Early Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a silent and serious health issue, affecting about 12% of adults and over 700 million people worldwide. At Ashland Natural Medicine (ANM), we believe early recognition and integrative treatment are essential to protecting kidney health and enhancing quality of life. Our clinic is committed to monitoring for early kidney signs in clients and offering comprehensive naturopathic/biological care for both prevention and reversal of CKD.

What Is CKD?

CKD develops from gradual loss of kidney function, often linked to diabetes, hypertension, infections, or medication toxicity. The kidneys are crucial for filtering waste, balancing fluids, regulating blood pressure, and activating vitamin D. When nephrons are lost—unlike the liver, they don’t regenerate—the body’s ability to maintain internal balance is compromised.

How We Spot Early CKD Signs at ANM

The best chance for reversing or slowing CKD is identifying it early. At ANM, practitioners actively look for:

  • Persistent fatigue, even after rest

  • Puffy face and dark under-eye circles when waking

  • Early graying or excessive hair loss, split ends, dull or thinning hair

  • Weak, brittle, “half and half” nails (white at base, reddish at tip), vertical ridges, easily chipped nails

  • Unexplained anemia or high blood pressure

  • Swelling (edema) in the legs, ankles, or feet

  • Dark, foamy, or foul-smelling urine

  • Low back or knee pain in combination with other kidney signs

  • Hearing issues, especially tinnitus

  • Low libido, fertility concerns, or menstrual imbalances

  • Emotional signs: frequent fear, worry, or loss of motivation

We also regularly screen for subtle urinary tract infections (UTIs) using in-office urinalysis, as these can go unnoticed yet strongly contribute to CKD.

How ANM Can Help: CKD Protocols

At Ashland Natural Medicine, we offer a range of therapies to protect, support, and help reverse kidney disease:

Medication Review

  • We work closely with clients and prescribing physicians to minimize exposure to nephrotoxic drugs like NSAIDs, PPIs, diuretics, and certain antibiotics, and explore safer, natural alternatives when possible.

Functional Testing

  • Comprehensive metabolic profiles help us catch CKD long before symptoms advance, and regular urinalysis can identify hidden infections or inflammation.

Nutritional Guidance

  • We design personalized diets rich in kidney-supportive foods: leafy greens, healthy fats, garlic, cranberries, B vitamins, antioxidants, omegas, vitamin D, iron, zinc, amino acids, and magnesium.

  • Targeted supplementation, such as Axobotanica Kidney Detox & Repair formula, is used when needed to address deficiencies for optimal kidney health.

Herbal and Botanical Support

  • Key herbs such as dandelion (for protection and detoxification), cleavers (anti-inflammatory and stone-prevention), and corn silk (diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and nephroprotective) are mainstays of our protocols.

Homeopathy & Detox Remedies

  • We use classical homeopathic drainage formulas like UNDA Numbers (#2, #7, #44), as well as Sanum and Pekana lines (Renelix, Akutur, Toxex), tailored for kidney support, detoxification, and infection management.

Frequency Medicine

  • Utilizing quantum biofeedback therapy, we can balance the genitourinary tract to overcome toxic, infectious and emotional burdens which can weaken these precious organs.

Energetic & Emotional Health

  • Kidney health is inseparable from emotional wellbeing. We offer therapies for stress reduction, fear, and overwork, including homeopathic, flower essence remedies and Energy Alchemy, alongside recommendations for meditation, rest, and therapeutic lifestyle changes.

Office-Based Treatments

  • Advanced options, including IV ozone therapy, ultraviolet blood irradiation, and EDTA chelation (when appropriate), can help remove toxins and lighten the load on the kidneys.

Our Commitment at ANM

Every day at ANM, we screen clients for the early signs described above, explore underlying causes, and build effective, personalized plans for kidney support and restoration. CKD may be rising, but with attentive care and the full spectrum of naturopathic/biological treatments, our clients can optimize kidney health and improve overall vitality.

If any symptoms or risk factors fit, we encourage booking a consultation—because prevention and early action are the most powerful tools in protecting these critical organs

In good health,
Dr. Chris Chlebowski

 
All, Dr. Chris ChlebowskiNatasha Sol