Nephritis
Synopsis of Nephritis
Nephritis is the general term for inflammation of the kidneys, which can affect the glomeruli (filtering units), tubules, or interstitial tissue. It can be acute or chronic, and may result from infections, autoimmune diseases, toxins, or certain medications. The inflammation interferes with the kidneys' ability to filter waste, regulate electrolytes, and manage fluid balance, potentially leading to kidney damage or failure if untreated.
Types of nephritis include:
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Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the glomeruli; can be post-infectious or autoimmune
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Interstitial nephritis: Affects the spaces between kidney tubules, often drug-induced
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Lupus nephritis: Kidney inflammation caused by systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
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IgA nephropathy (Berger’s disease): Immune deposits build up in glomeruli
Common symptoms:
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Swelling (especially in the face, hands, feet)
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Blood in urine (hematuria) or foamy urine (proteinuria)
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High blood pressure
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Fatigue
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Decreased urine output
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Nausea or confusion (in severe cases)
Possible causes:
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Strep infections (especially post-strep glomerulonephritis)
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Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, vasculitis)
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Long-term use of NSAIDs or antibiotics
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Heavy metal exposure
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Chronic infections
When to see a doctor:
Seek care if experiencing facial or leg swelling, blood in urine, or significantly reduced urination. Diagnosis typically includes urinalysis, blood tests (BUN, creatinine), imaging, and possibly kidney biopsy. Treatment depends on cause and severity and may involve immunosuppressants, antibiotics, corticosteroids, or dialysis.
Natural remedies for Nephritis
Follow a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Low in sodium, protein (in some cases), and phosphorus.
Stay Hydrated (but avoid fluid overload): Follow doctor’s guidelines.
Limit or Avoid NSAIDs and Known Triggers: Especially if drug-induced nephritis is suspected.
Use Gentle Exercise: Helps manage blood pressure and fluid retention.
Monitor Blood Pressure and Urine Output: Detects worsening symptoms early.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Nephritis
astragalus
beet
bifidobacterium lactis
black garlic
bovine kidney
branched-chain amino acids
bupleurum falcatum
cat's claw
Chinese salvia root
cordyceps
cucumber
turmeric
dandelion
fish protein
fu ling
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
lactoferrin
lentinula edodes mycelia
licorice root
lovage
spruce
perilla
porcine kidney
reishi mushroom
specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs)
spirulina
vitamin C
vitamin D
mulberry
zinc
rubia cordifolia
morus
lotus seed
coix
3-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid
Astragalus
Arsenic
Auricularia
Albumin
Astragaloside IV
Aerva lanata
Astragaloside
anthocyanin
Avian (unspecified)
Agrimonia pilosa
Atractylodes
Alisma
Amaranthus tricolor
Astragalin
Atractylone
Bifidobacterium longum
Bifobacterium (mixed)
Bai Ji
bergenin
Bifidobacterium animalis lactis
Bael
Bean
Basidiomycota
Blackberry
Branched-Chain Amino Acids
Branched Chain Amino Acids
Baicalin
Bovine (unspecified)
Bassia scoparia
Bergenia
Coriolus mushroom
Cynomorium
Chinese Asparagus
Chinese Quince
Chinese Pond Turtle
Chinese Chive
Castor
Chinese Dodder
Chlorella Pyrenoidosa
Chinese pond turtle
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Convolvulus prostratis
Canadian Goldenrod
Clam
Dandelion
DL-Methionine
Date Palm
Dioscorea oppositifolia
Dogwood (unspecified)
Dioscorea nipponica
Euryale seed
Euryale
Fritillary (unspecified)
Gallic Acid
Glutathione peroxidase
Galium (unspecified)
Glutathione
Gooseberry
Hyperoside
Hyacinth bean
Kidney
Kidney
Lophatherum
Ligustrum
Lactoferrin
Mineral Water
Milk
N-Acetyl Cysteine
Ophiopogon
Ox
Orchid tree (unspecified)
Poria Mushrooms
Potassium Chloride
P. nigraclens (unspecified)
Polysaccharides
Potassium
Poria mushroom
Pine
Pentacyclic Oxindole Alkaloids
Polygonatum
Persimmon
Porcine (unspecified)
Polygonatum cirrhifolium
Poria Mushroom
Pyrola
Rhemannia
Reishi mushroom
Rosa laevigata
Rhubarb (unspecified)
Rhubarb
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Somatropin
Seleno Methionine
Shiitake
Sodium chloride
Sulfate (unspecified)
Turtle
Transforming growth factor beta
Turtle
Thymic peptides
Tremella (unspecified)
White Pear
Wild carrot
Yam (unspecified)