids. The disorder gradually disappeared during the next three to 15 months in five participants, who started the study before kidney failure became severe, the results show. Four of the five people have resumed normal or nearly normal diets and have remained in remission or near remission for six months to two years. The other 11 participants, who had more advanced kidney failure before starting the study, showed temporary improvement, but all eventually went on dialysis.

 

The diet used in the study excluded such high-protein foods as meat, fish, poultry, cheese and milk and included supplemental tablets of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. For more natural remedies for Glomerulonephritis see post Glomerulonephritis or Nephritis Herbal and Home Remedies.

Glomerulonephritis or Nephritis Herbal and Home Remedies

Glomerulonephritis or Nephritis is an inflammation of the kidneys and may be discovered by finding protein in the urine, swelling of the body tissues, sometimes blood in the urine, and sometimes high blood pressure.

Other Symptoms of Glomerulonephritis or Inflammation of The Kidneys

There may be diminished appetite; headaches, sleep loss, weight loss or weight gain from fluid retention, and eventually more symptoms appear such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, enlargement of the abdomen, liver and lung congestion. As the kidneys terminally fail, a “uremic frost” may occur on the skin, followed by convulsions and coma. The frost represents the attempt of the skin to get rid of toxic wastes usually excreted by the kidneys.

The commonest causes of kidney failure are chronic glomerulonephritis, diabetes, hypertension, collagen diseases, and damage from antibiotics or other drugs or toxins. Treatment should be directed first toward the underlying cause, and at the same time toward protecting and healing the kidney.

Treatment of Glomerulonephritis or Inflammation of Kidneys

The first thing is strict adherence to the Eight Natural Laws of Health by being very careful to drink plenty of water, and eat a totally vegetarian diet with careful elimination of all foods high in protein. A high protein diet is damaging to the kidneys. Even beans and nuts should be eaten in small quantities only, and chewed thoroughly. The protein found in soybeans is healing to the kidneys, and one-quarter cup of cooked soybeans should be eaten every day. The majority of the food taken should be from the realm of fruits and vegetables. Whole grains can be eaten in moderate quantities, but all other foods must be taken sparingly. Depending on the kind of nephritis the person has, and the exact location of damage in the kidneys, various nutrients may need to be withheld, such as salt or potassium. This information from a laboratory can be very helpful in regulating the diet. See a standard table of foods and their mineral analyses, and avoid those foods high in the mineral or minerals the kidneys are not excreting well, and are high in the blood.

Fasting is good for nephritis. Try a five-day fast if you are well nourished and have nutrient reserves. Break the fast appropriately (see “Fasting”). Then eat regular food for three weeks, then fast another five days. Nerves of the “fight or flight” division of the nervous system give a unique pattern of nerve regulation for the hormones of the kidney. Both sugar and lard are capable of upsetting this delicate regulation. The kidney failure patient should avoid these. Fasting was very helpful to the neurologic control of the kidneys.

Inositol when used with choline has been found effective experimentally in at least partially reversing nephritis. Obtain lists of these nutrients from a library.

Phytic acid, the raw product from which inositol is extracted, is found in corn, rye, wheat, oats, peas, barley, rice, beans, flax seed, cottonseed, peanuts, and soybeans.

Charcoal compresses worn on the back at night remove toxic wastes through the skin. Soaking in water three to four hours a day at about 96-98 degrees, being careful to keep the head cool, can remove toxic wastes through the skin. Retention charcoal enemas and charcoal by mouth can assist in removal of kidney wastes through the intestinal tract in much the same way they are drawn through the skin. Use one heaping tablespoon of powdered charcoal in each cup of water taken by mouth.

Keep fresh air circulating in the bedrooms at all times to assist the lungs in removing toxic wastes. Exercise is helpful to keep good circulation of the kidneys. Echinacea and goldenseal have a healing property and are adjuncts to other forms of treatment.

In chronic kidney failure due to diabetes, hypertension, nephritis, or toxic substances, the damage to the kidneys is permanent. The above-noted treatments are helpful, but cannot be expected to effect a cure. Kidney dialysis will be essential for life later, but it may be delayed for months or for years. Do not build up unreasonable expectations.