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Pharmacology/possible kidney failure

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Expert: Dr Alan Galbraith - 5/12/2009


Question
Dear Doctor Alan,

recent blood tests indicate that my father's kidneys are not functioning as well as they used to....this to an excess of creatine.....i have even been told that this is normal for an 81 year old man.....however i wish i could help him....hence can you kindly recommend any vitams, mineral,supplements, herbs etc etc that can eventually help his kidneys function better......any other advice will be greatly appreciated.

regards and thanks




Paul Fava
Malta

Answer
Dear Paul

Drinking plenty water or watery fluids is the best way to help. I would not add any extra vitamins or minerals to his diet unless he was deficient in any. The kidneys are there to get rid of excess of these things, not something you want with kidneys' not working at full efficiency. A mild diuretic herb such as nettle or dandelion tea may help. Black tea is also useful.

Regards

Dr Alan Galbraith

Pharmacology

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Dr Alan Galbraith

Expertise

I can answer most questions on most drugs. Answers can be given in either technical or layperson terminology. My main areas of interest are psychiatric, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular drugs.

Experience

I have been a university lecturer/head of department for almost thirty years, but am now retired. My research interests were alcohol, smoking and cardiovascular disease. I am already a well established and highly rated expert in the pharmacy section of this site.

Publications
Principal author of "Fundamentals of Pharmacology" Editions 1-4 published between 1994 and 2004 by Pearson Education, Australia. Author of the 5th edition published 2007. Author of many scientific papers.

Education/Credentials
BSc(Hons);MSc;PhD;HECert

Awards and Honors
The 4th edition of my textbook was awarded the the Educational Book of the Year Award in Australia.

Past/Present Clients
See my profile in the pharmacy section.

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