Your body is host to a plethora of microorganisms inhabiting your gastrointestinal and respiratory systems along with your skin, oral cavity and urogenital tracts. These microorganisms, specifically those in your gut, are complex and change over time due to factors like diet, age, environment and lifestyle. They serve primarily to harness energy, preserve intestinal health by guarding against pathogens and other germs and they help regulate your immune system. Needless to say, they are incredibly important to your health. When chronic kidney disease enters the picture, however, your gut microbiota are negatively impacted and this could make an already difficult health issue, significantly harder to manage.
There has been some research done on the relationship between chronic kidney disease and its impact upon digestive health pointing to the accumulation of toxins and how they hinder the intestines. When the intestines are compromised, inflammation aggravates the stomach lining and makes it easier for toxic microbes to filter themselves into the bloodstream, which puts an even grater strain on the kidneys.
Many reports have chronicled the increase in bacteria strains which produce urea and uricase in patients with chronic kidney disease. When kidney function is compromised, these compounds have a harder time being filtered through urination and therefore end up in the bloodstream and gastrointestinal tract instead.
Given the detrimental impact of kidney disease on gastrointestinal health and vice versa, it becomes critically important to take stringent measures to counteract the damage that could hamper your digestive function. What steps can you take to ensure your gastrointestinal health is fortified against the ravages of kidney disease? Well, one of the first lines of defense includes the use of a quality probiotic supplement which deals specifically with the gut-kidney connection and synchronistically helps both relieve themselves of the added toxic dump associated with kidney disease. Kidney Restore, our own probiotic is intended for use by those suffering with kidney disease and helps to use the colon as a way of eliminating toxins before they enter the bloodstream.
The second line of defense includes implementing the right dietary changes. Some of the most vital changes include:
• Reducing protein intake, to not only slow kidney disease progression, but also to control uremia levels.
• Implementing more good bacteria into the diet, foods like organic yogurts can be of tremendous help. Also great for lupus, which is frequently associated with kidney disease.
• Eating more whole grains, if phosphorus is not an issue, as well as a diet rich in fiber.
• Enhancing your fruit and vegetable intake. Get creative! Smoothies, and salads are all wonderful ways to get your daily recommended value.
