Nutraceuticals in the Prevention of Chronic Renal Disease

The WHO estimates that 1.3 million people died from chronic renal disease (CRD) in 2016, making it the ninth leading cause of death worldwide. Around 50,000 deaths in the United States were attributed to CRD in 2016, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). CRD is a progressive disorder in which the kidneys gradually lose their capacity to function correctly over time. Diabetes, hypertension, and renal disease are just a few of the underlying medical disorders that can lead to CRD. To combat this disease, prevention is a better strategy with the intervention of nutraceuticals in the daily lifestyle of human beings. The current chapter gives an extensive assessment of the role that nutraceuticals play in the prevention of chronic renal disease. It also focuses on anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances, both of which are essential in lowering oxidative stress and inflammation, two elements that contribute to the beginning and progression of CRD. Additionally, some nutraceuticals, such as omega-3 fatty acids and phytochemicals, have been found to have a protective effect on the kidneys by reducing oxidative stress and improving kidney function. Research has shown that several metabolic pathways altering CRD, including those involved in glucose metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nitrogen metabolism provide way for the development of effective treatments for CRD. This chapter will cover changes to the genome and proteome that affect the expression of genes involved in kidney function as well as the synthesis of proteins that contribute to the disease. Micronutrients like vitamins, minerals and macronutrients like carbohydrates, proteins and omega-3 fatty acids etc. have profound role in controlling progression of acute renal disease to chronic renal disease. Additionally, it has been suggested that high-fat diets and keto analogues of proteins can improve kidney function in some CRD patients. To manage CRD, it is advised to maintain a nutritious diet high in fibre and micronutrients but low in salt, fat, and sugar. A balanced intake of these ions can assist to lower the risk of getting CRD. Furthermore, the relationship between ions uptake and the advancement of CRD suggested that high sodium and low potassium levels could raise the chance of developing the condition. Thus, this chapter offers a profound perspective on the effectiveness of nutraceuticals in slowing the course of chronic renal illness and avoiding it altogether.