Kidney Care Question

Q: I have lost about 80 percent of my kidney function. Do you have any recommendations on how to prevent my kidney from receiving further damage?

JVW: Serious conditions like yours are really best dealt with on an individual basis: You should consider working with a physician skilled in natural medicine who can determine the best course of treatment based on your particular needs and circumstances. For a list of such physicians in your area, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine at (800)532-3688 or visit their website, www.acam.org.

In the meantime, there is one general rule of thumb that anyone with an existing kidney condition should follow: Avoid eating a very high-protein diet. A 2003 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that a diet high in nondairy animal protein could accelerate a further decline in kidney function in women who have even a minor existing problem.