All About Detox Part 2
All About Detox Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In my last blog I wrote about how it can be beneficial to do a detox twice a year. I described it as being a spring and fall cleanse. Just like you would do in your …
Tag: nutrition
Kidney Health Part 4
Kidney Health Part 4 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Dialysis I wanted to talk about dialysis because in my experience it is one of the topics that people have the most questions about. If you can recall in part 1 of kidney health, I talked …
Kidney Health Part 3
Kidney Health Part 3
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
In this blog on kidney health, I will be reviewing polycystic kidney disease (PKD), chronic kidney disease (CKD) and even kidney failure. The reason I have for putting these 3 disorders in one blog is that all 3 place you at an increased risk of needing dialysis. So, let’s get into it, shall we?
Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder that causes cysts to develop in the kidneys. Now how are these cysts different from the common kidney cysts I mentioned in part 2 of kidney health? Well, PKD forms cysts that usually affect kidney function whereas common kidney cysts are usually harmless. PKD is due to a specific gene mutation, which can be inherited. In contrast common kidney cysts occur when the tube of a nephron begins to swell and fill with fluid. While the exact causes of common kidney cysts are not yet known it is known that they do not form because of an inherited condition. (1, 2) Please see the picture of common kidney cysts (3) vs. PKD. (1)
There are 2 forms of PKD. The first form is autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). This often does not present symptoms until adulthood. Symptoms can include flank pain, high blood pressure, headaches, UTI, kidney stone and blood in your urine. The second form of PKD is autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD). In this case symptoms start soon after birth or in early childhood. In fact, during pregnancy cysts may be detected on the fetus’s kidneys during a prenatal ultrasound. Symptoms can include low birth weight, high blood pressure at birth, breathing problems and a swollen abdomen. Other symptoms can include growth failure, frequent UTIs, pain and even high blood pressure. (1) Now what symptoms might you expect with simple kidneys cysts? While they usually don’t cause symptoms, they may cause pain, fever, frequent urination and bloody/dark urine. In some cases, they may lead to an increase in blood pressure. (2)
PKD can have severe complications. In fact, ARPD can be fatal in babies with severe diseases. Other complications can include UTIs, kidneys stones and high blood pressure that can be hard to control. PKD can increase the risk of brain aneurysms, heart valve problems, colon issues, preeclampsia, and liver/pancreatic cysts. PKD can lead to kidney failure and the need for dialysis. (1) Complications of simple cysts can include infections; urine blockage and the cyst may burst or bleed. (2)
Moving on to chronic kidney disease (CKD). What is CKD? Well CKD basically mean’s that there is damage to the kidneys, and they aren’t working as well as they should. CKD gets worse over time and gradually the kidneys will be less and less able to do all their jobs. Eventually as the kidneys begin to fail dialysis may become necessary. There are 5 stages of CKD. Please see the attached chart. (4)
| stage | GFR (mL/min) | What It Means |
| Stage 1 | 90 and higher | Your kidneys are working well but you have signs of mild kidney damage. |
| Stage 2 | 60 to 89 | Your kidneys are working well but you have more signs of mild kidney damage. |
| Stage 3a | 45 to 59 | Your kidneys aren’t working as well as they should and show mild to moderate damage. This is the most common stage. You may notice symptoms at this stage. |
| Stage 3b | 30 to 44 | Your kidneys show moderate damage and don’t work as well as they should. With the right treatment, many people can stay in this stage and never advance to stage 4. |
| Stage 4 | 15 to 29 | You have very poor kidney function; your kidneys are severely damaged and close to not working. |
| Stage 5 | Less than 15 | Your kidneys are very close to failing or have stopped working. You may need kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant at this stage. |
CKD can be inherited and run in families. There are a number of disorders that can lead to CKD. These can include autoimmune disorders such as lupus, and other disorders such as diabetes related nephropathy. Polycystic kidney disease is also a risk factor. Other conditions that can lead to CKD include glomerulonephritis, membranous nephropathy, nephrotic syndrome, vesicoureteral reflux, and any urinary tract obstructions. Certain medicine can also lead to CKD. Having a history of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and abnormal kidney structure/size, and being over age 60 can all increase the risk of developing CKD. Complications include high blood pressure, heart disease, nerve damage, infections, fluid buildup and metabolic acidosis. You may become anemic, have high potassium or high phosphorus. You may develop gout and even brittle bones. Over time you may need dialysis. (4)
Finally, there is Kidney failure. Kidney failure is exactly what it sounds like. One or both of your kidneys can no longer function well on their own. This can either be temporary or chronic. (5) Just like with CKD there are 5 stages. Please see the above chart for staging. Kidney failure is more common than you might expect. It affects 750,000 people in the US every year and 2 million worldwide. What can cause our kidneys to fail? Well common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure. Other causes are lupus, PKD glomerular disease and untreated systemic diseases. Also, any urinary tract obstruction, severe dehydration, and even certain medications. Signs that your kidneys may be failing can include fatigue, nausea/vomiting, swelling, cramps, change in appetite and even confusion or trouble concentrating. There may be frequent urination and dry skin. Advanced kidney failure will require dialysis, and you may need a kidney transplant.
