Gout Remedies: Natural Treatments You Can Try at Home

Meet The Ghanaian Herbal Doctor Who Has 'cured' Over 3,000 Kidney Disease Patients

It is estimated that approximately 850 million people worldwide have kidney disease, most living in low-income and lower-middle-income countries where access to diagnosis, prevention or treatment is limited due to financial challenges.

Over the years, several research studies and reports have found that Chronic Kidney Disease has no cure but can be treated with some scientific medicines and dialysis machines, which sometimes take the entire lifespan of the patient.

However, Dr Wiafe Akenteng, a Ghanaian herbal doctor and founder of the Natural Way Herbal Clinic, has strived to make a difference.

He has extensively researched and cured over 3,000 patients of kidney disease since 2012 using purely natural medicines.

His first successful case in 2012 involved curing a class 6 pupil. Remarkably, some of his cured patients were foreigners, including whites and African Americans.

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Motivation:

Dr. Akenteng's motivation stems from witnessing the debilitating effects of kidney disease on his close family and friends.

He recognized gaps in conventional medical approaches to holistically treating patients.

Through research, Dr. Akenteng developed combinations of approximately 32 natural medicines to cure patients.

Myth:

Speaking to ModernGhana News on Thursday, April 25, Dr. Akenteng noted that terms like "chronic" are used medically to mislead the masses in order to promote the continuous sales of chemical drugs.

He says diseases like Hepatitis B can be cured at his clinic through research-backed natural remedies.

Affordable treatment:

Compared to standard treatment costs of over GHS4,800 per month in Ghana, Dr. Akenteng offers treatment for as little as two months of dialysis costs.

Some patients are even cured within 2 to 20 days, which conventional approaches cannot achieve over a patient's lifetime, said the doctor.

Scepticism:

Testimonies of Dr. Wiafe Akenteng's cure for kidney disease are rife in and outside Ghana with some popular figures being beneficiaries.

However, many kidney patients remain sceptical due to warnings from biomedical doctors against alternatives, fearing worsening conditions.

Dr. Akenteng asserts the most effective "chronic" cures come from extensively researched natural herbs.

Call for government intervention:

He petitioned the government to have the National Health Insurance Scheme sponsor treatment for dangerous diseases like tuberculosis, kidney disease and others.

"The NHIS should be made to sponsor people with dangerous diseases such as TB, Kidney disease and others," Dr. Wiafe Akenteng said.

This, according to him, could significantly help patients access costly care like dialysis and save lives.

Awards and recognition:

Dr. John Quaye Danyansah Wiafe Akenteng, the revered doctor has, among others, received an honour from George Fox University in Newberg, OR, USA in 2021.

The Rectitude International Mission (RIM) and World Diplomatic Federation (WODIF), a reputable award governing body, recommended the modern-day herbal practitioner to the university's governing Council.

She Was Too Sick For A Traditional Transplant. So She Received A Pig Kidney And A Heart Pump

NEW YORK — Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.

Lisa Pisano's combination of heart and kidney failure left her too sick to qualify for a traditional transplant, and out of options. Then doctors at NYU Langone Health devised a novel one-two punch: Implant a mechanical pump to keep her heart beating and days later transplant a kidney from a genetically modified pig.

Pisano is recovering well, the NYU team announced Wednesday. She's only the second patient ever to receive a pig kidney — following a landmark transplant last month at Massachusetts General Hospital — and the latest in a string of attempts to make animal-to-human transplantation a reality.

"I was at the end of my rope," Pisano told The Associated Press. "I just took a chance. And you know, worst case scenario, if it didn't work for me, it might have worked for someone else and it could have helped the next person."

Dr. Robert Montgomery, director of NYU Langone Transplant Institute, recounted cheers in the operating room as the organ immediately started making urine.

But "we're not off the hook yet," cautioned Dr. Nader Moazami, the NYU cardiac surgeon who implanted the heart pump.

"I have to congratulate them," said Dr. Tatsuo Kawai of Mass General, who noted that his own pig kidney patient was healthier overall going into his operation than NYU's patient. "When the heart function is bad, it's really difficult to do a kidney transplant."

More than 100,000 people are on the U.S. Transplant waiting list, most who need a kidney, and thousands die waiting. In hopes of filling the shortage of donated organs, several biotech companies are genetically modifying pigs so their organs are more humanlike, less likely to be destroyed by people's immune system.

