The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located at the back of your upper abdomen. Each one is about the size of a fist. The kidneys have many important functions such as removing waste from the body, keeping body chemicals in balance and maintaining body’s balance of water. When the kidney’s can no longer perform their main functions, the condition is known as kidney (renal) failure.

Acute renal failure tends to affect people who are already experiencing some health problems and are perhaps already hospitalized. Many times, renal failure occurs when blood flow to the kidneys is disrupted by a certain event such as an injury or a surgery.

Renal failure may also develop gradually over time and signs and symptoms may be few and far between in the early stages. This is known as chronic kidney failure. People with high blood pressure and diabetes are at risk the most for developing chronic kidney failure.

Acute kidney failure can be serious and in most cases, intensive treatment is necessary, but it can be reversed unlike the chronic form.

Common symptoms of acute kidney failure include:

• Decreased Urine Output
  
  
• Fluid Retention
  
  
• Drowsiness
  
  
• Shortness of Breath
  
  
• Fatigue
  
  
• Confusion
  
  
• Seizures or Coma (in severe cases)
  
  
• Chest Pain

The cause of acute kidney failure is generally categorized by where and how it affects the kidneys:

Prerenal - These problems interfere with the flow of blood on its way to the kidneys and are responsible for most cases of kidney failure. Some examples of prerenal problems include extremely low blood pressure, poor heart function and low blood volume.

Renal - These causes result in direct damage to the kidneys. Some examples of conditions that cause renal kidney failure include: Any disorder that reduces blood supply in the kidneys such atheroembolic kidney disease, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, development of blood clots in kidney vessels, a reaction to a blood transfusion, a sudden onset of severe high blood pressure (malignant hypertension), hemolytic uremic syndrome, inflammation in the kidneys, acute glomerulonephritis or a toxic injury.

Postrenal - These problems affect the ureters, which is where urine flows after it leaves the kidneys. Examples include kidney stones or tumors that exert pressure on the ureters can cause obstruction at this level.

The supplements listed below maintain proper kidney function:

Coenzyme A (take as directed on label) - Antioxidant that removes harmful substances from the body.

Vitamin B6 (50 mg 3 times a day) - Reduces fluid retention.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids - (2,000 - 4,000 mg daily) - Acidifies the urine, boosts the immune system & aids healing.

Calcium (1,500 mg daily) & Magnesium (750 mg daily) - Needed for proper mineral balance and are important in water absorption.

L-Arginine (500 mg 4 times a day) - Has been shown to be helpful in treating kidney disease.

Lecithin Granules - (1 tablespoon 3 times daily before meals) Needed for nephritis.

Mutlimineral Complex (take as directed on label) - Corrects mineral depletion associated with kidney disease.

Potassium (99 mg daily) - Acts as a kidney stimulant.

Cranberries - A great choice  because they contain substances that acidify the urine and destroy bacteria buildup. Drink 8 ounces of pure, unsweetened juice three times daily. Do not use a commercial cranberry juice cocktail. Cranberry capsules can also be used.

Dandelion Root - Helps the kidneys excrete waste.

Marshmallow Tea - Drinking 1 quart of marshmallow tea a day helps cleanse the kidneys.