Kidney Protection From Taking Lisinopril

My blood pressure on my last trip to the diabetes clinic was 120/76. My blood sugar reading was 113 and my A1C was 7.0. The 7.0 reading though down from the previous 7.3  is still TOO high and I am shooting to get it under 6.5 for my short term goal. I had cut my lisinopril dosage in 1/2 while over in Ireland. I was supposed to take 1X in the morning and 1X at night. I eliminated the nightly dose. From my perspective I did not feel I needed the nightly dose as my blood pressure readings had been very good. I use the Vita Mixer several times a week to make a celery based drink and I credit that in large part for my current blood pressure readings.

My doctor agreed with me that the blood pressure itself was OK, however felt I should continue on the Lisinopril to "PROTECT MY KIDNEYS". My thinking is to protect it from what? The other prescription drugs I am also taking? My immediate reaction is that, "I don't have a lisinopril deficiency".

As usual, life is a bit more complicated than that. It turns out there IS some medical evidence that ACE inhibitors of which Lisinopril is one, do play a role in protecting a diabetic's kidneys.

Here is an excerpt from an article on the BENEFITS of eating or in my case drinking celery:


"The health benefits of celery include the following

•  Reduced blood pressure: Celery contains a chemical that can lower levels of stress hormones in your blood. This allows blood vessels to expand, giving your blood more room, thereby reducing pressure. 
• Reduced cholesterol: Eating celery daily may reduce artery-clogging cholesterol
• Good antiseptic: Celery seeds help in uric acid elimination. So, celery is good for people with bladder disorders, kidney problems, cystitis etc. Celery seeds also assist in avoiding urinary tract infection in women.
• Healthy joints: Celery is good for people suffering from arthritis, rheumatism and gout.  Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and pain around the joints. Celery sticks contain a diuretic substance, which help to remove uric acid crystals that build around joints.
• Prevents cancer: Celery contains phthalides and polyacetylenes. These anti cancer components detoxify carcinogens. Celery also contains coumarins that enhance the activity of certain white blood cells.
• Improved immune system: Celery is rich in vitamin C; therefore it booststhe immune system.
• Relief from cold: Because of the presence of vitamin C, taking celery gives you relief from cold.
• Reduces severity of asthma: Vitamin C prevents free radical damage and thus reduces the severity of inflammatory conditions like asthma.
• Cardiovascular health: Presence of vitamin C in the roots of celery promotes cardiovascular health. Roots
• Diuretic activity: Celery is rich in both sodium and potassium. These minerals help in regulating fluid balance.
• Relief from migraine: Presence of coumarins gives relief from migraines.
• Treats rheumatism: Celery extracts, which contain85% 3nB, are effective for treating arthritis and muscular pains.
• Good for diabetic patients: Celery leaves are also eaten for treating diabetic conditions. 
• Relief from ophthalmologic disease: Dripping celery tea drops on eyelids is good for ophthalmologic affectations.

Because of the high calcium content, celery calms the nerves. So, eating celery helps people to be calm. Celery acts as an antioxidant too. All parts of celery including seed, root and leaves, can be used. Drinking celery juice before meal will help you to reduce your weight. Celery has many other nutritional benefits: Eating celery regularly helps to avoid diseases of kidney, pancreas, liver and gallbladder; neuritis, constipation, asthma, high blood pressure, catarrh, pyorrhea and dropsy, brain over work, acidosis, anemia, obesity and tuberculosis. It also helps in the improvement of teeth.
Precautions: Celery seeds contain volatile oils, flavonoids, coumarins and linoleic acid and are therefore not good for pregnant women because they may cause contractions in the uterus."

The conclusion good be made that celery and celery juice is a better bet than taking lisinopril. The conclusion could also be made that taking lisinopril (if you can handle the side effects) could also benefit the kidneys. If you have ever known anyone on dialysis, you will want to do the research and not be too hasty to just get off all drugs if you are diabetic. A life on dialysis is not what I would wish on anyone, so approach this research with caution and an open mind.


LINK to Kidney Disease


EXCERPT:

The Course of Kidney Disease

Diabetic kidney disease takes many years to develop. In some people, the filtering function of the kidneys is actually higher than normal in the first few years of their diabetes.
Over several years, people who are developing kidney disease will have small amounts of the blood protein albumin begin to leak into their urine. This first stage of CKD is called microalbuminuria. The kidney’s filtration function usually remains normal during this period.
As the disease progresses, more albumin leaks into the urine. This stage may be called macroalbuminuria or proteinuria. As the amount of albumin in the urine increases, the kidneys’ filtering function usually begins to drop. The body retains various wastes as filtration falls. As kidney damage develops, blood pressure often rises as well.

Preventing and Slowing Kidney Disease

Blood Pressure Medicines

Scientists have made great progress in developing methods that slow the onset and progression of kidney disease in people with diabetes. Drugs used to lower blood pressure can slow the progression of kidney disease significantly. Two types of drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), have proven effective in slowing the progression of kidney disease. Many people require two or more drugs to control their blood pressure. In addition to an ACE inhibitor or an ARB, a diuretic can also be useful. Beta blockers, calcium channel blockers, and other blood pressure drugs may also be needed.
An example of an effective ACE inhibitor is lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril), which doctors commonly prescribe for treating kidney disease of diabetes. The benefits of lisinopril extend beyond its ability to lower blood pressure: it may directly protect the kidneys’ glomeruli. ACE inhibitors have lowered proteinuria and slowed deterioration even in people with diabetes who did not have high blood pressure.
An example of an effective ARB is losartan (Cozaar), which has also been shown to protect kidney function and lower the risk of cardiovascular events.
Any medicine that helps patients achieve a blood pressure target of 130/80 or lower provides benefits. Patients with even mild hypertension or persistent microalbuminuria should consult a health care provider about the use of antihypertensive medicines.

MY TAKE: I will continue to follow the PH miracle regimen as best as I can, continue to drink my celery juice and take my supplements.  will continue to exercise regularly, pray a lot and will stay on the 1/2 dose of the lisinopril I am on and continue doing research. (ALSO see my post on SIDE EFFECTS OF LISINOPRIL as it is not entirely a free ride). I had my doctor take off the diuretic which was on my lisnopril due to irregular heart beat symptoms as diuretics can deplete your potassium which in turn causes irregular heartbeat. That problem cleared up shortly after changing the prescription.

"Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear HIM, upon them that hope in HIS mercy; to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the Lord; HE is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in HIM, because we have trusted in HIS holy Name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in THEE." [Psalms 33:18-22]

Dan