NYU and other research teams have temporarily transplanted pig kidneys and hearts into brain-dead bodies, with promising results. The University of Maryland transplanted pig hearts into two men who were out of other options; both died within months.

Mass General's pig kidney transplant last month raised new hopes. Kawai said Richard Slayman experienced an early rejection scare but bounced back enough to go home this month and still is faring well five weeks post-transplant. A recent biopsy showed no further problems.

Pisano is the first woman to receive a pig organ — and unlike with prior xenotransplant experiments, both her heart and kidneys had failed. She went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated before the experimental surgeries. She'd gotten too weak to even play with her grandchildren. "I was miserable," the Cookstown, New Jersey, woman said.

A failed heart made her ineligible for a traditional kidney transplant. But while on dialysis, she didn't qualify for a heart pump, called a left ventricular assist device or LVAD, either.

"It's like being in a maze and you can't find a way out," Montgomery explained — until the surgeons decided to pair a heart pump with a pig kidney.

With emergency permission from the Food and Drug Administration, Montgomery chose an organ from a pig genetically engineered by United Therapeutics Corp. So its cells don't produce a particular sugar that's foreign to the human body and triggers immediate organ rejection.

Plus a tweak: The donor pig's thymus gland, which trains the immune system, was attached to the donated kidney in hopes that it would help Pisano's body tolerate the new organ.

Surgeons implanted the LVAD to power Pisano's heart on April 4, and transplanted the pig kidney on April 12. There's no way to predict her long-term outcome but she's shown no sign of organ rejection so far, Montgomery said. In adjusting the LVAD to work with her new kidney, Moazami said doctors already learned lessons that could help future care of heart-and-kidney patients.

Special "compassionate use" experiments teach doctors a lot but it will take rigorous studies to prove if xenotransplants really work. What happens with Pisano and Mass General's kidney recipient will undoubtedly influence FDA's decision to allow such trials. United Therapeutics said it hopes to begin one next year.

More than 100,000 people are on the organ donor wait list—here's who has the longest and shortest wait times Heart transplant

- Median waiting time, 2012-2021: 190 days (44,395 registrations added)

- Annual statistics

--- Median waiting time, 2017: 230 days (4,536 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2018: 191 days (4,711 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2019: 107 days (4,717 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2020: 77 days (4,594 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2021: 81 days (5,008 registrations added)

Heart transplantation is a complex medical operation involving the surgical transfer of a healthier heart from a donor to a recipient suffering from a heart ailment. The organ is donated after the donor has been declared brain-dead or deceased. According to the U.K.'s NHS, heart transplantation is prescribed when other remedies for treating heart disease don't work, leaving the patient's life at risk. Illnesses that might eventually require a heart transplant include coronary heart disease, failing or weakened heart muscles, and congenital heart disease.

During the surgery, doctors put the recipient under anesthesia and use a heart-lung bypass machine to keep pumping blood through the body and brain while they remove the recipient's heart. The donor heart is then connected to the major veins and arteries. Factors determining the compatibility of a donor's heart include blood type, body size, and medical urgency, according to the American Heart Association.

As with any major open-heart surgery, there are risks involved, though medical advancements have continued to increase survival rates—even when accounting for more older and higher-risk patients receiving new hearts. Rejection of the donor heart is one of the biggest concerns after organ transplants, and immunosuppressant drugs and frequent post-operative biopsies help doctors monitor issues. Advancements in medication, including monitoring for side effects and helping support a weakened immune system, have made a difference in improving success rates. According to the Mayo Clinic, the one-year post-transplant survival rate for adults is 90% worldwide, and 80% after five years.

 

ESB Professional // Shutterstock Heart and lung transplant

- Median waiting time, 2012-2021: 393 days (565 registrations added)

- Annual statistics

--- Median waiting time, 2017: 332 days (47 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2018: 463 days (67 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2019: 182 days (65 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2020: 114 days (80 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2021: 143 days (67 registrations added)

A heart and lung transplant is a medical procedure in which the recipient's heart and lungs are replaced with the donor's heart and lungs in the same operation. There are generally few organ pairs suitable for the procedure, and such a major operation is generally considered after all other treatment options are considered. The level of complexity and expertise needed to perform such procedures is another reason that such surgeries are rare. Heart and lung transplants are decided on by a team who determines if the recipient is compatible with the donor organ pair on criteria such as medical history, body size, and a variety of fluid and function tests, along with X-rays and scans.

