Understanding the Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a medical condition in which the basic functions of the kidneys start to go down in a progressive manner. CKD is a common renal disorder and it affects a large amount of the population worldwide. Chronic Kidney Disease treatment in Ayurveda focuses on diagnosing the disease early and treating it via appropriate herbs to thoroughly treat it.

Major Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease is characterized by the following symptoms:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue and persistent weakness
• Sleep issues
• Changing patterns of urination
• Vague memory and trouble while concentrating
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling of feet and ankles
• Dry, itchy skin
• High blood pressure
• Fluid build-up in the lungs that leads to shortness of breath

Chronic Kidney Disease Stages

Chronic Kidney Disease stages are roughly based on the eGFR (estimated glomerular filtration rate) results:

• Stage 1 (G1): When the person shows an eGFR of 90 mL/min/1.73 m2 or higher, he/she is said to be in the first stage of CKD. You may see very mild symptoms of proteinuria or hematuria. In the first stage of CKD, your kidneys have very mild damage, though, there is almost no impact on the overall functioning of the kidneys.
• Stage 2 (G2): An eGFR of 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2, with some signs of kidney damage, is visible in the second stage of chronic kidney disease.
• Stage 3a (G3a): A person in the early part of the third stage of CKD will have an eGFR of 45–59 mL/min/1.73 m2.
• Stage 3b (G3b): During the latter stages of the third stage of CKD, you will see an eGFR of 30–44 mL/min/1.73 m2. Renal functions start to see mild to severe limitations.
• Stage 4 (G4): Stage 4 of CKD sees a severe loss in the overall renal functions. An eGFR of 15–29 mL/min/1.73 m2 is the norm in this stage.
• Stage 5 (G5): An eGFR of less than 15 mL/min/1.73 m2 is common in the fifth stage of chronic kidney disease. It is medically known as end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Stage 5 means your renal functions are extremely compromised.

Chronic Kidney Disease Self-Care

Some self-care tips that are quite effective in managing this disease are:

• Water: Adequately hydrate yourself so that your bodies effectively flush out toxins from the body. 8-10 glasses of water every day is normal. Additionally, you can also replenish your hydration needs by consuming fruits and vegetables juices, herbal teas, coconut water, etc.
• Avoid Caffeinated Products: Caffeinated products like tea, coffee, etc. should not be consumed by CKD patients. They have a dehydrating effect on our bodies. You should try to replace caffeinated drinks with healthier options like green tea, dandelion root tea, chamomile tea, etc.
• No Alcohol and Tobacco: Alcohol has long been linked with cardiovascular diseases and it also has a damaging impact on the liver. Tobacco not only limits the functioning of the kidneys, but it also damages renal tissues. If you want to avoid CKD, stay away from both alcohol and tobacco.
• Probiotics: Probiotics like yogurt and curd have been shown to increase good bacteria count in the body; making them an active component of your daily diet will help you strengthen your renal functions and it also helps with a smooth digestion of food in the body.
• Berries: Berries such as strawberries, cranberries, etc. are rich in antioxidants and they play a vital role in reducing oxidative stress in the body. Unsweetened cranberry juice is particularly effective in boosting our renal health.
• Yoga: Yoga is helpful in managing stress and strengthening the immune system as well. Doing specific Yoga asanas like child’s pose, bridge pose, etc. leads to improved blood flow to the kidneys. However, you are advised to do these asanas under the guidance of an experienced Yoga practitioner.

If you went for a health test and found yourself to be suffering from chronic kidney disease, then don’t stress out. Early diagnosis plays a vital role in the effective treatment of this disease. if you are still at an early stage of CKD, then following the precautionary measures and basic treatment will help you defeat this disease. however, always take an expert’s advice for a better prognosis for you.