ask: ACV is supposed to be a miracle cure for kidney problems...is it the same if a person is in kidney failure as it has high potassium?

Hi Michelle

Thanks for your post and thank you for caring so much about your Dad! This site is for anyone with a health issue or some information to share!

Apple cider vinegar is thought to be great for a lot of conditions, including those of the kidneys, but is not a miracle cure. There is no miracle cure for chronic kidney failure, unfortunately.

We have a lot of information regarding treatment for kidney failure that I'd like you to read here:

Most chronic kidney diseases are not reversible. But, there are treatments that may be used to help preserve as much kidney function as possible. In the cases of acute renal failure , treatment focuses on the illness or injury that caused the problem.
General Measures

* Restricting fluids
* Doing daily weight checks
* Eating a high-carbohydrate, low-protein diet

Medications

Medications used in acute or chronic kidney failure may include:

* Diuretics —to flush out the kidneys, increase urine flow, and rid the body of excess sodium (eg, furosemide , mannitol )
* Dopamine, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP)—to dilate blood vessels in the kidneys, increase urine flow, flush out sodium
* Blood pressure medications (eg, ACE inhibitors)
* Sodium polystyrene sulfonate or insulin in dextrose—to control high potassium levels
* Calcium acetate —to control high phosphorus levels

Talk to your doctor other medications that your are taking. These include prescribed and over-the-counter medications, as well as herbs and supplements. Since the kidneys are no longer working properly, waste can build up in your body.
Dialysis

Dialysis is a process that takes over for the kidneys and filters waste from the blood. This may be done for short-term, until kidney function improves. Or, it may be done you have a kidney transplant .
Kidney Transplant

This may be the right option for some patients. Having a successful transplant depends on many factors, such as what is causing the kidney damage and your overall health.
Blood Tests

Your doctor will monitor these blood levels:

* Sodium
* Potassium
* Calcium
* Phosphate
* Red blood cells
o Your doctor may inject a hormone called erythropoietin to help manage anemia .
* Hematocrit
* Platelets

Lifestyle Changes

The following are steps to help your kidneys stay healthy longer:

* Have your blood pressure checked regularly. Take medication to control high blood pressure.
* If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar. Ask your doctor for help.
* Avoid the chronic use of pain medications.
* If you have chronic kidney disease, you may need to limit how much protein you eat. Talk to a dietician.
* Limit how much cholesterol and sodium you eat.
* If you have severe kidney disease, limit how much potassium you eat. If your kidneys are failing, get help from a dietician.

If you are diagnosed with kidney failure, follow your doctor's instructions .

Michelle, you can read a lot more on our Kidney Failure page here: http://www.empowher.com/condition/kidney-failure

Apple cider vinegar is a good purifier and is used to detoxify but with regard to your dad's health - he would need to talk to his doctor about how much would be safe to take as you are correct - it contains a large amount of potassium.

Here are three articles about foods (lots of cranberries, blackberries, blueberries and pomegranate!) that are good for kidney health: http://www.empowher.com/holistic-health/content/kidney-yin-deficiency-re...

http://www.empowher.com/holistic-health/content/kidneys-and-adrenals-tra...

http://www.davita.com/diet-and-nutrition/lifestyle/a/2113

Michelle, let me know if this helps and if I can help you more!

~Susan