The organs are donated by a recently deceased or brain-dead donor. Patients must be carefully monitored once the operation is done and should consult a physiotherapist for cardiopulmonary rehabilitation to improve the strength of their new organ pair.

Svitlana Hulko // Shutterstock Intestine transplant

- Median waiting time, 2012-2021: 255 days (1,641 registrations added)

- Annual statistics

--- Median waiting time, 2017: 260 days (161 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2018: 234 days (139 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2019: 285 days (103 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2020: 395 days (144 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2021: 477 days (142 registrations added)

Intestine transplantation is the process by which either a portion or the entire gastrointestinal tract (which starts at the esophagus and includes the small intestine, bowel, and large intestine) is removed and implanted in the recipient. Intestine transplants are needed after intestinal failure or for diseases like short bowel syndrome or intra-abdominal tumors. In very rare instances, a segment of an intestine can be donated by a live donor, but almost always the donor is deceased.

Before the transplant, to assess suitability for the operation, doctors carries out blood tests to examine the recipient's liver function, electrolytes, and kidney function, and to see if the recipient suffers from infections like HIV or hepatitis. They would also carry out X-rays of the chest, CT scans of the abdomen, ultrasound scans of the liver, a colonoscopy, and lung-function tests to determine recipient suitability.

During an intestinal transplant operation, doctors would perform an ileostomy to create an opening through which digestive waste can exit the body through an external pouch. Once the transplant team determines that the transplanted intestine is healthy, the ileostomy could be closed to allow waste to flow naturally.

LightField Studios // Shutterstock Kidney and pancreas transplant

- Median waiting time, 2012-2021: 650 days (13,350 registrations added)

- Annual statistics

--- Median waiting time, 2017: 533 days (1,257 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2018: 405 days (1,295 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2019: 547 days (1,479 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2020: 589 days (1,314 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2021: 660 days (1,488 registrations added)

A kidney and pancreas transplant occurs in one operation. According to the National Kidney Foundation, this operation is prescribed for those who suffer kidney failure due to type 1 diabetes, when their kidneys are unable to filter wastes and their pancreas cannot regulate insulin production.

In this type of operation, the kidney could come from a living or deceased donor, while the pancreas comes from a deceased donor. Before the transplant, patients must take blood tests, urine tests, heart and lung function tests, eye and dental exams, and neurological tests to determine suitability for the operation. Due to significant innovations in this procedure, the organization notes that pancreas-kidney transplants have reached a survival rate of 95% one year post-surgery and 92.5% three years after surgery. Within one year after the operation, there is also an 80% to 85% chance that the recipient will not need dialysis or insulin treatments.

Terelyuk // Shutterstock Liver transplant

- Median waiting time, 2012-2021: 433 days (126,714 registrations added)

- Annual statistics

--- Median waiting time, 2017: 402 days (12,947 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2018: 368 days (13,147 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2019: 345 days (13,448 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2020: 257 days (13,019 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2021: 239 days (13,833 registrations added)

Responsible for filtering toxins, producing bile, and processing hormones and nutrients, the liver is critical to help your body regulate immune responses. Liver transplants are recommended for people in the end-stage of liver diseases and at risk of liver failure. In 2021, there were more than 9,200 liver transplants in the U.S., making it the second-most common organ transplant after kidneys. 

Patients may need liver transplants if they have alcoholic liver disease, cancers beginning in the liver, fatty liver disease, and chronic hepatitis C-induced cirrhosis. A transplantation team will carry out psychological evaluations, blood tests, and diagnostic examinations to ascertain suitability for the operation. While survival rates may vary, its estimated to be 75% for at least five years after surgery. 

 

Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock Lung transplant

- Median waiting time, 2012-2021: 79 days (28,110 registrations added)

- Annual statistics

--- Median waiting time, 2017: 79 days (3,000 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2018: 76 days (3,204 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2019: 68 days (3,248 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2020: 42 days (2,675 registrations added)

--- Median waiting time, 2021: 46 days (3,091 registrations added)

For patients with diseased or failing lungs due to pulmonary disease, scarring in the lungs, cystic fibrosis, and other severe conditions, a transplant is often the last option. In the U.S., there were more than 2,500 lung transplants performed in 2021, according to the OPTN. 

