Kidney Failure and Dialysis

The kidney (renal) system controls the crucial urinary function of the body. It is responsible for filtering the blood and disposing of waste products, toxins and excess fluid in the form of urine. It also maintains water balance and regulates various chemical levels and blood pressure. If the kidneys cannot do their job, waste products and toxins accumulate in the blood. This affects other organ systems, often producing neurological symptoms and circulatory problems. Any sort of acute (sudden) or chronic (gradual/prolonged) illnesses can interfere with kidney function and lead to long-term disease. Kidney disease may shorten life expectancy.

Acute kidney failure can be triggered by all sorts of conditions. For example, a massive hemorrhage, heart attack or overwhelming infection (sepsis) can severely and suddenly restrict blood flow, quickly injuring the sensitive kidney tissues. The most common medical conditions leading to chronic renal failure are hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), high blood pressure and diabetes. These long-term diseases damage the circula-tion involved with the kidneys. Serious damage is also caused by organic and inorganic toxins, such as poisonous mushrooms, solvents, wood alcohol, antifreeze and heavy metals, either inhaled or ingested. There are many other causes of kidney failure, including chronic toxic exposure, inherited kidney diseases, vascular diseases and autoimmune disease.

Because kidney disease and renal failure are often triggered by other disorders it is important to identify the initial or potential cause. Diabetics must carefully control their sugar levels. Hypertensive patients must keep blood pressure down and all of us need to eliminate ongoing exposure to toxins. Some drugs can help manage chemical imbalances, circulatory problems and accumulation of waste products. Proper nutrition and dietary management are particularly important, and reduced protein intake is often advised in cases of renal failure.

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