The Importance of Kidney Health: Explained by Dr. Boz
Kidney disease is one of the most prevalent medical conditions worldwide, affecting approximately 10% of the global population. However, most people don't know much about the role of the kidneys and how crucial they are for our overall health. Dr. Boz, a leading expert in the field of metabolic health and nutrition, has dedicated her career to educating people about the importance of kidney health. In this article, we will explore the essential role of the kidneys and how they can detect danger much earlier in a disease process.
The Role of Kidneys in Filtering Waste and Maintaining Electrolyte Balance
The kidneys are vital organs located on either side of the spine just above the waist. They play a crucial role in maintaining the body's overall health and well-being by filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted in urine. This process is essential for keeping the blood clean and free of harmful toxins that can cause illness and disease.
Kidneys also help regulate the balance of electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium, which are essential for proper cell function. They work to keep these electrolytes in balance by adjusting the amount of urine produced and the concentration of electrolytes in the blood.
The Connection Between the Heart and the Kidneys
The kidneys are closely linked to the cardiovascular system, and their health is directly related to the heart's health. when the kidneys aren't working correctly, it can put a strain on the heart, leading to various cardiovascular diseases. One of the most common complications of kidney dysfunction is high blood pressure. As the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure, a malfunctioning kidney can cause blood pressure to rise, which can put an extra strain on the heart. Other cardiovascular diseases that can arise from kidney dysfunction include heart attack, heart failure, and stroke.
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Early Detection of Kidney Disease
Kidney disease is often referred to as a "silent killer" because it can go undetected for years. However, there are several tests that can be done to detect kidney damage, including a urine test to check for the presence of a tiny protein that should never be in the urine. This protein is the first signal that things are tearing apart at a cellular level inside the kidney.
Case Study of Dr. Boz's Father:
Dr. Boz's father's case is a prime example of how kidney function can provide early warning signs. Dr. Boz's father showed warning signs of his kidney breaking down from within, and it was detected almost 20 years ago. He had high blood pressure, which was controlled with medication, but as he got older and gained weight, his kidney function got more and more stressed each year. Unfortunately, there were no neon signs or major symptoms, just little hints like the presence of a small amount of protein in his urine. Eventually, his kidney function deteriorated to the point where he needed dialysis. If Dr. Boz had known about the ketogenic diet back then, she could have taught her father how to manage his health more effectively.
Detecting Kidney Damage Through Protein Levels in Urine
To determine how well the kidneys are functioning, doctors can perform a few tests to assess the cleanliness of the blood. One such test involves checking for the presence of a tiny protein called microprotein in the urine. When microprotein is present in urine, it can be an early signal that something is wrong with the kidneys at a cellular level, indicating that they may be deteriorating.
Warning Signs for Detecting Kidney Damage Early
In some cases, kidney damage can go unnoticed for years, and the first sign of trouble may come when the kidneys have already sustained significant damage. For example, high blood pressure, weight gain, and tummy problems are all warning signs that the kidneys may be deteriorating.
The Importance of a Healthy Diet for Kidney Health
A healthy diet is crucial for kidney health. Dr. Boz emphasizes the importance of a ketogenic diet, which she believes can help prevent kidney disease and improve kidney function in those already affected by it. She also shares her personal experience with her father, who, if taught how to follow a ketogenic diet earlier in his life, could have prevented his current kidney problems.
The Ketogenic Diet and Kidney Health
The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been shown to have several health benefits, including weight loss and improved metabolic health. Dr. Boz explains how the ketogenic diet can help prevent kidney disease and improve kidney function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, which are two factors that can damage the kidneys. She also discusses how the ketogenic diet can help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, which are critical for kidney health.
Kidney Function and the Role of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress
The kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste and toxins from the blood. When the kidneys are damaged, waste products can build up in the body, leading to various health problems. Inflammation and oxidative stress are two factors that can damage the kidneys. The ketogenic diet has been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body, which can help prevent kidney disease and improve kidney function.
Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure Regulation
Blood sugar and blood pressure regulation are crucial for kidney health. High blood sugar levels can damage the kidneys over time, and high blood pressure can cause stress on the kidneys. The ketogenic diet can help regulate blood sugar and blood pressure, which can improve kidney function and reduce the risk of kidney disease.
The Importance of Vitamin D and K2 for Overall Health
Dr. Boz explains the importance of vitamin D and K2 for overall health, particularly for preventing the hardening of arteries.
Calcification on Arteries
Dr. Boz talks about how her father's chest x-ray showed calcifications on the arteries of his heart, which indicated that his calcium was going in the wrong direction. This condition leads to hardening of the arteries and poses a risk for heart disease.
Vitamin D Absorption
Dr. Boz prescribed a high dose of vitamin D for her father when she noticed his kidneys were failing. However, his vitamin D levels did not improve even after the prescription. She then realized that her father's body was not absorbing vitamin D properly.
Tanning Bed and Vitamin D
Dr. Boz discovered that exposure to UVB rays in a tanning bed could increase vitamin D levels. She prescribed her father to have four minutes in a tanning bed with UVB rays, and after six weeks, his vitamin D levels increased significantly.
Importance of Vitamin K2
Dr. Boz emphasizes the importance of vitamin K2 (MK7), which is a fat-soluble vitamin that is found in fermented foods. She explains that vitamin K2 plays a significant role in improving the absorption of vitamin D.
Prescription for K2
Dr. Boz points out that there is no prescription for vitamin K2 because it is difficult to measure. However, she recommends a ketogenic or carnivore diet that includes sardines, organ meat, and fermented foods like sauerkraut and kimchi, which are rich in vitamin K2.
K2 as the Traffic Cop
Dr. Boz describes vitamin K2 as the traffic cop for the body, determining where the calcium should go instead of adding more calcium. She advises against adding more calcium to the diet and instead focusing on the right foods that are easily absorbable and bioavailable.
The Bottom Line
Kidney disease is a prevalent medical condition that affects approximately 10% of the global population. The kidneys play a crucial role in maintaining the body's overall health and well-being by filtering waste products and regulating the balance of electrolytes in the blood. Kidney health is closely linked to cardiovascular health, and kidney dysfunction can lead to various cardiovascular diseases. Early detection of kidney disease is essential, and tests like checking for microprotein levels in the urine can detect kidney damage at an early stage.
A healthy diet, particularly a ketogenic diet, can help prevent kidney disease and improve kidney function by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, regulating blood sugar and blood pressure, and ensuring proper vitamin D and K2 levels. Dr. Boz's personal experience with her father's kidney health shows how early detection and dietary changes can make a significant impact on kidney function and overall health.