Kidneys are known as Vrikka in Ayurveda. Known as the filtering units of our body, kidneys handle the responsibility of filtering blood and removing wastes from the body. However, filtering the blood and eliminating wastes are not the only functions of kidneys. They also regulate blood pressure by producing a compound called Renin. In addition, kidneys also play an instrumental role in the production of vitamin D and red blood cells in the body.
Major Kidney Diseases
Some of the major kidney diseases are:
- Acute Kidney Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Nephrotic Syndrome
- Polycystic Kidney Disease
- Creatinine
- Proteinuria
- Pyelonephritis
- Kidney Failure
- Kidney Dialysis
- Kidney Calculi
- Albuminuria
- Kidney Stones
- Kidney Damage
- Blood Urea
- Kidney Shrinkage
- Glomerulonephritis
- IgA Nephropathy
- Kidney Swelling
- Kidney Cysts
Major Symptoms of Kidney Diseases
The following symptoms are most associated with renal ailments:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Poor appetite or gradual lack of appetite
- Persistent weakness
- Issues with urination
- Concentration problems, trouble concentrating for long periods
- Muscle cramps
- Swelling of feet and ankles
- High blood pressure
- Dry, itchy skin
- Fluid build-up in the chest
Major Causes of Kidney Disease
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- disease and kidney disease are linked, so having one increases the risk of the other
- Age
- Family history of kidney disease
- Long-term use of medications like lithium and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Kidney infections
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Kidney stones
- Enlarged prostate
- High cholesterol
- Smoking and alcohol
- Dehydration
- Sepsis or septic shock
- Heart attack
- Heart failure
- Liver cirrhosis or failure
- Anaphylaxis
- Severe low blood pressure
Kidney Disease Treatment Options
Renal diseases can be treated via allopathy, Ayurveda, homeopathy, etc. Allopathic treatment is effective; however, it may result in severe side effects in some cases. Ayurvedic treatment of kidney diseases has gained traction in the past few years, as it causes negligible side effects. Ayurvedic treatment of kidney diseases utilizes herbs like Punarnava, Gokshur, Ashwagandha, Giloy, etc. to treat and cure renal ailments. In addition, natural treatment of kidney diseases uses healing therapies like Panchakarma to rejuvenate the kidney tissues. This helps revitalize kidney cells and boost their functioning.
Avoiding Kidney Diseases: Home Remedies
- You should maintain healthy blood pressure and blood glucose levels in the body.
- Exercise daily to manage your weight well. Good cardiovascular health is one of the outcomes of exercising regularly. Good cardiovascular health contributes to good renal health as well.
- Avoid smoking and drinking, as they harm kidney tissues. Alcohol is linked with deteriorating liver functions as well.
- Reduce the consumption of animal-based protein. Meat, fish, chicken, etc. can be replaced with tofu, cheese, etc.
- Moderate the consumption of salt. Consuming a high amount of salt will increase your blood pressure, which will harm your renal health in the long run.
- Eat a high-fiber diet. A diet high in fiber improves digestion and strengthens liver and renal functions as well.
- Stay well-hydrated for good renal health. Apart from water, you can also include herbal teas, juices, etc. in your daily diet to replenish your hydration needs.
- If you already have damaged kidneys, then avoid fruits like bananas. Stay away from high-potassium foods.
- Avoid stress. Do breathing exercises and meditate to manage your stress well.
- Eat melon fruits, berries, citrus fruits, etc. as they promote healthy kidneys.
- Do not consume aerated and carbonated drinks; they harm kidney cells. Additionally, aerated drinks have been linked with deteriorating bone health as well.
Managing the health of our kidneys is vital for the overall improvement of our health. Cleansing our kidneys effectively via Ayurvedic methods is a sure-shot way to keep yourself healthy. If you suspect having any sort of renal disorder, then consulting a qualified nephrologist should be your priority.