In our next and final blog, I will be reviewing dialysis and supplements that you can use both before and during dialysis.
Sources
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5791-polycystic-kidney-disease
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14884-kidney-cysts
- https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2F-%2Fmedia%2Fkcms%2Fgbs%2Fpatient-consumer%2Fimages%2F2013%2F08%2F26%2F10%2F37%2Fds01186_im04667_mcdc7_kidney_cystthu.png&tbnid=xVI3NjVtU8SVzM&vet=1&imgrefurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mayoclinic.org%2Fdiseases-conditions%2Fkidney-cysts%2Fsymptoms-causes%2Fsyc-20374134&docid=R_mEtppoI4R7oM&w=400&h=537&hl=en-us&source=sh%2Fx%2Fim%2Fm4%2F7&kgs=f2e66290ad0697d8&shem=abme%2Ctrie
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15096-chronic-kidney-disease
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/17689-kidney-failure
Kidneys Part 2
Kidneys Part 2 Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In the first part of our discussion on kidney health we reviewed basic information such as what the kidneys do for us and tests that can measure our kidney health. (1) In this blog we will review the …
PRIMARY FOOD, LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~JOY
PRIMARY FOOD, LIFESTYLE AND OUR HEALTH~JOY by: Allie Might, FMC, INHC, ATT “The best way to choose what to keep and what to throw away is to take each item in one’s hand and ask: ‘Does this spark joy?’ If it does, keep it. …
Prozyme Digest
Prozyme Digest
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
As a Naturopathic doctor I find myself often recommending that people use a probiotic and a digestive enzyme. These each have many benefits for our health. That is why I have chosen to highlight a product that contains both! This product is Prozyme Digest. This is a fantastic formula because not only are you getting the benefits of two supplements in one it is a chewable tablet. But just why do probiotics and digestive enzymes are so important? Let us get into it, shall we?
Let us talk about the probiotic blend first. Prozyme Digest contains 14 billion CFUs and is a combination of 6 different strains of beneficial bacteria. Studies have found many benefits to using probiotics. In fact, studies have found that using a probiotic can help reduce symptoms of both Chrons disease and Ulcerative colitis (these are both forms of IBD). (1) Studies have also found that using a probiotic can improve quality of life in those with IBS. (2) Studies have also found that in addition to helping with diarrhea probiotics may increase the number of bowel movements in those who suffer infrequent bowel movements and thus help with constipation in the long run .(3) If you can recall in my blog on the gallbladder I mentioned that rapid weight loss is a risk factor for gallstones. That means that in those who undergo bariatric surgery gallstones are a real concern. In one study, after 6 months of using probiotics the risk of gall stone formation was reduced after bariatric surgery. (4) What other potential benefits to probiotics are there? Well studies have found that using a probiotic can help with seasonal allergies. (5) One interesting study found that in children born to mothers who used probiotics there were less allergies experienced. (6)
Studies have also found that using a probiotic can help to reduce the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. For example, probiotics led to reduced abdominal obesity. (7) Another study that they can help to improve insulin resistance. (8) Something intriguing is that probiotics, when added to a protocol for high blood pressure were able to help reduce the blood pressure numbers. (9) Lastly, probiotics have been shown to help our immune system fight off “different types of bad guys” that cause us to feel sick such as when you have a viral infection. (10) Overall probiotics pack a punch when it comes to our health. I could go on even longer talking about their benefits and still not get everything they do! But I have covered what I think are their most important benefits.
But let us not forget, in addition to the probiotic formula, Prozyme Digest contains a complete digestive enzyme blend. So, let us get into it. Studies have found that using digestive enzymes can help to reduce the risk of gallstones. (4) Studies have also found that digestive enzymes are effective at reducing bloating and even gas. (11). Other studies have found that in addition to helping with gas digestive enzymes can improve overall digestion and even reduce abdominal pain. (12) Digestive enzymes might help digestive symptoms such as gas in those with both IBS and IBD. (13) Lastly studies have found enormous potential for digestive enzymes helping digestion in those with certain malabsorption disorders such as lactose intolerance and Cystic fibrosis. (14)
As you can see, both probiotics and digestive enzymes have amazing benefits. Having both in one chewable tablet makes for an overall fantastic easy to use supplement!
Our next blog topic will focus on the kidneys and dialysis.
Sources
- https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(22)09141-6/fulltext
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10651259/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/probiotics-may-ease-constipation-201408217377
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1015958422001750
- https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn2012197
- https://jn.nutrition.org/article/S0022-3166(22)09137-4/fulltext
- https://www.nature.com/articles/ejcn201019
- https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/british-journal-of-nutrition/article/effects-of-lactobacillus-acidophilus-ncfm-on-insulin-sensitivity-and-the-systemic-inflammatory-response-in-human-subjects/7A52403574A5749C3AC86A28EF48E12A
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4772943/pdf/ibpc-9-033.pdf
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9207339/
- https://www.dovepress.com/a-multi-digestive-enzyme-and-herbal-dietary-supplement-reduces-bloatin-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-NDS
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7113997/
- https://www.europeanreview.org/article/13006
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4923703/
