How to Use Simple BAKING SODA to lower Creatinine Levels - Improve Kidney Function | PureNutrition

Summary

This video script discusses the potential of baking soda to improve kidney function and lower creatinine levels, as suggested by studies from organizations like the National Kidney Foundation. It explains the kidney's filtration process, the impact of diabetes and high blood pressure on kidney health, and the importance of lifestyle changes and medical treatments. The script also addresses the role of metabolic acidosis in kidney disease and how baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can help neutralize excess acids, but advises consulting a doctor before use.

Takeaways

• 🧪 Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is suggested as a natural solution to improve kidney function and lower creatinine levels.
• 📈 The alkaline nature of baking soda can balance body pH, potentially reducing the workload on kidneys and promoting their function, as supported by studies from organizations like the National Kidney Foundation.
• 🔬 Kidney damage repairability depends on various factors including the part of the kidney affected, the cause of damage, and whether the cause is still present.
• 💡 Nephrons, the filters in the kidneys, are critical for blood filtration and maintaining overall kidney health.
• ⚠️ Damage to nephron cells can lead to kidney failure, which is characterized by reduced blood filtration.
• 📊 Kidney disease is categorized into five stages based on the number of affected nephrons, with more filters malfunctioning indicating a more serious condition.
• 🕒 Recovery from kidney damage can be assessed within a three-month window; if kidney function remains impaired, it may lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• 🚑 Early treatment is crucial for the best chance of kidney recovery and to delay the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.
• 🍽 Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, are essential for managing diabetes and high blood pressure, which are leading causes of CKD.
• 💊 Certain medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs can protect kidneys and are important for managing blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
• 🧬 The relationship between metabolic acidosis and CKD is significant, as the former can accelerate the progression of the latter and worsen kidney function.

Q & A

What is the main claim regarding baking soda and kidney health in the video script?

The script claims that baking soda, due to its alkaline nature, can help balance pH levels in the body, reduce the workload on kidneys, and potentially improve kidney function and lower creatinine levels.

What is the role of nephrons in the kidney as described in the script?

Nephrons are tiny filters in the kidney that are responsible for filtering the blood, deciding which chemicals stay and which are eliminated as waste. They are essential for the kidney's filtration process.

Can kidney damage always be repaired according to the script?

The script indicates that the reparability of kidney damage is not a simple yes or no, as it depends on various factors including the part of the kidney affected, the cause of the damage, and whether the cause is still present.

What is the significance of the nephron cells' barrier in the kidney's filtration system?

The barrier between the blood vessels and the nephrons is significant because it is thin enough to allow the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste products, which is crucial for the nephrons to function effectively.

What are the stages of kidney disease as mentioned in the script?

The script mentions that kidney disease is split into five stages, with the severity increasing as more filters (nephrons) are affected.

How does the script describe the process of kidney failure?

The script describes kidney failure as a situation where nephron cells, which may swell up or die, block or fail to function, preventing the filtration of blood as it should.

What is metabolic acidosis and why is it relevant to kidney health?

Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood becomes more acidic, often linked to chronic kidney disease. It is relevant because it can disrupt the body's acid/alkaline balance and potentially accelerate CKD progression.

Can baking soda help with kidney disease and if so, how?

The script suggests that baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, can help in cases of kidney disease by addressing metabolic acidosis, an issue often associated with CKD. It works by neutralizing excess acids in the body.

What precautions should be taken when considering using baking soda for kidney health?

The script advises consulting with a doctor before using baking soda as a supplement due to potential side effects and the fact that it contains sodium, which can affect blood pressure.

What is the recommended starting dosage of baking soda for someone with kidney issues as per the script?

The script recommends starting with a small dose of sodium bicarbonate, such as half to one teaspoon of baking soda each day, and adjusting based on blood work.

Why is it important to monitor CO2 levels in the blood for kidney patients?

Monitoring CO2 levels is important because it helps determine if a patient has metabolic acidosis, which can be addressed with treatments like sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), potentially improving kidney health.

Outlines

00:00

🧂 Natural Kidney Health with Baking Soda

This paragraph introduces the concept of using baking soda as a natural remedy to improve kidney function and lower creatinine levels. It cites studies by the National Kidney Foundation that suggest baking soda's alkaline properties can balance body pH, reducing the strain on kidneys. The script promises to reveal methods and dosages for this home remedy, aiming to alleviate the stress of managing kidney health and encouraging viewers to embrace a proactive approach to kidney wellness.

