What is kidney failure?

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Overview of kidney failure

Kidney failure is a condition in which kidney function gradually decreases over time. The kidneys play an important role in filtering blood, regulating water and electrolyte balance, removing waste, and producing hormones needed by the body. When kidney failure occurs, the kidneys no longer function as effectively as before, leading to a buildup of waste and toxins in the body.

There are two main types of kidney failure:

1. Acute kidney failure: A condition of rapid and short-term kidney failure, often occurring after an incident or underlying disease such as acute anemia, stroke, or serious infection. Acute kidney failure requires urgent medical attention and may require short-term hemodialysis support.
2. Chronic kidney failure : This is kidney failure that occurs gradually and lasts over a long period of time. Often occurs due to progressive diseases such as diabetic nephropathy, high blood pressure, chronic nephritis and other conditions. Chronic kidney failure is a serious problem and can lead to dangerous complications such as heart failure, cardiovascular disease and increased risk of death.

Symptoms of kidney failure may include fatigue, weight loss, or sudden weight gain, nausea, vomiting, itchy skin, decreased semen concentration (in men), menstrual disorders (in women) gender), and increased risk of infection.

Treatment of kidney failure usually focuses on controlling symptoms, maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, and protecting remaining kidney function. Sometimes, in cases of severe kidney failure, it is necessary to perform artificial kidney dialysis or consider a kidney transplant from an artificial source or from a donor. It is important to seek advice and treatment from a nephrologist to best manage kidney failure.

Causes of kidney failure

Kidney failure can have many different causes. Here are some common causes of kidney failure:

1. Chronic kidney disease : This is the main cause of kidney failure. Conditions such as diabetic nephropathy, high blood pressure, chronic glomerulonephritis, chronic allograft nephropathy, and congenital kidney disease ) can lead to chronic kidney failure.
2. Obstructive urinary tract disease : Obstructions in the urinary tract, such as kidney stones, uroliths, kidney cysts, or prostate enlargement, can cause kidney failure.
3. Infection: Infections such as pyelonephritis and septicemia can impair kidney function.
4. Drug and poison use : Use of certain drugs such as antibiotics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), toxins such as cancer drugs, and narcotics can damage the kidneys and lead to kidney failure. .
5. Other diseases: Autoimmune diseases such as lupus, vasculitis, Cushing’s syndrome and preeclampsia in pregnant women Pregnancy can also cause kidney failure.
6. Other factors: Age, genetics, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, liver disease, hypertension, and environmental pollution can also increase the risk of kidney failure.

It is important to understand the specific cause of kidney failure in each person’s case so that appropriate treatment and management can be provided. Consultation with a nephrologist is necessary to determine the cause and choose the appropriate treatment.

Signs of kidney failure

Kidney failure may not be obvious in the early stages, but as the disease progresses, some of the following signs and symptoms may appear:

1. Fatigue and decreased energy : One of the most common signs of kidney failure is fatigue and feeling tired all the time. Kidney function gradually decreases, leading to a buildup of waste products in the body and reduced oxygen levels in the blood, causing fatigue and decreased energy.
2. Unexplained weight loss or weight gain : Kidney failure can reduce nutrient absorption and lead to unexplained weight loss or weight loss. However, in some cases, kidney failure can cause weight gain due to the accumulation of water and waste in the body.
3. Urinary disorders : Impaired kidney function can cause urinary disorders, including urinating more than usual (especially at night), urinating less frequently, having difficulty urinating, or urinating with a different color or odor. often. At the same time, symptoms such as painful urination, cloudy urination, bloody urine or diabetes may appear.
4. Skin changes and itchy skin : Kidney failure can increase waste levels in the body, causing itchy skin and changes in skin color, such as dry, pale or yellow skin.
5. Changes in blood pressure: Kidney failure can cause high blood pressure or make it more difficult to control blood pressure. High blood pressure can be a warning sign for kidney failure.
6. Sexual dysfunction : Kidney failure can affect sexual function, causing decreased sexual desire, menstrual disorders in women or erectile dysfunction in men.
7. Changes in digestive function: Kidney failure can cause digestive disorders such as nausea, vomiting, indigestion, loss of appetite and fatigue after eating.

If you have any of the above signs or symptoms, you should consult your doctor for an accurate evaluation and diagnosis.

Good foods for kidney failure

When you have kidney failure, eating a healthy and balanced diet can help support kidney function and manage the disease. Here are some good foods for kidney failure:

1. Green vegetables: Green vegetables such as cabbage, water spinach, spinach, broccoli, bok choy, baby mustard greens, kale, coriander, coriander, celery, beetroot… are a source of vitamins , minerals and fiber. They often have low potassium, suitable for people with kidney failure.
2. Fruits : Fresh fruits such as apples, pears, pineapples, kiwis, grapes, strawberries, tangerines, oranges, lemons, blueberries, raspberries… provide vitamins, fiber and antioxidants, helping to improve health. shared.
3. Seeds : Sunflower seeds, flax seeds, chia seeds, chestnuts, walnuts, pumpkin seeds… contain lots of fiber, unsaturated fats and protein. This is a rich source of energy and nutrients.
4. Types of fish and protein-rich foods: Fish such as salmon, carp, mackerel, red tilapia, herring, catfish… are a source of high quality protein and low in phosphorus. Other protein-rich foods such as chicken, lean beef, eggs, tofu, and soybeans can also be consumed, but the amount should be limited.
5. Whole grains : Brown rice, oats, barley, whole wheat noodles, whole wheat flour, whole wheat flour… contain fiber and essential nutrients, good for the digestive system and sugar control blood.
6. Healthy fats: Fats come from olive oil, peanut oil, canola oil, flaxseed oil, coconut oil, and nuts containing omega-3 oils such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines.
7. Limit sodium (salt): Reducing your consumption of salt and high-sodium foods such as fast food, processed foods, canned foods and spices can help control blood pressure and reduce swelling.

