Kidney Failure Treatment in Ayurveda

Acute Kidney Failure:

• Severe dehydration
• Certain medications (e.g., NSAIDs, some antibiotics)
• Infections, such as sepsis
• Blockages in the urinary tract
• Direct injury to the kidneys

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD):

• Diabetes
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney's filtering units)
• Polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disorder causing cysts in the kidneys)
• Autoimmune diseases affecting the kidneys
• Recurrent kidney infections
• Long-term obstruction of the urinary tract
• Certain medications (e.g., long-term use of NSAIDs, some antibiotics)

Other Contributing Factors:

• Aging (natural decline in kidney function over time)
• Family history of kidney disease
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Smoking
• Obesity
• Prolonged exposure to certain toxins and chemicalss

Early Stage (CKD):

• Often no noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
• High blood pressure may be present.s

Later Stage (Acute or Chronic Kidney Failure):

• Fatigue and weakness
• Changes in urination:
  • Decreased amount of urine
  • Urinating more often at night
  • Frothy or bubbly urine
  • Blood in urine
• Swelling:
  • Puffy eyes
  • Swollen ankles, feet, or face
• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Itchy skin or rashes
• Muscle cramps
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble concentrating
• Trouble sleeping
• Severe Kidney Failure:
  • Confusion or comas
  • Seizures
  • High levels of waste products in the blood
  • Bone problems

• People with chronic illnesses:
  • Diabetes: Leading cause, damages kidneys overtime.
  • High blood pressure: Long-term pressure on kidneys can impair function.
  • Autoimmune diseases: Lupus, IgA nephropathy can attack kidneys.
  • Heart disease: Reduced blood flow can impact kidney function.
• Individuals with genetic conditions: Polycystic kidney disease, etc.
• Those with urinary tract issues: Kidney stones, blockages can lead to damage.
• Older adults: Kidney function naturally declines with age.
• People with a family history of kidney disease: Increased risk due to genetics.
• Minority populations: Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino have higher risk.
• Individuals with a history of kidney injury: Past damage increases vulnerability.
• Frequent users of NSAID pain relievers: Overuse can strain kidneys.

Blood Tests:

• Serum Creatinine Levels: Elevated levels may indicate impaired kidney function.
• Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN): Elevated levels can suggest kidney dysfunction.

Urine Tests:

• Urinalysis: Examining urine for abnormalities, such as the presence of protein or blood.
• Urine Creatinine Clearance: Calculating how efficiently the kidneys are clearing creatinine from the blood.

Imaging Studies:

• Ultrasound: Provides images of the kidneys to identify structural abnormalities or blockages.
• CT Scan or MRI: Offers detailed images of the kidneys and surrounding structures.

Biopsy:

• Kidney Biopsy: Involves taking a small sample of kidney tissue for examination under a microscope to determine the cause of kidney problems.

GFR Calculation:

• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): A calculation based on creatinine levels, age, sex, and other factors, providing an estimate of kidney function.

Medical History and Physical Examination:

• Symptom Assessment: Evaluating symptoms like swelling, fatigue, and changes in urine output.
• Medical History: Identifying risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or family history of kidney disease.

Monitoring Proteinuria:

• Quantifying Protein in Urine: Measuring the amount of protein excreted in urine, as increased levels can indicate kidney damage.

Functional Tests:

• Renal Scintigraphy: Assessing blood flow, filtration, and excretion by the kidneys using a radioactive tracer.

Electrolyte Levels:

• Checking Sodium, Potassium, and Calcium Levels: Imbalances can be indicative of kidney dysfunction.

Evaluation of Underlying Conditions:

• Blood Pressure Measurement: Hypertension is a common contributor to kidney disease.
• Blood Sugar Monitoring: For individuals with diabetes, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to kidney damage.

Fluid and electrolyte imbalances:

• Fluid overload: When your kidneys can't remove excess fluids, it can lead to swelling in your ankles, feet, and hands, difficulty breathing, and high blood pressure.
• Electrolyte imbalances: Potassium, sodium, calcium, and other electrolytes play crucial roles in various bodily functions. Kidney failure can disrupt their balance, causing irregular heartbeats, muscle weakness, and confusion.

