regarding dog with kidney failure

[Brit]

Hi, I am in need of advice. My dog was just diagnosed with kidney disease and losing protein in urine and low albumin in blood work but his other lab work is all good at this point. I was told by vet that his diet must be modified, not so much to low protein but to low phosphorus. I was shocked when told I must switch from brown rice to white as brown is higher in phosphorus. But I am afraid giving him the white sushi rice they recommend is going to be too high in carbs and cause other problems His diet is generally raw meat and vegetables. I thought of adding some kidney or adzuki beans but was told that its of utmost importance he has highly assimiable meat protein plus beans are high in phosphorus. I am concerned about their recommendations altho no way will I feed him the canned muck for kidney disease and definitely want to make his food myself. If anyone has experience with this please let me know. If he was really old I would let nature take its course but he is 10yo which is getting old for a shepherd but not that old.
Brit.

[Bruce Paine]

Brit,

Because dogs (and possibly, cats) are so similar to humans, sharing a certain amount of ancestral DNA, many conditions, sicknesses and diseases are the same and can be treated the same way.

From The Macrobiotic Path to Total Health : A Complete Guide to Preventing and Relieving More Than 200 Chronic Conditions and Disorders Naturally: by Michio Kushi and Alex Jack
:

"Kidney Disease.

Kidney disease refers to the loss of kidney function, a potentially fatal degenerative condition. Symptoms may in dude swollen hands and feet, the constant desire to urinate, shortness of breath, rising blood pressure, constant thirst, unpleasant taste in the mouth, and unpleasant odor of the breath. Kidney disease may result from diabetes, atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, or other chronic condition that interferes with the proper flow of blood to this organ. Congenital disorders, exposure to toxins or chemicals, drug abuse, active sports, and other factors can also lead to kidney degeneration or failure. One of the most common symptoms is uremia, or an excessive amount of urea and other nitrogenous wastes in the blood. The kidneys normally excrete urea in the urine. But through long-term consumption of dietary excess, kidney function is impaired and these wastes spill over into the blood, producing nausea, vomiting, lethargy, drowsiness, and eventual kidney failure. Conventional treatments for kidney disease include drugs to help slow the deterioration, kidney dialysis in which the blood is artificially filtered by mechanical devices, and kidney transplant.
A balanced macrobiotic way of eating can prevent and slow down the progression of kidney disease and, in some cases, relieve it. Observe the guidelines for Diet #3.

SOLUTION

DIET
Follow the standard macrobiotic way of eating with emphasis on the following:
•
I. Eat whole grains, not refined grains, as the main dish of every meal. Buckwheat is particularly strengthening for the kidneys and bladder, but avoid if these organs are already too contracted. Black rice (such as wild rice) and other black or dark-colored grains are also nourishing for the urinary system.
2. Reduce hard baked flour products as much as possible. However, noodles may be taken several times a week, especially soba noodles (which contain buckwheat as well as whole wheat).
3. Avoid simple sugars (refined sugar, honey, and chocolate).
4. Avoid animal food with the exception of fish or seafood (preferably freshwater fish such as perch or trout) once or twice a week.
S. Beans are shaped like the kidneys and are particularly strengthening for the urinary system. Select among a variety of beans, particularly the smaller beans such as adzuki beans, lentils, chickpeas, and black soybeans. Bean products may also be eaten regularly, especially dried tofu.
6. Among vegetables, root vegetables and dried vegetables, including dried daikon and dried shiitake mushrooms, and winter vegetables such as kale particularly nourish the kidney function. Long-term pickles may also strengthen
the urinary system, if not already too contracted. 7. Sea vegetables are very nourishing for the kidneys and bladder, especially kombu, unless the condition is too contracted.
8. The amount of salt (rniso, shoyu, and sea salt) should be moderate.
9. As a rule, fruit and fruit juices should be limited or avoided, except in the case of overly contracted kidneys and bladder, in which case a small volume may be taken. Dried fruit, dark or black fruits such as blackberries, and watermelon are very relaxing for the kidneys and bladder.
10. Limit nuts and nut and seed butters until, the condition improves. However, chestnuts and dark sesame seeds may be taken.
I I. Among condiments, TEKKA, SHIOKOMBU, shio nori, and dried fish condiment are strengthening.
I 2. Cut down on water to a moderate level, but do not reduce it too much. Besides BANCHA TWIG TEA, teas that nourish the kidney include KOMBU TEA and MU TEA.
13. Reduce the total volume of food, and chew more.
14. Avoid late-night eating, which puts stress on the urinary function .
I S. Generally, for the kidneys and bladder use less liquid in cooking, use more oil and seasoning, and emphasize slightly longer cooking, including stewing, simmerii-tg, long-time pressing, marinating, and multiple food preparation techniques such as frying and then baking,

