Renal Disease

Introduction

Your kidneys are responsible for more than just producing urine. These bean-shaped organs filter waste from the blood, regulate fluid and electrolyte balance, support red blood cell production, and maintain healthy blood pressure. Yet kidney dysfunction often develops silently, progressing for years without symptoms.
At Intercoastal Health, we apply a functional medicine approach to detect early signs of renal insufficiency—before irreversible damage occurs. Through the use of biomarker testing, root cause investigation, and individualized care strategies, we help patients preserve kidney function and reduce the risk of chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular complications, and other systemic disorders.

The Importance of Kidney Function

Each kidney contains approximately one million nephrons—microscopic filtering units that remove waste, maintain electrolyte balance, and regulate blood pressure through fluid management. Even small declines in kidney function can impact the entire body, especially the cardiovascular, endocrine, and musculoskeletal systems.
Healthy kidneys:

• Filter toxins from the bloodstream (urea, creatinine, medications)
  
• Regulate electrolytes (sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphate)
  
• Balance pH through acid–base buffering
  
• Activate vitamin D, essential for calcium absorption and bone health
  
• Produce erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production
  
  

Understanding Early Renal Dysfunction

Renal disease includes a spectrum from mild renal insufficiency to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and acute kidney injury (AKI). The functional medicine perspective emphasizes early trend identification to intervene before end-organ damage occurs.
Early dysfunction is often indicated by subtle but measurable changes in key biomarkers:

• Creatinine: A waste product of muscle metabolism. Elevated levels suggest decreased filtration.
  
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Indicates protein metabolism and kidney excretion capacity.
  
• eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate): Calculated using creatinine, age, sex, and race to assess overall kidney filtration function.
  
• Urinary albumin: The presence of protein in urine may signal glomerular damage before blood markers change.
  
• Cystatin C (optional): Alternative to creatinine for estimating GFR; less affected by muscle mass.
  
  

Signs and Symptoms of Renal Disease

In its early stages, kidney disease may be completely asymptomatic, making routine lab monitoring essential. As the condition progresses, signs may include:

• Fatigue and generalized weakness
  
• Swelling (edema) in the feet, ankles, legs, or hands
  
• Changes in urination: Frequency, volume, or appearance (foamy, dark, or bloody)
  
• Muscle cramps or twitching, often due to electrolyte imbalances
  
• Dry, itchy skin related to uremic toxin buildup
  
• Nausea, vomiting, or poor appetite
  
• Shortness of breath or chest discomfort in advanced stages
  
  

Symptoms tend to worsen as filtration declines, and many patients remain undiagnosed until eGFR falls below 60 mL/min/1.73 m², which indicates stage 3 CKD.

Clinical Evaluation of Renal Function

At Intercoastal Health, we integrate advanced diagnostic tools with clinical context and patient history to evaluate kidney health.

Imaging and Procedures:

• Renal ultrasound: Assesses kidney size, structure, and presence of obstruction or stones
  
• CT or MRI: Used in complex cases for further evaluation
  
• Renal biopsy: Occasionally needed to confirm glomerulonephritis or autoimmune kidney disease
  
  

Common Causes of Renal Dysfunction

Functional medicine investigates underlying drivers of kidney stress to support long-term reversal or stabilization.

1. Diabetes Mellitus
   Chronic high blood sugar damages delicate capillaries in the glomeruli, leading to diabetic nephropathy. Microalbuminuria is often the first sign.
   
2. Hypertension
   High blood pressure injures renal arteries, leading to ischemia and scarring over time.
   
3. Autoimmune Diseases
   Conditions like lupus nephritis and IgA nephropathy cause immune-mediated glomerular inflammation.
   
4. Chronic NSAID Use
   Overuse of anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, naproxen) can constrict renal arteries and reduce filtration.
   
5. Kidney Stones and Recurrent UTIs
   Obstruction and infection cause scarring, inflammation, and chronic injury.
   
6. Toxin Exposure
   Heavy metals (lead, cadmium), contrast dyes, and environmental toxins impair nephron function.
   
7. Dehydration or Acute Injury
   Reduced perfusion from blood loss, trauma, or sepsis may cause acute kidney injury (AKI) that can become chronic.
   
   

Drug-Induced Kidney Injury

Numerous medications may contribute to renal impairment:

Medication reviews are a critical part of renal preservation in the functional medicine model.

Functional Medicine Approach to Kidney Health

At Intercoastal Health, we emphasize early intervention and lifestyle modification tailored to the individual. A trend toward renal disease is not inevitable—it’s a warning sign we can act upon.

1. Optimize Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure
   
   • Use low-glycemic, whole-food diets to stabilize glucose
     
   • Reduce insulin resistance with weight loss, exercise, and stress reduction
     
   • Emphasize sodium moderation and potassium-rich foods unless contraindicated
     
2. Support Hydration and Detoxification
   
   • Encourage daily fluid intake appropriate to kidney function
     
   • Eliminate nephrotoxic exposures: NSAIDs, processed foods, excessive animal protein
     
   • Consider filtered water to reduce heavy metal burden
     
3. Use Nutraceutical Support When Appropriate
   
   • Omega-3 fatty acids: Anti-inflammatory support for kidney tissue
     
   • CoQ10: Mitochondrial and cardiovascular support
     
   • Vitamin D and magnesium: Modulate blood pressure, mineral metabolism
     
   • N-acetylcysteine (NAC): Supports glutathione and protects against oxidative damage
     
   • Berberine: For glucose regulation in metabolic-related kidney stress
     
4. Monitor and Recheck Labs
   
   • Recheck BUN, creatinine, eGFR, and urinary markers every 3–6 months in at-risk individuals
     
   • Evaluate inflammatory markers, HbA1c, and blood pressure trends
     
   • Adjust treatment based on stage and rate of decline
     
     

Consequences of Untreated Renal Disease

Unchecked renal dysfunction may lead to:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): May progress to dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD)
  
• Cardiovascular complications: Hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, vascular calcification
  
• Mineral bone disorders: Due to altered calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone regulation
  
• Electrolyte imbalances: Potassium retention can cause arrhythmias
  
• Acidosis and anemia: Resulting from decreased bicarbonate and erythropoietin production

Further Reading

• Levey AS, Stevens LA. “Estimating GFR Using the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) Equation: More Accurate GFR Estimation, Improved CKD Classification.” Ann Intern Med. 2009;150(9):604–612.
  
• Xie Y, Bowe B, Mokdad AH, Xian H, Yan Y, Li T, Maddukuri G, Al-Aly Z. “Analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study Highlights the Crucial Role of Chronic Kidney Disease.” Kidney Int. 2018;94(3):567–581.
  
• Kumar S, Bandyopadhyay D. “Biomarkers in Acute Kidney Injury.” Clin Chim Acta. 2014;436:60–68.
  
• O’Seaghdha CM, Hsu CY. “Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease.” BMJ. 2017;358:j2859.
  
  

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine practitioner in Florida facilitates identification of cellular-level and molecular imbalances underlying renal dysfunction. By integrating evidence-based therapies with IV therapy and Longevity Medicine services—where hydration and nutrient optimization are essential—we offer patients a regenerative, preventive framework to preserve kidney health and long-term vitality. Call (904) 799-2531 or schedule online to request your personalized renal assessment.