Chronic Kidney Disease is an incurable progressive condition wherein kidneys gradually lose the capacity to filter waste products out of blood, ultimately becoming impaired in filtering functions and failing to filter waste effectively from circulation. Affecting millions in America, approximately 15% of adults living in America now live with chronic kidney disease; Houston residents in particular face increased risks. Approximately 55,000 adults currently reside with chronic kidney disease – thus providing evidence for its prevalence within its borders.

While traditional treatments like dialysis and transplantation exist, some patients are turning to holistic kidney care. But, Can holistic kidney care help with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Houston?

Understanding Chronic Kidney Disease

Our kidneys play a critical role in our overall well-being. Their natural filters filter waste out from our blood while producing hormones that regulate our blood pressure, red blood cell production, and bone health. If CKD persists despite all efforts at management it could have devastating repercussions for overall well-being and cause irreparable harm.

CKD can progress through five stages, each representing an incremental decline in kidney function. Early symptoms may be minor; later ones can include fatigue, swelling, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping, and changes in urination patterns. Multiple factors contribute to its progression such as 

• Diabetes 
• High blood pressure 
• Autoimmune diseases 
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Recurrent UTIs

Management of Chronic Kidney Disease depends on the degree of the disease; in advanced cases, dialysis or kidney transplant may be required, but for the majority of the patients CKD requires medication, a change of behavior, and a change of diet as a way of managing it.

Can Holistic Kidney Care Improve the Quality of Life of CKD Patients?

Complete kidney management for chronic kidney disease also involves not only the signs and symptoms of the disease but the individual’s health status as a whole. Dieting, changes in the lifestyle, and the ways to manage stress are also not excluded.

It has also been observed that integrative holistic treatment can complement the management of chronic kidney disease.

• Improving Overall Health: By maintaining proper diet, exercise, and other stress relievers like practicing yoga therapy or mindfulness meditation, holistic approaches might enhance an individual’s health and thus, reduce the difficulties that come with CKD management.
• Reducing Risk Factors: Complementary therapies can help manage hypertension, diabetes, and obesity making one vulnerable to the advancement of chronic kidney disease.
• Enhancing Mental Well-Being: Having to live with an illness that constantly reoccurs can affect one’s mental health in so many ways. Stress and anxiety may also be addressed through meditative practices such as Deep Relaxation, thus improving the Kidney Disease Patients’ quality of life.

Here are a few holistic practices that may prove useful:

• Nutritional therapy: Professional consultation with a registered dietitian with an emphasis on kidney disease on how to develop the individual diet and how to manage phosphorus and potassium is very crucial for patients with chronic kidney disease. To learn more about Phosphorus Foods and CKD on our website click on Dr. Bismah Irfan who is a Holistic Kidney Care specialist.
• Herbal remedies: Certain herbal supplements may offer health benefits for kidney health; it’s wise to check with a healthcare provider before use as they could interfere with medications taken at the same time.
• Stress Reducing Strategies: Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing techniques may all assist with managing the tension that worsens CKD symptoms.

Holistic Kidney Care Options in Houston

Can holistic kidney care help with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Houston? – Houston residents will find there are various resources for holistic kidney care available to them, including these examples:

• Holistic Nephrologists or Integrative Medicine Practitioners: Kidney Expert Doctors combine conventional medication with complementary therapies such as acupuncture or massage therapy for the holistic treatment of their clients.
• Dietitians that specialize in kidney health: Registered dietitians specializing in renal health can craft personalized meal plans designed to manage CKD.
• Yoga/meditation studios offering kidney-focused programs: Some yoga studios provide classes tailored specifically for people living with chronic illnesses. You should carefully consider their services if this option is chosen as your solution.

Final Thoughts

To answer “Can holistic kidney care help with chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Houston?” living with CKD doesn’t need to limit your life in Houston. By adopting an integrated holistic approach that complements traditional medicine, you can empower yourself with tools for self-managing your condition effectively and improving overall well-being. 

Knowledge is power; so we recommend searching all available resources here in Houston; discussing any options with healthcare providers as well and considering teaming up with Dr. Bismah Irfan for customized kidney care – together we can assist in finding ways to navigate the CKD journey and live fulfilling lives!