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🇰🇷 South Korea /Health & Science

South Korean Kidney Program Shows Remarkable Results, Reduces Dialysis

From Hankyoreh · (5m ago) Korean Positive tone

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A "Kidney Health Lifestyle Healing Program" has shown promising results, with participants experiencing improved kidney function and reduced dialysis frequency.
  • One participant, Ms. Jo, saw her glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) increase from 55 to 62.84 within five days of starting the program, moving her from stage 3 to stage 2 chronic kidney disease.
  • The program combines a low-potassium diet, exercise, and adequate sleep, aiming to reduce the burden on the kidneys and improve overall health.

In a significant development for chronic kidney disease patients in South Korea, a new lifestyle intervention program is offering a beacon of hope. The "Natural Dream Kidney Health Lifestyle Healing Program," developed by the Life-in Care Lee Jong Cooperative Federation (LCC), has demonstrated remarkable success in its initial phase, improving kidney function and reducing the need for dialysis among participants.

My glomerular filtration rate increased within five days of participating in the program. I can't believe it even though I saw it with my own eyes.

— Ms. JoExpressing her surprise and hope after experiencing improved kidney function.

The program's effectiveness is highlighted by the case of 70-year-old Ms. Jo, who experienced a notable increase in her glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) within just five days of participation. This improvement, moving her from Stage 3 to Stage 2 chronic kidney disease, challenges the long-held belief that kidney function cannot be recovered once it deteriorates.

There is a way, and there is hope.

— Ms. JoReflecting on the positive impact of the program on her health and outlook.

This initiative stems from a patient's simple request for potassium content information on food products, underscoring the daily struggles faced by individuals managing kidney disease. The LCC responded by developing low-potassium food options and a comprehensive lifestyle program. This program, rooted in the experience of managing chronic diseases at the Geosan Healing School, integrates specially formulated low-potassium meals with practices like barefoot walking and sauna to aid in waste elimination.

I was surprised that there was almost no swelling even after three to four days of admission.

— Mr. KwakDescribing the immediate positive effects of the program on his condition.

The program's success is not limited to Ms. Jo. Mr. Kwak, a 60-year-old participant, has reduced his dialysis sessions from three times a week to two, attributing the change to the program's ability to reduce swelling and improve his overall condition. Another participant, Mr. Kim, saw his blood pressure drop significantly after adhering to the program's dietary and exercise recommendations. These individual successes collectively underscore the program's potential to significantly improve the quality of life for chronic kidney disease patients in Korea.

I was so surprised that my blood pressure dropped so much.

— Mr. KimSharing his experience with reduced blood pressure after participating in the program.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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