Turmeric!

[shpar]

So over the last couple of months I’ve made it a point to have a fruit smoothie every morning. It’s always: blueberries, strawberries, and an apple. Recently I tried adding a turmeric blend.

As an Indian American, I’ve always known about the health benefits behind turmeric but after being diagnosed with CKD I siphoned through several medical articles and it seemed safe. So I made a blend: 2 parts turmeric, 1 part ginger powder, and 1 part cumin.

To my smoothies over the last 2-3 months I’ve added 1 teaspoon of this. And during my last labs, my numbers were reflective of numbers from 2 years ago. My nephrologist was amazed, as was I. So I’m not stopping.

Obviously I recommend it and have had no adverse reactions with my meds. I would caution against those on blood thinners but please check with your nephrologist and dietician. Good luck all!

[Peavey]

My doctor said turmeric wouldn't harm my kidneys but he didn't think it would help. I have been taking it for other reasons. My kidney function was slightly better after about 3 months of taking it but my iron was very low. I discovered that turmeric can block iron absorption, so be aware of that.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I was so glad you included the information about tumeric and blood thinners. The problem with supplements or other unregulated herbs and natural medications, is they do not go into the side effects or interactions with other medications. Tumeric has been said to have many heath benefits but I cannot use it because of the blood thinner connection.

[Darlenia]

I am a caregiver to my husband who is now on dialysis. Although my husband doesn't participate, I've been taking curcumin turmeric for several years to control arthritis - its anti-inflammatory properties have always interested me. (It's noteworthy to me that expensive pharmaceutical drugs are often based on properties found in supplements like these.) I agree with you to always research the contraindications (since the labels don't do that) and to check with one's physician for safety reasons. May your health and wellbeing continue on a good path!

[shahreenahmed]

Hi Shpar, very promising on this revelation, My husband is in L-2 CKD, and we believe we still can make a difference by diet. Our diet is very much rectified now, less animal protein, a lot of berries. Would be really good to know a bit details on how much improvement you have seen, how much of eGFR had been improved. Are you using ready made turmeric, ginger and cumin powder?

[shpar in reply to shahreenahmed]

Hello!

Yes, it’s store bought powders which I then blend together.

So for the past year I have been at a baseline of 22-25 eGFR. My most recent labs showed 34. The last time my eGFR was in the low to mid 30’s was 2 years ago right before I had my first kidney biopsy and subsequent diagnosis with IgA Nephropathy. I hope this helps and good luck!

[shahreenahmed in reply to shpar]

Thanks Shpar. I wish you all the best too!