Ayurvedic Approach vs. Conventional Treatments for Kidney Disease

Kidney disease refers to a health disorder where your renal functions have deteriorated and they are not able to filter out wastes from the body effectively.  Kidneys do not just filter blood and remove waste from the body, but they also play a vital role in maintaining a balance between fluids, electrolytes, minerals, etc. in the body. Keeping your kidneys healthy means the optimum functioning of your body. When it comes to treating renal disorders, you have two major options. Either go for the conventional treatment or choose Ayurveda. This article will shed more light on the major features of these two treatment methods.

Which is Better for Treating Renal Disorders: Ayurveda or Allopathy?

Conventional treatment of renal disorders makes use of specific medicines to treat the disease. Apart from this, doctors may also advise you on kidney transplant, dialysis, surgery, etc. for a thorough treatment of the renal disorders. However, allopathic treatment is superficial and it usually suppresses the symptoms and does not address the root cause of the disease. Additionally, conventional treatment also does not treat the disease fully and can have unwanted side effects.

Ayurvedic treatment, on the other hand, is more comprehensive and has relatively fewer side effects. Since Ayurvedic treatment addresses the root causes of the disease, the chances of running into recurrence are on the lower side. Ayurvedic treatment makes use of specific herbs to treat various renal disorders. Some of the most common herbs used to treat renal disorders in Ayurveda are:

• Punarnava: The Ayurvedic herb Punarnava is one of the most well-known herbs for treating renal disorders. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and anti-spasmodic qualities. This herb avoids renal infections and comes with regenerative properties. Consuming this herb may lead to stronger kidneys.
• Gokshura: Gokshura strengthens our renal functions by removing excess uric acid from the body. The herb also has anti-lithiasis properties that discourage the formation of renal stones. Consuming this herb regularly leads to stronger and healthier kidneys. It is also effective in improving sexual functions in men.
• Giloy: Giloy, or Guduchi contains diuretic properties, i.e. consuming this herb results in a proper outflow of urine from the body. This leads to an effective detoxification of the kidneys. Giloy is particularly helpful in treating the early stages of CKD.
• Turmeric: Curcuma longa’s or turmeric comes with anti-inflammatory properties. Adding this spice to your daily diet results in reduced renal infections. In addition, turmeric plays an instrumental role in discouraging the formation of renal stones in the body.

Point to Remember: Ayurvedic herbs may cause side effects such as headache, nausea, burning sensation in the throat, etc. It is advisable that you consult with your doctor beforehand; this will allow you to assess the benefits and the potential side effects on your health.

However, what makes Ayurvedic treatment better than conventional treatment is its focus on providing holistic treatment for renal disorders. Ayurveda focuses on improving the overall renal health. For this purpose, Ayurveda lists effective home remedies for the overall improvement of the functioning of the kidneys. Some of the most potent remedies for improving renal functions in Ayurveda are:

• Hydrate Yourself Well: The most inexpensive way to keep your kidneys healthy is by adequately hydrating yourself. Drinking 8-10 glasses of water every day allows your kidneys to flush out toxins in an effective manner. Apart from water, herbal teas and juices are great ways to replenish your hydration needs.
• Avoid Caffeine: Caffeinated products like tea, coffee, etc. can dehydrate you quickly and excessive consumption may also result in other health disorders. Green tea, dandelion root tea, chamomile tea, etc. are healthier alternatives to caffeinated drinks.
• No Alcohol and Tobacco: No prizes for guessing here, I guess. Consuming alcohol and tobacco is linked with poor renal health. Excessive consumption of alcohol also leads to deteriorating liver functions, whereas smoking is linked with damaged renal tissues and degrading renal health.
• Probiotics: Include probiotics like yogurt and curd to increase the good bacteria count in the body. This leads to better gut health. Stronger immunity is also one of the major benefits of consuming probiotics.
• Include Berries in your Diet: Cranberries, strawberries, etc. are superfoods for kidneys as they reduce antioxidative stress and assist with the normal functioning of the kidneys.
• Yoga: Yoga asanas such as Balasana, Bhujangasana, etc. lead to increased blood flow toward the kidneys and stronger renal functions; include them in your daily schedule. However, Yoga asanas should be practiced under the guidance of an expert Yoga teacher.

Ayurveda is the best treatment for renal disorders with very few side effects. Ayurvedic treatment is encompassing, natural, and has very few side effects. Opting for an Ayurvedic treatment for your renal disorders will be a great idea for a comprehensive and all-natural cure.