Membranous nephropathy – causes, side effects and treatments at NaturalPedia.com

Thursday, July 05, 2018 by Carol Anderson

Membranous nephropathy is known as one of the most common forms of nephrotic syndrome – kidney disorder – among adults. This condition develops when the small blood vessels in the kidney, responsible for filtering wastes from the blood, are damaged and grow thick. Due to this, proteins find their way into the urine.

The risk for long-term kidney damage increases as the protein leakage increase. In worst cases, patients suffered from kidney failure.

Known risk factors and symptoms of membranous nephropathy

The following increases the risk for membranous nephropathy:

Exposure to toxins
Intake of certain medicines
Already suffering from infections that affect the immune system
Have been diagnosed with cancer
Suffering from any autoimmune disease
Have had a bone marrow or kidney transplant

Those who have membranous nephropathy may experience the following symptoms:

Swelling in the legs and ankles
Weight gain
Fatigue
Poor appetite
Foamy urine
High level of cholesterol
Increased level of protein in the urine
Reduced protein in the blood

Body systems affected by membranous nephropathy

Possible complications that may be caused by membranous nephropathy include:

Acute kidney failure – Emergency dialysis may be needed to remove extra fluids and waste from the blood once the kidney’s filtering units fail.
Blood clots – When the protein goes to the urine, proteins helping prevent blood clots are reduced. This increases the risk of developing plaques in the veins.
Chronic kidney disease – The kidney may lose its ability to function over time.
High blood pressure – The build up of waste in the blood can cause the blood pressure to shoot up.
High cholesterol – People with membranous nephropathy often have high levels of cholesterols, increasing the risk of heart disease.
Infections – Proteins in the immune system can decrease due to proteinuria, which makes a person more susceptible to infections.
Nephrotic syndrome.

Food items or nutrients that may prevent membranous nephropathy

The following are food items recommended for people suffering from any kidney problem:

Apples
Blueberries
Omega-3 fatty acids
Kale
Strawberries
Spinach
Sweet potatoes

It’s also advised to drink the following to ensure the health and proper function of the kidneys:

Cranberry juice
Lemon and lime-based juice
Water
Wine

Treatments, management options for membranous nephropathy

Treating membranous nephropathy is often done by addressing the underlying cause of it., such as other diseases. Meanwhile, to naturally deal with this condition, medical experts suggest a higher intake of the following:

Zinc – Can be sourced from shellfish, legumes, nuts and seeds, eggs, and whole grains.
Magnesium – Can be sourced from seafood, green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
Apple cider vinegar

Where to learn more

Summary

Membranous nephropathy is a common kidney problem among adults. This occurs when proteins from the kidney leak into the urine. People who have been exposed to toxins, have cancer or autoimmune disease, had had a bone marrow or kidney transplant have higher risks of developing this.

Symptoms of membranous nephropathy include swelling in the legs and ankles, weight gain, fatigue, poor appetite, foamy urine, high cholesterol, increased level of protein in the urine, and reduced protein in the blood.

In the event this condition is left untreated, it can lead to further complications, such as acute kidney failure, blood clots, chronic kidney disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and infections.

Treating membranous nephropathy requires treatment of the underlying health problem that may have caused it in the first place. Moreover, healthcare providers recommend added intake of zinc, magnesium, and apple cider vinegar.

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