There are three kinds of lung transplants: a single lung transplant, a double lung transplant, and a heart-lung transplant. Sometimes, a living person can donate one lung to a recipient, but generally donors are deceased. The NHS notes that one of the main constraints in lung transplants is that the recipient and donor must be of the same blood type. 

Lung transplant recipients have a one-year survival rate of 89%, but with a five-year survival rate of about 60%, the procedure remains one of the most challenging types of transplant operations for patients. A lower long-term survival rate that falls behind other organ transplants is due to about half of patients developing chronic lung allograft dysfunction—a severe condition resulting from tissue rejection—within five years of undergoing a transplant. However, advancements in lung transplantation have increased the odds of survival, and better postoperative monitoring, medications, and donor selection continue to improve postoperative care and our understanding of how to increase lung function.

Story editing by Brian Budzynski. Copy editing by Esprit Smith. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

This story originally appeared on Northwell Health and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

Dragana Gordic // Shutterstock

Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control: 8 Herbal Remedies Every Black Person Should Know

The Centers for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), states that diabetes is a chronic (long-lasting) health condition that influences the way your body converts food into energy. Over time, diabetes can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, loss of eyesight, and kidney disease. While there currently isn't a cure for diabetes, eating healthy food and staying active can help. 

Several alternative therapies function as great options for diabetes treatment. Acupressure, acupuncture, and naturopathy can potentially help reduce dependence on these medicines. Naturopathy cures use many herbs as a part of their treatment of high blood sugar. Today, BlackDoctor.Org will list a few herbs that can help reduce blood sugar.

How Diabetes Impacts Black Populations

In 2019, non-Hispanic Black Americans were two times more likely than non-Hispanic Caucasians to pass away from diabetes.

In 2018, Black American adults were 60 percent more prone than non-Hispanic white adults to receive a diagnosis of diabetes from a physician.

In 2019, non-Hispanic Black people were 2.5 times more susceptible to needing a hospital visit because of diabetes and related long-term complications compared to non-Hispanic whites.

In 2019, non-Hispanic Black Americans were 3.2 times more likely to get diagnosed with the final stage of renal disease versus non-Hispanic whites.

1. Bless Your Nose (and Blood Sugar) With Rosemary

That yummy scent in some of your favorite soups and curries is thanks to the rosemary herb. Not only does rosemary help encourage weight loss, but it also levels out your blood sugar levels. Rosemary is also in charge of decreasing low cholesterol (LDL) and boosting good cholesterol (HDL).

2. Thank Your Body With Some Ginseng

In oriental medicine, ginseng has been used for its beneficial characteristics for centuries. Its superlative immune-boosting qualities make it anti-diabetic. Ginseng lessens how quickly carbs are absorbed in your body. Ginseng also speeds up the development of insulin through the pancreas.

3. The Rage for Sage

Studies have found sage to be beneficial in dropping blood sugar levels significantly, more so when taken on an empty tummy. Incorporating sage into your daily diet amplifies the secretion of insulin and helps take care of diabetes in a better way. Your best method of consumption is tea.

4. Gymnema Sylvestre or Gurmar

This herb has been featured in ayurvedic solutions for diabetes in India since ancient times. It has gymnemic acids, which make your taste buds neutral on your tongue when ingesting sweet stuff. This is useful if you're trying to curb those sweet tooth cravings that kick in. The herb also supports the natural process of using excess glucose in your bloodstream.

RELATED: 10 Surprising Causes of Blood Sugar Swings for Black Americans

5. Can't Say No to Oregano

This herb has a two-pronged impact when it comes to high blood sugar. It reinforces the activity in the pancreas to produce more insulin and limits blood sugar levels by combating urges for sweets. The glucose in your cells starts to mobilize because of particular components that exist in oregano. Aside from improving immune health as a whole, it diminishes the creation of carbohydrates in your body.

6. A(love) Yourself Vera Much

This fleshy plant makes up a critical segment of alternative medicine in India, Mexico, Australia, and South America. Aloe vera also minimizes inflammation in your body and eases indigestion. Inflammation in the body is a common cause of various chronic diseases including diabetes.

7. Binge On Ginger

Ginger is extensively integrated into Chinese and Indian dishes. The aromatic herb has been used to ward off

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