guide for people with chronic kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a common renal disorder with progressive properties. A gradual and progressive loss in renal function such as filtering of wastes, and maintaining the balance between fluids, minerals, etc. is the hallmark of this disease. If left untreated, CKD can lead to kidney failure and even death in rare cases. CKD treatment in Ayurveda advocates proper care and lifestyle adjustments to manage the condition effectively.

Understanding CKD

CKD occurs when the kidneys are damaged and unable to function at full capacity. The damage is gradual and you will rarely experience any symptoms in the early stages. As the condition progresses, symptoms like fatigue, swelling, nausea, itching, frequent urination, muscle cramps, high blood pressure, and poor appetite start to appear.

The most common causes of CKD include:

• Diabetes mellitus
• Hypertension
• Glomerulonephritis
• Polycystic kidney disease
• Prolonged urinary tract obstruction
• Recurrent kidney infections
• Autoimmune diseases 

Key Steps for Managing CKD: Some Key Tips for CKD Patients

• Follow a Kidney-Friendly Diet: Diet can make or break your prognosis. A healthy, balanced diet can help manage symptoms, prevent complications, and protect kidney function. Some key considerations include:
• Limit Protein Intake: Depending on the stage of CKD, you should try to moderate the consumption of protein, especially animal protein. A high-protein diet can result in strain on the kidneys.
• Control Sodium: High sodium levels result in fluid retention and increased blood pressure; keep your meals low on salt.
• Monitor Potassium and Phosphorus: Elevated potassium and phosphorus levels are also not recommended for CKD patients. Certain foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, nuts, and dairy products should be consumed moderately by those suffering from chronic kidney disease.
• Stay Hydrated: Adequate fluid intake is important, but do not overdrink. Consult your doctor to determine the right amount for you.
• Monitor Blood Pressure: Managing blood pressure is crucial to delay the progression of the disease. The ideal blood pressure for people with CKD is typically below 130/80 mmHg. Try implementing the following diet changes:
• Adopt a Low-Salt Diet: Sodium or a high-sodium diet results in high blood pressure, so limiting salt intake is essential.
• Exercise Regularly: Physical activity or engaging in regular exercise leads to improved heart health and better blood circulation in the body.
• Stay Active: Engaging in physical activity comes with multiple benefits like better weight management, reduced blood pressure, and improved cardiovascular health. Aim for close to 30 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week. However, do not over-exert.

Manage Diabetes: Diabetes is the leading cause of renal disorders. High blood sugar levels have a damaging effect on the blood vessels in the kidneys. Here are some strategies for CKD patients to manage blood pressure:

• Monitor Blood Glucose Levels: Regular monitoring will help you catch any abnormalities regarding your blood glucose and will help you catch the symptoms early.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on foods with low glycemic index like whole grains, vegetables, and lean proteins.
• Take Medications: If prescribed, take medications to control blood sugar.
• Quit Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption aggravate renal function and cause other health issues as well. Smoking shrinks blood vessels and reduces blood flow to the kidneys, whereas alcohol can also have a damaging effect on the kidneys and the liver. Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol intake can greatly improve your renal health.

Regular Monitoring and Check-ups: CKD requires continuous monitoring of your kidney function, blood glucose, and blood pressure. take regular health checkups so that you have an understanding of your renal health:

Take Medications: If you are averse to consuming allopathic medicines due to side effects, you can make a switch to Ayurveda. The best Ayurvedic treatment for chronic kidney disease makes use of herbs like Punarnava, ashwagandha, amla, gokhuru, etc. to alleviate the symptoms associated with CKD. These herbs also help improve overall renal function, though, you should have a detailed discussion with your healthcare provider beforehand.

Karma Ayurveda: A Beacon of Hope for CKD Patients

Karma Ayurveda Hospital is renowned for its natural and holistic treatments that address chronic kidney disease (CKD) as an underlying health issue. Their primary method of healing the kidneys is through herbal medicines, diet plans, and lifestyle changes, rather than dialysis or kidney transplants.

Their treatment approach centers on the balance of doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) in the body to naturally restore kidney function. Ayurvedic herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Varun are used which are believed to reduce swelling; improve urine output; and detox the kidneys.

In addition to herbal remedies, Karma Ayurveda promotes a healthy diet, yoga, and meditation to help with stress. The goal is to treat the cause of CKD rather than just treating symptoms. The researchers claim that their treatments can prevent the advancement of kidney damage, enhance filtration, and boost energy levels without causing any adverse effects.

Conclusion

Living with CKD may be troublesome and may require several lifestyle adjustments on your part. However, the good news is you can easily manage CKD at its early stages and even reverse the damage by taking measures such as consuming a kidney-friendly diet, regular exercise, careful monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and avoiding harmful habits. Do not forget, an early detection and proactive management go a long way in effectively managing CKD.