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.
Well, we may have more in common. I'm also a cancer patient. There are alternative ways of detecting cancer. While they may not be better than CT with contrast, I can tell you I would never take contrast. I know it's the go-to for most onc docs, but I go to MD Anderson, which is the top cancer center in the country, and they use other tests to determine whether mine has returned. After three years on dialysis, I can tell you I'll take my chances with cancer over going back on dialysis.
I hav3nt looked up herbs to protect kidneys though...
I honestly don't believe any herbs or supplements can improve or even help preserve kidney function. Yes. Some will modify the results of a test and perhaps impact the symptoms, like drinking tons of water to increase your GFR temporarily, but herbs or supplements will not change the underlying function.
What I did was significantly change my food intake or diet with a few small changes suggested by my nephrologist and I improved my exercise routine, which made the most difference in getting me off dialysis and staying off.