05:04

🤔 The Complexity of Repairing Kidney Damage

The script delves into the intricacies of kidney damage, explaining that the possibility of repair depends on various factors including the part of the kidney affected and the cause of the damage. It provides an analogy of tying a string around a finger to illustrate the effects of restricted blood flow on kidney cells. The paragraph outlines the stages of kidney disease and emphasizes the importance of early treatment. It also discusses the role of lifestyle changes and medication in managing conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, which are common causes of chronic kidney disease (CKD).

10:04

🛡️ Lifestyle and Dietary Measures for Kidney Protection

This paragraph focuses on preventive measures and lifestyle changes that can slow the progression of kidney disease. It highlights the importance of managing blood sugar and blood pressure for diabetics and the significance of adhering to prescribed medication regimens. The script also touches on the impact of diet, exercise, and weight management on overall health and kidney function. It mentions the potential benefits of certain foods and supplements like fish oil, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory vitamins for kidney health.

15:07

🧪 The Role of Baking Soda in Managing Metabolic Acidosis

The final paragraph explores the use of baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, in addressing metabolic acidosis, a condition often associated with CKD. It explains how metabolic acidosis can exacerbate kidney function and the importance of treating it. The script discusses the potential benefits and risks of using baking soda as a supplement and stresses the need for medical consultation. It outlines the process of determining if baking soda is appropriate through a CO2 blood test and provides guidance on dosage and monitoring progress, emphasizing the importance of a renal diet alongside any supplementation.

Keywords

💡Creatinine

Creatinine is a waste product in the blood that is typically filtered out by the kidneys. High levels of creatinine can indicate impaired kidney function. In the video, creatinine levels are a central concern for individuals worried about kidney health and dialysis, with the suggestion that baking soda might help lower these levels.

💡Dialysis

Dialysis is a medical procedure that performs the functions of the kidneys when they can no longer do so effectively. The video script discusses the fear and stress associated with the possibility of needing dialysis and introduces the idea of using baking soda as a natural solution to improve kidney function and potentially avoid this procedure.

💡Baking Soda

Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is highlighted in the video as a potential natural remedy for improving kidney function and lowering creatinine levels. It is an alkaline substance commonly found in kitchens, and the script suggests that it can balance pH levels in the body and reduce the workload on the kidneys.

💡Kidney Function

Kidney function refers to the ability of the kidneys to filter waste and maintain the body's electrolyte balance. The video emphasizes the importance of kidney function and how it can be supported or impaired by various factors, including the use of baking soda to promote overall kidney health.

💡Nephrons

Nephrons are the functional units of the kidney, responsible for filtering the blood. The script describes how each nephron plays a crucial role in deciding which substances remain in the blood and which are excreted as waste, illustrating the intricate process of kidney operation.

💡Metabolic Acidosis

Metabolic acidosis is a condition where the blood becomes more acidic, often linked to chronic kidney disease. The video explains that when kidneys are not functioning properly, they cannot efficiently remove acid from the body, leading to this condition. It is suggested that baking soda can help address this issue by neutralizing excess acids.

💡Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease is a progressive loss of kidney function over time. The script discusses CKD as a serious health concern, outlining its stages and the importance of early detection and treatment. It also mentions lifestyle changes and certain medications that can help manage or delay the progression of CKD.

💡Blood Pressure Medications

Blood pressure medications, such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs, are mentioned in the script as crucial for managing high blood pressure and protecting the kidneys. They are highlighted as part of a treatment plan that can help delay the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant.

💡Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate is the chemical name for baking soda and is discussed in the video as a potential treatment for metabolic acidosis associated with kidney disease. The script advises that it should be taken under medical supervision due to potential side effects and its impact on blood pressure.

💡Renal Diet

A renal diet is a type of diet designed to support kidney health, especially for those with kidney disease. The video script suggests that improving one's renal diet is key to kidney health, alongside medical treatments and potential supplements like sodium bicarbonate.

💡CO2 Blood Test

The CO2 blood test, also known as the bicarbonate test, is used to measure the levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, which can indicate the presence of metabolic acidosis. The script emphasizes the importance of this test for kidney patients to monitor their condition and adjust treatment accordingly.

Highlights

Baking soda may improve kidney function and lower creatinine levels according to studies by the National Kidney Foundation.

The alkaline nature of baking soda helps balance body pH levels, reducing the workload on kidneys.

