The kidneys help to filter waste and toxins, but this is not their only function. They regulate fluid and mineral balance, help regulate blood pressure, secrete hormones, and regulate acid-base balance amongst other tasks.
Renal insufficiency or decreased renal function can occur long before one sees noticeable renal disease. Many factors contribute to renal insufficiency.
- Heavy metal toxicity.
- Increased stress on the kidneys from high protein intake, processed foods, sugar, caffeine, alcohol etc.
- Many over the counter and prescription drugs cause damage to the kidney.
- Dehydration can cause significant stress on the kidneys.
- Impaired liver function can increase kidney stress. The kidneys will often take on many of the detoxification tasks of the liver when the liver becomes compromised.
- Long term low grade and chronic infection can decrease kidney function over time.
Are You At Risk?
You may be more at risk of chronic kidney disease if you:
- Have high blood pressure
- Have diabetes
- Have had heart failure, previous heart attack or had a stroke
- Have a family history of kidney failure
- Are overweight
- Are a smoker
- Are 60 years of order
What Are The Signs Of Kidney Insufficiency?
Most people do not have any severe symptoms until their kidney disease worsens. However, some of the first signs may include:
- high blood pressure
- dry, itchy skin
- swollen feet and ankles
- puffiness around your eyes, especially in the morning
- changes in the amount and number of times urine is passed e.g. at night
- changes in the appearance of urine
- blood in the urine
- pain in the kidney area
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
- difficulty sleeping
- headaches
- lack of concentration
In Chinese medicine, the skin is associated with the kidneys. The body will use the skin as a secondary route of detoxification and as such, skin problems that have no known cause are often associated with renal dysfunction. Skin problems can also be an indication that the kidney is no longer processing metabolic waste correctly.
How To Test For Kidney Function Using Iridology And The Lastest Research
eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) is a marker of kidney function. It is a blood test that is used to assess kidney damage or if you may be at risk of developing kidney disease, therefore, requires blood to be drawn for testing.
You no longer have to have blood drawn for detection of kidney dysfunction to help minimise the damage. With the help of brand new iridology research by Tharindu Fernando, in collaboration with an Engineer, they have successfully developed Kidney Functioning Rate software using Iridology and Artificial Intelligence.
Your Kidney Functioning Rate is now available as part of my iridology/naturopathic consultations to assess the current health status of your kidneys.