I've spent many years reading and studying about kidney function. In fact, it was from that research that I found my way to get off dialysis with the help of my kidney doc. And it worked.
From what I've learned, you may be lucky you can't take the contrast dye. It can take a big toll on anyone's kidney function.
There are ways to improve or to stop the decline in kidney health for those who need it, but it requires some lifestyle changes. These techniques worked well enough for me to get off dialysis and keep me off for almost 10 years. I'm also keenly aware they may not work for everyone, but if they work, then hooray :-).
Well I kinda n,eed the contrast as they are keeping an eye out for cancer return. But I have learned to dr8nk copious amounts of water before and after the contrast. I hav3nt looked up herbs to protect kidneys though, except just basic info, and usually those say “take —unless— there is a problem with the kidneys”)- i’ll have to look specifically for any that help once damage is done. I’m kinda fighting an uphill battle- still have stones in kidney, have back pain right now from one- but it won’t pass. No5 sure what its doing if anything to kidneys as I have been stable at my current gfr for awhile now.