Mouthwashes Can Relieve Upper GI Symptoms in CKD Patients

Did you know an estimated 63 percent of people with poor kidney function also develop gastrointestinal problems?

Why? When kidney function declines, urea levels found in the urine typically increase. And it can lead to complications such as chronic diarrhea, stomach discomfort, colitis, and other gastrointestinal discomforts, according to a study published in the journal Renal Failure.

But is there anything that can be done about it? Treatment options for gastrointestinal problems include dietary changes, medication, and even surgery in some cases. But a new study suggests that a simple homeopathic remedy can offer gastrointestinal relief.

And it's simple. Rinse with a mouthwash that contains sodium bicarbonate. In the study published in the journal Nephrology, researchers followed 42 patients with renal disease and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Their GI problems linked to renal disease were causing complications such as lack of appetite, nausea, lack of taste, episodes of vomiting, and dry mouth. To treat these symptoms, researchers had people rinse their mouths regularly with mouthwash that contained sodium bicarbonate. About 66 percent of the patients said this simple solution made a difference. The sodium bicarbonate rinses helped improve taste, decrease nausea and vomiting, and reduce dry mouth.

When you have renal disease, it's important to follow your doctor's orders, take medications, and adjust your diet to maintain the kidney function you have left. And that includes limiting the amount of sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and protein in your diet.

If you're newly diagnosed, it can be tough to make those dietary changes overnight. And even if you've been living with Renal Disease for some time, making meals can be a chore. But it doesn't have to be. We've created more than 27 meals that will help you follow a Renal Diet, make cooking easier, and help you get the nutrients you need from fresh ingredients.