HOME REMEDIES
I. For most kidney conditions, prepare the special KIDNEY DRINK.
2. ADZUKI BEAN TEA is beneficial for the kidneys and bladder. Take 1 or 2 cups cooked with a little sea salt or a piece of kombu to help restore smooth urination and other functions.
3. CARROT-DAIKON DRINK will help eliminate fat and oil that have accumulated in the kidney or induce urination. Take 1 small cup every day for 5 days and then every second or third day for several weeks.
4. SHIITAKE-DAIKON TEA is also good to help eliminate the accumulation of fat. Take 1 small cup once every third day for 1 month.
S. For strength and vitality, especially for weakened conditions, KINPIRA SOUP may be taken 2 to 3 times a week.
6. RICE JUICE, the liquid that rises to the surface after cooking brown rice, may be taken frequently to harmonize the kidney, bladder, and their functions.
7. DAIKON NORI GINGER TEA can help stimulate the bladder and open the urinary passages.
8. For yang disorders, BLACK SOYBEAN
TEA may be taken 3 times a day for several days. 9. For yin disorders, UME-SHO KUZU may be taken once every 3 days for several weeks.
10. A BODY SCRUB every day or twice a day, including over the kidney region, will promote better circulation and activate physical and mental energies.
1 I. A hot GINGER COMPRESS may be ap*plied over the kidneys in the case of kidney stones. Repeat as necessary to help dissolve the obstruction and allow the stone to pass.
CAUTION
I . Kidney disorders commonly lead to high blood pressure and heart problems, so the heart and circulatory system may also need to be strengthened.
2. A macrobiotic way of eating may benefit a person undergoing kidney dialysis or taking strong medications for deteriorating kidney and bladder functions. Please consult your physician about gradually reducing such treatment or medication as improvement is experienced as a result of dietary or lifestyle changes

KIDNEY DRINK
Kidney conditions and disorders
Prepare a special drink consisting of soaked adzuki beans (l part), shredded dried daikon (1 part), dried shiitake mushroom (1 part), and kombu (1 part). Add 5 times as much water, boil, and then simmer for about 25 minutes. Take 1 cup every day for 10 days. Don't eat the kombu.

ADZUKI BEAN TEA
Bone and joint disorders, hives, kidney cancer and other kidney problems
Place 1 cup of adzuki beans in a pot with a 2-inch strip of kombu. Soak 4 hours or overnight, then finely chop the kombu. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil. Lower the flame, cover, and simmer for approximately 20-30 minutes. Strain out the beans and drink the liquid while hot. You may continue cooking the beans longer with additional water until soft and edible for regular consumption."

Everything you kneed to get a full and comprehensive understanding of macrobiotic healing especially kidney problems (especially for humans) is contained in the above book but as has been stated, much can be applied to dogs, as well.

Another excellent source is Doctor Norman Ralston, D.V.M., author of Raising Pets Naturally (with Gale Jack) who is the featured veterinarian at macroPETS and whose interview you can read after clicking on the here link contained in the macroPETS group description.

Please go there to read more.

To your dog's recovery!

Thank you, very much.

Bruce Paine