Vitamin D And…Kidney Disease? The Hidden Connection With Serious Consequences

You may know that the sun and certain foods are good sources of vitamin D. But did you know that due to chronic kidney disease, millions of Americans can't convert the form of vitamin D produced by the sun or found in food and over-the-counter vitamins into the active form of vitamin D used by the body? This means that even if you're taking vitamin D pills, getting adequate sunlight or eating foods rich in vitamin D, your bones and organs may be at risk due to a deficiency in "active" vitamin D.

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition in which kidney function slows and the kidneys stop doing critical jobs such as filtering toxins from the bloodstream.

The severity of CKD is classified in stages, with stage 5, also known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), being the most severe. Patients with ESRD require dialysis, a procedure where several times a week for several hours their bloodstream is routed through a machine that filters toxins.

40 million Americans with

or at risk for chronic

kidney disease

Early-stage CKD-before dialysis is necessary-is often undetected and can worsen with declines in kidney function.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 20 million Americans-1 in 9-have CKD and another 20 million are at increased risk.

So what does CKD have to do with vitamin D, let alone

your bones?

Before the body can use vitamin D, it has to be "activated." Inactive vitamin D-the vitamin D you get in the form of over-the-counter pills, food or sunlight-is activated by two steps, one in the liver and the other in the kidneys.

Then, much like a key fits into a car ignition and starts the engine, activated vitamin D fits into vitamin D receptors located in numerous tissues and systems throughout the body and triggers processes that help maintain bone, the heart, the immune system and so on.

For people with CKD, however, their kidneys' ability to activate adequate amounts of vitamin D deteriorates as their overall kidney function decreases. In fact, people with kidney disease may eventually lose the ability to activate vitamin D altogether.

Secondary

hyperparathyroidism

When levels of active vitamin D are low or inadequate within the body, a serious complication of CKD called secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) can occur. SHPT can lead to a wide range of problems, including damage to bones and many vital organs.

How is SHPT prevented

and treated?

When CKD and SHPT are detected early, the conditions may be managed and disease progression may be slowed.

Remember, people with stage 3 or 4 CKD who develop SHPT cannot convert vitamin D into its active form within their own kidneys. Experts suggest that these patients with stage 3 or 4 CKD and SHPT take an activated form of vitamin D medication-which is available only by prescription-to correct their vitamin D deficiency and thereby treat SHPT. Managing SHPT lowers risk for bone loss or fracture, cardiac complications and dangerous mineral and hormonal imbalances.

Workers Are Taking Their Health Serious By Taking Vitamins

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Vitamins can help workers who are well-prepared to face the workday and the pressures it generally brings. There is a large assortment of vitamins that can avert sickness. Vitamin E also enhances the overall physical health as well as cardiovascular and immune functions. Vitamin C fosters inclusive immunity and good health.

Essential vitamins contain calcium for an individual’s muscle and bone health. Magnesium is best for healthy nerves and the heart, while zinc boosts the prostate, immune and cardiovascular system.

One can add to a commuter’s recipe, herbs that possess medicinal benefits. These should also be included in a commuter’s fleet to fight against physical illness and free radicals. The most popular herb is garlic, which supplies cholesterol, cardiovascular and blood pressure support.

Ginseng is vital for the commuter because it offers energy and augments stamina. Gingko biloba affords assurance in enhancing brain and memory function as well as allocating support in the blood circulation to extremities and the brain. Gingko biloba is good to help enhance a worker’s production during work.

Whether you are a local commuter or you even travel long distance every day, you can cultivate your own recipe for a lucrative diet. Remember to consult your physician prior to taking any type of vitamins. Your physician might be able to recommend a vitamin that is harmonious with your body. It’s crucial not to neglect exercising on a daily basis. Many commuters decide not to exercise because they just do not have the time it takes for such activity. One can certainly grab approximately15-20 minutes per day to begin and then gradually increase it to about an hour per day.

Most commuters barely have time to purchase the commuter’s special, “a breakfast bar or a pack of chocolate covered peanuts with a diet soda”. The best recipe for the commuters’ soul is breakfast and a multivitamin. Commuters, who normally exercise, eat breakfast and take multivitamins, are much more productive than commuters who don’t. Healthy commuters combine exercise, healthy eating, plenty of rest and regular vitamin intake. Commuters who don’t receive the necessary vitamin intake are often irritable and fatigued throughout the workday. Remember, before taking any vitamin supplements (including over the counter) make sure that you speak with your doctor first. Today’s commuters are taking their health into their own hands.