Kidney damage repairability depends on factors like the part affected, cause of damage, and its persistence.

Kidneys function as intricate networks of tiny blood vessels linked to filters called nephrons.

Nephrons are responsible for filtering blood and deciding which chemicals stay and which are waste.

Kidney failure occurs when blood isn't filtered properly due to damaged nephron cells.

Kidney disease is categorized into five stages based on the number of malfunctioning nephrons.

Managing diabetes and high blood pressure are crucial for delaying the need for dialysis or kidney transplant.

ACE inhibitors or ARBs are medications that can help manage blood pressure and protect kidneys.

A healthy diet, weight management, and regular exercise are essential for overall health and kidney function.

Fish oil and antioxidant-rich foods may delay kidney failure, especially for patients with IgA nephropathy.

Baking soda can improve renal function in patients with metabolic acidosis, a condition linked to CKD.

Metabolic acidosis disrupts body's acid/alkaline balance and can accelerate CKD progression.

Baking soda as a supplement should only be taken after consulting a doctor due to potential side effects.

The bicarbonate test, or CO2 blood test, is crucial for managing metabolic acidosis and improving kidney health.

Normal CO2 level range is 23 to 29 mEq/L, and levels below 22 mEq/L require immediate action.

Starting with small doses of sodium bicarbonate and adjusting based on blood work is recommended.

Baking soda may help slow down chronic kidney failure and assist with heart disease and other health issues.

Improving renal diet alongside prescribed sodium bicarbonate is key for kidney health.

Transcripts

Are you tired of struggling with high  creatinine levels and worrying about the  

possibility of dialysis? Imagine if there was a  simple, natural solution right in your kitchen  

cabinet. What if you could use something  as common as baking soda to improve your  

kidney function and lower your creatinine levels? According to recent studies conducted by reputable  

medical organizations, such as the National  Kidney Foundation, incorporating baking soda  

into your daily routine can have significant  benefits for kidney health. The alkaline nature  

of baking soda helps balance pH levels in the  body, reducing the workload on your kidneys  

and promoting overall kidney function. These  findings have sparked curiosity and excitement  

among healthcare professionals and patients alike. By tuning in to this video, you'll discover the  

exact methods and dosages for using baking  soda to lower creatinine levels naturally.  

Say goodbye to the stress and uncertainty of  managing kidney health, and hello to a simple,  

effective solution that you can start implementing  today. Imagine the relief of knowing that you're  

taking proactive steps to support your  kidneys and improve your quality of life. 

Don't miss out on this valuable information!  Let's embark on this journey together  

toward better health and well-being. Let's dive into our first question:  

Can kidney damage be repaired? This question pops up quite often,  

and the answer, well, it's not exactly a simple  yes or no. You see, whether kidney damage can be  

fixed or not depends on a variety of factors. It's  not just about whether the damage can be repaired,  

but also about which part of the kidney  is affected, what caused the damage  

in the first place, and whether that cause is  still hanging around causing trouble. Today,  

though, we're aiming for straightforward  answers to tough questions, so let's try  

to unravel this in the clearest way possible. To understand this, we need to peek a bit deeper  

into how the kidney operates. Picture the  kidneys as these intricate networks of tiny  

blood vessels linked to filters. Each kidney  packs a whopping one million of these filters,  

called nephrons. But hey, no need to fret;  I promise this won't turn into a full-blown  

anatomy lecture. We'll cut to the chase. Now, these filters aren't just sitting there  

twiddling their thumbs; they're on a mission  to filter the blood. But let's not oversimplify  

things. These filters, also known as nephrons,  are the real MVPs here. They're responsible  

for deciding which chemicals stay and which get  kicked out as waste. It's a pretty fancy process,  

happening millions of times every single day. Before blood heads back into circulation,  

it pays a visit to these nephrons. Even though  there's a teeny-tiny barrier between the blood  

vessels and the nephrons, it's so thin that  the blood vessels can deliver all the necessary  

goodies like oxygen and nutrients to keep those  nephron cells happy. They can even snatch back  

the stuff that the filter kicked out but is too  valuable to let go in the urine. So essentially,  

we're talking about a super-sophisticated  filtration system working on a microscopic level. 

Now, here's the kicker: Those nephron cells are  walking a tightrope. They're barely getting by  

with just enough oxygen and sugar to keep chugging  along. If anything messes with their blood supply,  

even for a moment, they're in trouble. And  keep in mind, these are the cells responsible  

for filtering all the junk we put into our  bodies—think toxins, drugs, sugar...you name it.  

