Ayurvedic Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease
Your kidneys are the body's natural filters and help to eliminate waste, maintain fluid levels, and keep you energized. Unfortunately, over time, these organs lose their ability to perform their function, and it is called chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD progresses slowly, and people often don't realize it is happening until it is well advanced. Unlike an acute illness or injury, CKD is a progressive disease that incrementally worsens over time.
Our advanced health care system generally treats CKD by attempting to slow the progression, or early referring patients to dialysis or transplant if in end-stage kidney failure. Ayurvedic treatment for chronic kidney disease, on the other hand, takes a more holistic view and not only looks at your kidneys, but your body as a whole person, including your whole lifestyle, food, and internal balance. Ayurvedic treatment for chronic kidney disease involves using herbs, healthy eating habits, and maintaining healthy routines as a means to strengthen kidney function, improve quality of life, and lessen the chance of catastrophic events.
Causes
Some of the leading causes of CKD are:
· Diabetes
· High blood pressure
· Glomerulonephritis
· Polycystic kidney disease
· Long-term use of painkillers or certain medicines
· Recurring kidney infections
Symptoms
In the early stages, CKD might not cause any obvious symptoms. But as the condition progresses, you may notice:
Diagnosis
CKD is usually diagnosed with a combination of:
Complications
If CKD isn’t managed well, it can lead to:
Ayurvedic Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
Ayurveda has a treasure trove of herbs known to help with kidney function and balance the doshas. Some of the best herbs for CKD are:
· Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) – A natural diuretic useful for reducing swelling, and encourages kidney cleansing.
· Varun (Crataeva nurvala) – Promotes the health of the urinary tract and can assist in clearing blockages.
· Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) - Nourishes the kidney tissues as well as supports healthy urine flow.
· Chandraprabha Vati - A classical Ayurvedic formulation supportive of urinary and kidney health.
· Kaasni (Cichorium intybus) - Helps maintain fluid balance and supports liver-kidney function.
· Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) - Boosts immunity and aids in detoxifying the body.
You should consult with your healthcare provider before considering natural chronic kidney disease treatment. Exercise caution.
Lifestyle Changes
Ayurvedic treatment for chronic kidney disease asserts that medicine works best in combination with sound daily habits. For chronic kidney disease, these habits include:
• Eating a kidney-friendly diet: Low salt, controlled protein, fresh vegetables, some seasonal fruit, and avoiding processed foods.
• Staying hydrated: Be mindful of hydration, especially in later stages of chronic kidney disease, and let your doctor guide fluid intake.
• Gentle yoga: Movement, like the Bhujangasana (Cobra pose) and Pavanmuktasana (Wind Relieving pose), helps increase circulation.
• No overuse of pain medications: Protect your kidneys from the work of extra drugs.
• Reach to decrease stress: Meditation, including methods like Anulom Vilom breathing, generates calmness and improves organ function.
• Maintain regular sleep: Healing takes place while you sleep.
Conclusion
Chronic Kidney Disease can be daunting, and Ayurveda offers hope through balance, nourishment, and non-invasive healing. Ayurvedic treatment for chronic kidney disease is not just treating the kidneys; it aims to support all systems of the body while also allowing the body's innate capacity for protection and restoration.
If you or someone is experiencing chronic kidney disease, consider the benefits of working with both an Ayurvedic practitioner and your medical doctor. With the proper use of herbs, diet, and lifestyle changes, you can upgrade your quality of life while allowing your kidneys to remain healthy longer.