The vital organs of the human body are imperative for enabling a person to live a healthy life and among these vitals; kidneys are primarily responsible for eliminating waste products and toxins. Due to the rising prevalence of lifestyle disorders and the consumption of adulterated edibles, kidneys have to perform beyond their capacity and that’s why kidney-related ailments are unprecedentedly common in society. Besides, overconsumption of conventional medicines further deteriorates the disease and doctors have no other option than recommending dialysis to patients with acute problems.
One in ten people worldwide suffers from serious kidney disease, and it is estimated that 850 million people worldwide have renal or kidney disease. Analgesic nephropathy, excessive blood pressure, and uncontrolled diabetes are the main reasons for kidney disease currently. The other major contributing factors are addictions to certain medicines, diets high in animal protein and fat, foods that cause acidity, and alcohol consumption.
Regardless of the underlying cause, it is exceedingly challenging to get the creatinine level back within the normal range once it has exceeded the limits. Since, patients with kidney failure become incapacitated to remove excess salt, water, urea, and other waste materials from the bloodstream, which causes metabolic toxicity. In these patients, a synthetic substitute mechanism known as dialysis is carried out to replace the kidneys’ natural function of filtration.
However, the dialysis procedure has adverse effects that can lead to itching skin, spasms in the muscles, blood clots, unhealthy weight gain, hernia and an increased risk of peritonitis, an infection of the thin membrane that protects your abdomen. Additionally, it raises the risk of sudden cardiac arrest, the most frequent cause of death in dialysis patients.
Furthermore, considering the fact that regular dialysis procedures over a lengthy period of time can be financially draining, Ayurvedic treatments can be an economical yet effective alternative.
According to Ayurveda, patients with chronic kidney disease have altered Agni, which prevents food from being properly digested and, as a result, disturbs the creation of important components, resulting in dosha and dhatudushti. In addition, the ancient traditional medical system offers effective treatments for chronic kidney disease and offers significant relief from the expensive and difficult procedures of dialysis and kidney transplantation.
Due to their focus on treating the disease’s underlying causes rather than just its symptoms, Ayurvedic medicines can manage kidney failure at all stages and lower the frequency of dialysis. The treatment is carried out with the assistance of herbal medications, a specific diet, and lifestyle modifications. Punarnava, Kaasni, Varun, Gokshur, and Palaash are a few of the highly effective herbs used in Ayurvedic treatment for renal failure that help rejuvenate the kidneys by restoring the filtration capacity and enhancing the overall functioning of the kidneys.
To specifically maintain kidney health and terminate dialysis, several formulations and procedures are advised under Ayurveda. Here are some tips included in ayurvedic treatment to stop dialysis-
• Make sure to detox regularly. The conventional Ayurvedic detox principle involves herbs, supplements, purges, enemas, bloodletting, a dietary regimen, more water consumption and stress-relieving lifestyle practices like yoga, meditation and massage.
• Avoid self-medication and habituated use of painkillers, anti-inflammatory medicines sleeping pills, etc.
• Don’t intake sodium in the diet like sea foods, pickles, papad, etc. Further, regulate your protein intake and avoid red meat, dairy products, mushrooms, spinach, etc. Opt for low-protein sources of cereals, vegetables, and fruits.
• Restrict potassium intake diet. Instead, eat low-potassium sources like apples, papaya, radish, bottle guard, and carrots.
• Avoid fatty, oily fried foods, packaged and processed food, aerated drinks, bakery items, and stale refrigerated foods.
• Monitor your vitals by controlling blood pressure, blood sugar level, and body weight. Also, abstaining from smoking and alcohol consumption is essential to avoid kidney damage.
To sum up, Ayurveda, the natural science of keeping a balance between mind, body, and soul to achieve good health, is a safe and effective approach to treating chronic kidney diseases without going through dialysis therapies.
Dr Puneet is the Founder of Karma Ayurveda