And yeah, all that stuff can do a number on them. When these cells get injured, they might swell  

up or even kick the bucket. If they survive,  they'll go through a rough patch where they're  

not functioning at their best. A swollen  cell might block off its tubule. Remember,  

each filter connects to one tubule.  If that tubule gets blocked or dies,  

nothing's getting through that filter. And  that, my friend, is kidney failure—when your  

blood isn't getting filtered like it should. Now, a couple of faulty filters here and  

there aren't a big deal. But when  enough of them go on the fritz,  

your body starts feeling the pinch. That's why  kidney disease is split into five stages—the more  

filters acting up, the more serious the stage. Imagine tying a string around your finger,  

cutting off the blood flow. If it's just a quick  tie and release, no harm done. But if it stays on  

too long, the cells start dying, and your finger's  toast. Now, if it's on for a shorter stint,  

you might get some swelling and discomfort, but  no permanent damage. After a while, there might be  

some cell loss and scarring, but the finger could  still function, albeit not as well as before.  

That's why predicting recovery is tricky. There's  usually a window where we can gauge if the damage  

might be reversible—usually around three months. If your kidney function stays below par for those  

three months, that's when we start talking about  chronic kidney disease (CKD). But even with CKD,  

all hope isn't lost. When blood flow's restricted  in a kidney, not all filters are affected equally.  

Remember, you only need about half of them  to keep the blood filtering job going. Some  

filters might be beyond repair, but others could  bounce back. Since every case is a mix of mild and  

severe damage, some tubules recover while others  don't. How that pans out for the patient depends  

on the balance between the two, and whether the  disease keeps wreaking havoc year after year. 

So, to circle back to the burning question—"Can  kidney damage be repaired?"—now that we've got a  

clearer picture of how the kidney operates,  it's evident that some damage can be fixed  

while some is permanent. This underscores the  importance of starting treatment pronto for  

the best shot at recovery. And that sets  the stage for tackling the next toughie:  

"How can I boost my kidney function to dodge  dialysis?" But hold your horses; before we jump  

into home remedies, there are steps you can take  to slow down kidney decline, especially if you  

catch it early. Remember, the earlier, the better. Even if you catch it in the later innings, there's  

still hope for a decent quality of life with  kidney disease. While there are various causes  

of CKD, certain lifestyle changes can help delay  the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. In  

the U.S., diabetes and high blood pressure top  the charts as the main culprits behind CKD. 

Let's talk about how to take care of  your kidneys if you have diabetes. 

First things first, it's crucial to keep your  blood sugar levels in check. Your doctor may  

prescribe medications like ACE inhibitors  or ARBs to help manage your blood pressure  

and protect your kidneys. It's super  important to stick to your prescribed  

treatment plan and take your meds as directed. Research has found that certain blood pressure  

medications can actually safeguard your kidneys,  even if your blood pressure is normal. Alongside  

that, keeping your hemoglobin A1c below 6.5  percent is key, and make sure to get your  

kidney function checked at least once a year. Managing diabetes and keeping an eye on your  

kidney health go hand in hand.  So remember, controlling or even  

preventing these conditions can really help  keep your kidneys ticking along nicely. 

Let's dive into the relationship between  high blood pressure and kidney function.

For patients with high blood pressure,  it's crucial to aim for a blood pressure  

reading of 125/75 or lower if you have  kidney issues but aren't diabetic,  

or 130/85 or lower if you have diabetes.  While this is the general recommendation,  

it's important to remember that every patient is  unique, so always follow your doctor's advice. 

Why the emphasis on blood pressure  control? Well, if your diabetes and high  

blood pressure aren't kept in check, they  can wreak havoc on your kidneys non-stop. 

Aside from blood pressure management, there  are other steps you can take to safeguard  

your kidney health. These include adopting a  healthy diet, ensuring you're getting all the  

necessary nutrients, shedding excess weight,  and incorporating regular exercise into your  

routine. These lifestyle changes are crucial  for maintaining overall health and can even  

help prevent type 2 diabetes in some cases.  Additionally, individuals with high blood  

pressure should watch their sodium intake, and  cutting back on protein and phosphorus in the diet  

might also slow down kidney disease progression. Now, researchers are looking into various foods  

and medications to see if they can delay  kidney failure. Fish oil, for example,  

has shown promise, particularly for patients with  IgA nephropathy. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory  

vitamins and foods may also offer benefits  for those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

As for baking soda, can it really lower  creatinine levels? This question is often asked,  

yet a straightforward answer remains elusive.  But don't worry—I'll shed some light on it today. 