Metabolic issues:

• Acidosis: Buildup of acid in the blood due to the inability to excrete it effectively. This can cause fatigue, nausea, and difficulty breathing.
• Bone disease: Chronic kidney disease can lead to weakened bones and an increased risk of fractures. This is due to imbalances in calcium and phosphorus metabolism.

Cardiovascular complications:

• High blood pressure: Kidney failure can contribute to or worsen high blood pressure, putting additional strain on your heart and increasing the risk of strokes and heart attacks.
• Pericarditis: Inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart, causing chest pain and discomfort.

Neurological complications:

• Encephalopathy: Buildup of toxins in the brain can cause confusion, impaired thinking, seizures, and even coma.
• Dialysis disequilibrium syndrome: Rapid shifts in fluid and electrolyte levels during dialysis can lead to headaches, nausea, and even seizures.

Other complications:

• Anemia: Decreased red blood cell production due to impaired hormone production by the kidneys. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
• Weakened immune system: People with kidney failure are more susceptible to infections.
• Skin problems: Dry, itchy skin and increased risk of infections are common.
• Sexual dysfunction: Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction can occur in both men and women.

Ayurvedic treatment for kidney failure offers a promising alternative to dialysis for those seeking a natural remedy. Many individuals with kidney failure are exploring holistic approaches, realizing the potential of kidney failure treatment at home through Ayurveda. Ayurvedic therapies focus on balancing the body's energies, known as doshas, promoting overall well-being. The alternative to dialysis for kidney failure lies in Ayurvedic herbs and dietary changes that support kidney function. These natural remedies aim to rejuvenate kidneys, enhancing their ability to filter toxins. Embracing Ayurveda offers hope and a gentler path for those navigating the challenges of kidney failure treatment at home.

Some Ayurvedic herbs that are traditionally associated with kidney health include:

• Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Traditionally used for kidney and urinary tract health, punarnava is believed to have diuretic properties and may help in flushing out toxins from the body.
• Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): Known for its diuretic and rejuvenating properties, gokshura is believed to support kidney function and promote urinary tract health.
• Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): Varuna is traditionally used for its diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is thought to help in maintaining kidney health.
• Shilajit: Rich in minerals, shilajit is believed to have antioxidant properties and may be used in Ayurvedic practices to support overall kidney function.
• Chandraprabha Vati: This Ayurvedic formulation contains a combination of herbs, including guggulu, musta, and shilajit, and is traditionally used for supporting kidney and urinary tract health.
• Pashanbhed (Bergenia ligulata): Used traditionally in Ayurveda for kidney stones and urinary problems, pashanbhed is believed to have diuretic and lithotriptic properties.

Karma Ayurveda is a prominent clinic with a strong reputation for treating kidney diseases using Ayurvedic methods. Here are some reasons why someone might choose Karma Ayurveda for kidney failure:

• Focus on holistic Ayurvedic treatment: Karma Ayurveda emphasizes treating the root cause of kidney problems through personalized herbal remedies, dietary modifications, and lifestyle changes. This natural approach differs from conventional medicine, which primarily focuses on managing symptoms.
• Experience and Expertise: Established in 1937, Karma Ayurveda boasts a long history of treating kidney ailments. They have a team of experienced Ayurvedic doctors who specialize in kidney diseases. Notably, Dr. Puneet Dhawan, a fifth-generation Ayurvedic kidney expert, leads the team.
• Claims of success without dialysis: While not guaranteed, Karma Ayurveda claims to have treated patients with advanced kidney disease (CKD 4 and 5) without dialysis or transplants. This could be appealing to patients seeking alternative treatment options to avoid invasive procedures.
• Positive reviews and testimonials: Reviews and testimonials from past patients can be found on their website and online platforms. These accounts can provide valuable insights into the experiences of others who have sought treatment at Karma Ayurveda.
• Comprehensive care: In addition to Ayurvedic treatments, Karma Ayurveda offers supportive therapies like Panchakarma and yoga, which aim to promote overall well-being and detoxification.
• International reach: They have clinics in India, the UAE, USA, and UK, making them accessible to patients worldwide.