In addition, you should follow the individual instructions of your doctor and nutritionist. We recommend that you consult a medical or nutrition professional to learn more about a diet that is appropriate for your health condition and unique requirements.

Foods to avoid for kidney failure

When you have kidney failure, there are certain foods that you should limit or avoid to reduce the load on your kidney system. Below is a list of foods that are commonly recommended to avoid when you have kidney failure:

1. Protein-rich foods: Limit consumption of foods high in protein such as red meat, poultry, seafood, beans and dairy products. Reducing the amount of protein in the diet can reduce the amount of waste overloading the kidneys and reduce symptoms of kidney failure.
2. Sodium-rich foods : Limit consumption of sodium-rich foods such as MSG, salt, processed foods and fast food. Excessive sodium consumption can cause high blood pressure and stress on the kidney system.
3. Potassium-rich foods: Some potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, pomegranates, mushrooms, carrots, tomatoes, sweet potatoes and nuts should be limited. Potassium is an important mineral for the body, but when the kidneys are not working well, potassium levels in the blood can increase, causing danger.
4. Foods rich in phosphorus : Limit consumption of foods rich in phosphorus such as carbonated beverages, soft drinks, cookies, ice cream, chocolate and processed foods containing preservatives. Kidney failure can reduce the ability to remove phosphorus from the body, leading to increased phosphorus levels in the blood.
5. Oxalate-rich foods: Limit consumption of oxalate-rich foods such as coffee, chocolate, cocoa, kale, beets, amaranth and nuts. Oxalate can form crystals and cause kidney problems such as kidney stones.

In addition, you should follow the instructions of your doctor and nutritionist, because each case of kidney failure may have its own dietary requirements.

Medicines to treat kidney failure

Treatment for kidney failure usually involves a combination of diet, overall health management, and medication. Below are some medications commonly used in the treatment of kidney failure:

1. Antihypertensive drugs (antihypertensives): For many people with kidney failure, high blood pressure is a common problem. Antihypertensive drugs such as ACE inhibitors (angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors), ARBs (angiotensin-converting receptor), calcium channel blockers and diuretic thiazides are commonly used to control blood pressure.
2. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Kidney failure is often accompanied by kidney infections. However, NSAIDs can be harmful to the kidneys and are therefore generally not recommended for use in kidney failure. Instead, non-steroidal sedatives (e.g. paracetamol) can be used to control pain and reduce fever.
3. Drugs to prevent electrolyte imbalance: In cases of severe kidney failure, the kidney’s electrolyte function may be affected. Medications such as hydrochlorothiazide, furosemide and potassium antagonists can be used to regulate electrolyte balance and reduce the effects of water and salt on the kidneys.
4. Uric acid-reducing drugs : Kidney failure can increase uric acid levels in the blood and cause gout. Medicines such as allopurinol or febuxostat can be used to reduce uric acid and control gout.
5. Drugs that increase the hormone erythropoietin : In cases of severe kidney failure, production of erythropoietin, an important hormone for red blood cell production, may be affected. The drug erythropoietin can be used to enhance red blood cell production.

We recommend that you consult a nephrologist for advice and accurate prescriptions on medications suitable for your health condition and individual requirements.

Oriental medicine and herbal medicine to treat kidney failure

In oriental medicine, there are a number of traditional medicines and herbs used to help treat kidney failure. However, I would like to emphasize that the use of oriental and herbal medicines must be done under the supervision of a professional, such as a doctor or experienced herbalist. They can evaluate your condition and recommend a suitable treatment plan. Below are some common oriental and herbal medicines used in the treatment of kidney failure:

1. Fish mint (Centella asiatica) : Fish mint has the effect of reducing inflammation and enhancing kidney cell regeneration. It is commonly used to support kidney function and reduce symptoms of kidney failure.
2. Ginseng (Panax ginseng): Ginseng has properties to nourish the kidneys and strengthen the immune system. It is used to support kidney function and reduce symptoms of kidney failure such as fatigue and weakness.
3. Dong quai (Angelica sinensis) : Dong quai has the effect of tonifying the kidneys and providing energy for the body. It is commonly used to reduce symptoms of kidney failure such as fatigue and back pain.
4. Astragalus membranaceus: Astragalus membranaceus has the effect of nourishing the kidneys and enhancing immune function. It is commonly used to support kidney function and reduce inflammation.
5. Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) : Danshen has anti-inflammatory properties and helps increase blood circulation. It is commonly used to support kidney function and reduce blood circulation problems.

However, I would like to reiterate that the use of oriental and herbal medicines must be discussed and monitored by relevant medical professionals. They can give specific advice based on your health condition and interactions with any current medications you’re taking.