Baking soda can help in many cases if you  have kidney disease, but not everyone will  

benefit equally from it. There's a proper  way to take it that you should be aware of. 

Several studies have shown that sodium bicarbonate  can improve renal function in patients with  

metabolic acidosis. But what exactly is metabolic  acidosis, and why is it important? It's not acid  

reflux or heartburn—it's a condition where the  blood becomes more acidic. This is often linked  

to chronic kidney disease because the kidneys  become less efficient at removing acid from the  

body when they're not functioning properly. When  metabolic acidosis occurs, it disrupts the body's  

acid/alkaline balance, potentially accelerating  CKD progression and leading to increased protein  

in the urine, indicating faster kidney damage. Symptoms of metabolic acidosis can include long  

and deep breaths, a rapid heartbeat, headaches  or confusion, weakness, extreme fatigue,  

vomiting or nausea, loss of appetite, but  not everyone will experience symptoms. 

The issue with metabolic acidosis is that if  acidity levels in the body become too high,  

it can further damage the kidneys. Essentially,  it's a condition caused by kidney disease that  

worsens kidney function. Understanding this  makes it clear why treating this condition  

is crucial. Left untreated, it can also lead to  bone loss (osteoporosis), endocrine disorders,  

and muscle loss. Being able to address  all these issues with a home remedy like  

baking soda is remarkable. But how does it  work? Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate,  

is an alkaline substance that neutralizes excess  acids, which are at the root of these problems. 

However, using baking soda as a supplement  should never be done without consulting  

your doctor. Don't try anything just because you  read it here. Baking soda can have side effects,  

such as nausea and bloating, and it contains  sodium, which can increase blood pressure. So,  

it can be risky to take it unnecessarily.  Also, not everyone will respond the same  

way to baking soda. While metabolic acidosis is  common, not every kidney patient experiences it. 

So, what should you do? Should you take baking  soda, or should you avoid it? There's a simple  

solution: the bicarbonate test, also known  as the CO2 blood test. This test should  

be part of regular monitoring for kidney  patients, but it's not always performed,  

so be sure to discuss it with your doctor  and ensure you're being tested for CO2. 

Why am I telling you this? Because managing  metabolic acidosis is one of the best ways to  

improve kidney health and lower creatinine  levels. If people believe baking soda can  

help with kidney disease, it's because it  can address metabolic acidosis. But there  

are other steps you can take to prevent this  issue and start improving your kidney health. 

The very first thing you should do is get  tested—again. I mean, baking soda won't do  

any good if you don't have metabolic acidosis.  So, to determine if you have this problem,  

you need to undergo the CO2 test. Typically,  the CO2 test is included in the Basic Metabolic  

Panel (BMP). Perhaps you've already had it done? Now, let's talk about the normal range for CO2,  

which typically falls between 23 to 29  mEq/L (milliequivalent units per liter  

of blood). If your CO2 level is below  22, it's time for immediate action. 

Now, if you find yourself in need of baking  soda, how should you take it and what's the  

right dosage? Well, baking soda can be  consumed orally or taken sublingually. 

Today's kidney experts recommend starting with  small doses of sodium bicarbonate. Begin with  

just half to one teaspoon of baking soda each day,  adjusting the amount based on your blood work.  

Many patients also opt for sodium bicarbonate  tablets, usually 650mg or 1 grain per tablet,  

readily available at pharmacies. If you  prefer, you can also use regular baking  

soda from the supermarket—it's more  affordable and easier to find. Though  

it may have a harsh taste, it gets the job done. To avoid bloating, take sodium bicarbonate between  

meals on an empty stomach. So, after discussing  with your doctor and getting your CO2 levels  

checked, start with a small baking soda dose if  recommended. Then, when it's time for your next  

CKD analysis, schedule another CO2 test to monitor  progress and adjust your dosage accordingly. 

Now, can baking soda help you  steer clear of dialysis? Well,  

it seems it can not only slow down chronic kidney  failure but also lend a hand with heart disease,  

slow down the degeneration of the endocrine  system, and assist with muscle and bone issues.  

But remember, only take sodium bicarbonate or any  supplement if your healthcare provider advises it. 

And let's not forget, along with prescribed sodium  bicarbonate, improving your renal diet is key.