The Oral Renal Parasite Connection
That’s right! Your oral health is directly related to your kidney health. Up to 90% of people with renal insufficiency show signs and symptoms in their soft and hard oral tissues.
The American dentistry scene is well aware of the connection between your kidney function and oral health.
Why does the buck stop there? Why isn’t there better support for someone who is suffering in their body to the point that it’s presenting in their teeth?
Traditional medicine has always known about this relationship and does a far superior job at providing that support.
What are the signs in your mouth that your kidneys could be at risk?
▫️Greying teeth - especially the lower half as minerals are robbed
▫️Red-orange discoloration of the teeth, mucosa, and cheek from carotene-like pigments that aren’t being filtered by the kidneys
▫️Chronic dry mouth
▫️Metallic taste from increased urea in saliva
▫️Halitosis from uremic fetor - the build up of urea in the blood presenting in the breath as an ammonia or urine smell
▫️Uremic stomatitis - inflammation of the mucous lining, presents as white under the tongue or cheeks
▫️Brown spots and enamel defects - mineral imbalances low calcium/high phosphorus
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What is the common denominator in each of these symptoms?
✔️ High urea in the blood
✔️ Mineral imbalances
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What causes high urea in the blood?
◻️ Urea is a waste product of the liver when it breaks down proteins.
◻️Its primary function is to remove ammonia waste from the body.
◻️It travels through your bloodstream, is filtered out by your kidneys, and is finally excreted in your urine
What can cause both high urea and mineral deficiency?
🦠 Blood-borne and systemic parasites
🩸Improper kidney filtration causing a build up of urea in the blood
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What does that have to do with kidney disease and failure?
Kidney injury occurs through several mechanisms:
Direct
▫️Parasite invasion of the kidneys
Indirect
▫️Immune system overactivation
▫️Hemolysis and toxin release (red blood cell destruction is hard on filtration)
▫️Vascular blockages
▫️Hypoxia (blood's oxygen-carrying capacity is reduced, low blood oxygen)
▫️Other cardiac related complications (there is a profound relationship between your kidneys and heart)
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When discussing direct parasitic infection, that can mean a few different things. Of the 342 parasites that infect humans, 20 are associated with kidney disease. Some species are notably more impactful.
Kidney Direct Infections
- Giant Kidney Worm (Dioctophyme renale): Humans usually acquire this parasite by consuming raw or undercooked freshwater fish or frogs. The larvae migrate directly to the kidneys, where they can grow up to one meter long, destroying kidney tissue.
- Renal Hydatid Cyst: It is an infection caused by the larval stage of the Echinococcus tapeworm - genus of tiny tapeworms that infect canids (like dogs, foxes, wolves, and even humans)
Blood-borne Parasites
- Malaria (Plasmodium species): Malaria is the most common parasitic cause of Acute Kidney Injury (AKI). It blocks small blood vessels in the kidneys and causes systemic inflammation, and is historically known to cause chronic, progressive kidney disease.
- Schistosomiasis (Schistosoma species): These blood flukes deposit eggs into the tissues of the urinary tract and kidneys. Chronic infections cause severe inflammation and scarring, eventually impairing kidney function leading to disease.
- Leishmaniasis (Leishmania species): Transmitted by sandflies, these protozoa can cause kidney damage and chronic systemic inflammation.
- Chagas Disease (Trypanosoma cruzi): Known primarily for heart complications, Chagas disease causes vascular issues and intense inflammatory responses that can lead to renal damage.
Systemic Parasites
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Rhabdomyolysis: Some parasitic infections break down muscle tissue, releasing myoglobin, which can obstruct and poison the kidneys.
- Hepatic Fibrosis: Liver damage, common in severe schistosomiasis, reduces the liver's ability to clear circulating antigens and immune complexes, allowing them to deposit directly into the kidneys.
- Treatment Toxicity: High doses or prolonged use can cause acute kidney injury, making dosage monitoring and protocol essential.
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In addition to the oral signs, what else could point to a parasitic infection in your kidneys or blood?
- Flank or back pain
- A palpable mass in the abdomen
- Hematuria (blood in the urine)
- Hydatiduria: The pathognomonic symptom where the cyst ruptures, causing pearly, white structures to pass in your urine.
A call to action.
What can be done if your teeth are showing signs of renal distress?
- Top notch natural oral care routine
- Herbs that support kidney function
- Goldenrod
- Corn Silk
- Horsetail herb
- Sheep Sorel
- Cleavers
- Self-heal
- Dandelion
- Burdock
- Address the root cause of the renal issues
- developmental anomalies
- inherited diseases
- acquired diseases
- cardiac diseases
- Address mineral deficiencies and begin support right away
- Parasite Cleanse
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✨ For more information on parasite cleanses, visit the Parasite Cleanse Protocol Blog!
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🔸🪱🦷DISCLAIMER🦷🪱🔸
As with anything, start slow, see how your body responds.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal products, especially if you have a medical condition, are taking any medication, or are pregnant or nursing.
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🔸🪱🦷REFERENCES🦷🪱🔸
Oral Conditions and Renal Disorders
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4501439/
Chronic Kidney Disease Dental Fact Sheet
https://cdho.org/factsheets/chronic-kidney-disease/
Influence of Parasite Load on Renal Function in Mice Acutely Infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas Disease)
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3741127/
Kidney complications of parasitic diseases
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35347315/
Parasitic Kidney Disease: Milestones in the Evolution of Our Knowledge
https://www.ajkd.org/article/S0272-6386%2812%2901509-0/fulltext
DENTAL TREATMENT OF / PATIENTS WITH KIDNEY DISEASES-REVIEW
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7214059/
Giant kidney worms in a patient with renal cell carcinoma
https://casereports.bmj.com/content/2016/bcr-2015-212118
The Cardiorenal Syndrome: Making the connection
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2989717/
Schistosomiasis and the kidney
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12563599/
Parasites and the Kidney — A Very Long and Tumultuous Relationship