What Is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) & How Is It Diagnosed?

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term medical condition that is underlined by a gradual loss of kidney function over time. The kidneys filter waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood, which are then excreted in the urine. Not only this, the kidneys help regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells, and maintain electrolyte balance. CKD, if left untreated, can result in cardiovascular disease, anemia, bone disorders, and, in severe cases, kidney failure. Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disease uses CKD Ayurvedic medicine and lifestyle changes to treat this disease.

Causes and Risk Factors

CKD is commonly caused by underlying health conditions, including:

1. Diabetes
2. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
3. Glomerulonephritis
4. Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
5. Other Causes such as Obstructive uropathy, recurrent urinary tract infections, autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus), and prolonged use of certain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).

Symptoms

CKD has a silent progression in its early stages, with few or no noticeable symptoms. The classic CKD symptoms are:

• Fatigue
• Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet (edema)
• Persistent itching
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea or vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Changes in urination patterns (e.g., increased frequency, foamy urine, or blood in the urine)
• Difficulty concentrating or mental fog

Diagnosis of CKD

Ways through which CKD is diagnosed are:

• Medical History and Physical Examination: Blood tests
• Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR) test: Urine Tests
• Imaging tests like ultrasound, CT scans, or MRI: Kidney Biopsy

Ayurvedic Herbs for CKD

Kidney treatment in Ayurveda makes use of the following herbs to treat CKD:

1. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Known for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, Punarnava keeps a check on swelling and inflammation in the renal tissues. It also improves overall renal function.
2. Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): This herb supports urinary health and inhibit the formation of kidney stones in the body. in addition, Gokshura effects a smooth removal of toxins from the body due to its diuretic properties.
3. Varun (Crataeva nurvala): Varun is used widely to treat urinary tract disorders and improve kidney filtration. It also helps dissolve renal stones in the body.
4. Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia): With its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, Guduchi boosts immunity and avoids inflammation in the renal tissues.
5. Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Shatavari’s anti-oxidative properties keep a check on oxidative stress in the kidneys.
6. Turmeric (Curcuma longa): The active compound curcumin in turmeric comes with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Consuming this spice helps keep a tab on inflammation in the renal tissues.
7. Neem (Azadirachta indica): Neem’s detoxifying properties may promote an effective removal of toxins from the body, resulting in better renal health.

Note – You must not consume medications unsupervised. A thorough discussion with your healthcare provider is strongly recommended.

Management and Treatment

An early diagnosis and effective management can slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease and reduce the risk of complications. Treatment strategies include:

1. Lifestyle Modifications:

• Consuming a kidney-friendly diet low in sodium, protein, and phosphorus helps improve renal function.
• Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise reduces stress on the kidneys.
• Quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption for improved renal health.

2. Regular Monitoring:

• Routine follow-ups should be conducted to monitor kidney function, blood pressure, and overall health.

Note – While including diet and lifestyle changes, informing your dietitian or doctor beforehand is strongly advised.

Preventing CKD

Preventive measures help significantly reduce the risk of developing CKD or slow its progression. Key steps include:

• Consume Intelligently while Relishing Your Meals: Your kidneys perform waste filtration duties; give them a break! Reduce salt intake to manage blood pressure by replacing salty snacks with fresh fruits or unsalted nuts. Protein intake plays a crucial role in bodily functions yet excessive consumption places undue stress on renal systems. Adhere to lean protein sources such as fish, chicken, and plant-based options. Monitor your phosphorus and potassium levels because excessive amounts pose health risks. Select kidney-supportive options such as apples, berries, cabbage, and white rice.
• Maintain Optimal Hydration Levels (Avoid Excessive Water Intake!): While water remains beneficial, adhere strictly to any fluid restrictions your doctor has prescribed. An excess of bodily fluids leads to both swelling and elevated blood pressure. Consume small quantities of water consistently during the day instead of drinking large volumes at once.
• Continue to Progress Forward: Engaging in consistent physical activity regulates blood pressure while aiding weight management and increasing energy levels. The necessity of gym attendance diminishes as daily walks combined with yoga and light stretching perform remarkable transformations. Pay attention to your body's signals and avoid excessive exertion.
• Abandon Counterproductive Behaviors: The progression of chronic kidney disease accelerates through the combined detrimental effects of smoking and heavy alcohol consumption. Attempt to cease smoking activities (your renal organs will express gratitude), while simultaneously reducing alcohol consumption to prevent additional bodily stress.
• Consult Your Healthcare Provider: The monitoring of kidney function benefits from routine medical examinations. Adhere to your prescribed medication regimen while avoiding the unsupervised consumption of over-the-counter painkillers unless verified as kidney-safe.

Incorporating lifestyle changes into your schedule without any prior discussion with your doctor can be counterproductive. Make sure to have a detailed discussion with your doctor beforehand.

Why Choose Karma Ayurveda Hospital for CKD treatment?

Karma Ayurveda offers focused, detailed, and thoroughly natural Ayurvedic treatment for chronic kidney disease. The hospital, established in 1937, is the leading Ayurvedic healthcare provider and offers high-quality natural treatment for renal disorders. The team of doctors at the hospital is well-versed in the Ayurvedic treatment practices and the hospital also offers healing therapies like Panchakarma to its patients.

Conclusion

Chronic Kidney Disease is a serious health condition, however, an early diagnosis and proactive management has been shown to drastically improve the outcome for the CKD patients. Understanding the risk factors, symptoms, and diagnostic process and a timely intervention assume importance for an effective treatment. However, expert advice should be sought if the symptoms are severe.