Renal Insufficiency
What Does It Mean?
Renal insufficiency refers to a decline in kidney function, impairing the body's ability to filter waste, balance electrolytes, and regulate fluid levels. This dysfunction can lead to metabolic disturbances, increased toxin accumulation, and systemic inflammation.
How Did We Get There?
Root Causes:
- Chronic Inflammation & Oxidative Stress – Damages kidney structures and impairs function.
- Hypertension & Cardiovascular Disease – High blood pressure reduces renal perfusion.
- Diabetes & Insulin Resistance – Chronic hyperglycemia damages glomeruli.
- Dehydration & Electrolyte Imbalances – Affects kidney filtration and waste excretion.
- Toxin Exposure & Heavy Metals – Accumulation of nephrotoxic substances impairs renal function.
Signs & Symptoms:
- Fatigue and generalized weakness
- Fluid retention and swelling (edema)
- Decreased urine output or foamy urine
- Hypertension or difficulty controlling blood pressure
- Muscle cramps and neurological symptoms due to electrolyte imbalances
- Nausea and poor appetite
Lab Test Findings
| Lab Test Name | Expected Change | Optimal Range |
| Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) | Increased | 10.00-16.00 mg/dL |
| BUN : Creatinine Ratio | Increased | 10.00-16.00 Ratio |
| Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) | Decreased | 90.00-120.00 mL/min/1.73m2 |
| Magnesium, Serum | Decreased | 2.20-2.50 mg/dL |
| Phosphorus (Phosphate) | Increased | 3.00-4.00 mg/dL |
| Uric Acid (Male) | Increased | 3.50-5.40 mg/dL |
How Do We Treat It?
Functional Medicine Approach:
Managing renal insufficiency requires optimizing hydration, reducing oxidative stress, and supporting kidney detoxification.
Supplement Protocol:
| Supplement | Function | Dosage & Frequency |
| Advanced Vita-Biotic R | Enhances immune function and reduces systemic inflammation | 1 capsule with food, daily |
| Endura | Supports hydration and electrolyte balance | 1 packet with or without food, three times daily |
| D-Mannose Powder | Helps prevent urinary tract infections and supports renal health | 1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily |
| Vita-Digestyzyme | Supports digestion & enzymatic function | 2 capsule 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Vita-Candid | Antifungal & microbiome support | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| CoQ-10 300 mg | Mitochondrial & cardiovascular support | 2 capsules with food, daily |
| V-Inflamma | Reduces systemic inflammation | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita DIM | Hormonal & detoxification support | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Defense | Immune system support | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Glutathione | Antioxidant & cellular detoxification | 1 capsule with or without food, daily |
| V-Pax | Neurotransmitter & adrenal support | 2 capsules with food, twice daily |
| Vita B Methyl | Supports methylation & energy production | 1 capsule without food, daily |
| Magnesium | Supports muscle function & relaxation | 2 capsules with or without food, daily |
| V-Collagen | Supports gut lining & joint health | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| SBI Powder | Immunoglobulin support for gut healing | 1 scoop of powder in cold liquids without food, daily |
| Gluta Protect | Antioxidant & gut barrier protection | 1 scoop of powder without food, daily |
| Vita Microbe | Comprehensive probiotic support | 3 capsules with or without food, daily |
| Vita Buffered C Powder | Immune & antioxidant support | ¼ scoop of powder with or without food, twice daily |
| Vita-Biotic | Supports microbiome balance | 4 capsule without food, daily |
| Vita-Flux | Nitric oxide & vascular health support | 2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily |
| Renagen DTX | Promote healthy kidney detoxification and protect against free radical damage | 3 capsules without food, daily |
| Vita-Uric Pro | Support healthy uric acid metabolism | 3 capsules without food, daily |
Additional Lifestyle Interventions:
- Optimize Hydration: Maintain adequate water intake to support kidney filtration.
- Support Electrolyte Balance: Monitor and adjust magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus levels.
- Reduce Protein & Sodium Intake: Prevent excessive metabolic burden on the kidneys.
- Enhance Detoxification Pathways: Support liver and kidney function through antioxidant-rich foods.
- Manage Blood Pressure & Glucose Levels: Control hypertension and insulin resistance to prevent further kidney damage.