chronic kidney disease

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by the gradual loss of kidney function over months or years. The kidneys play a critical role in filtering waste products, toxins, and excess fluids from the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and regulating blood pressure. When kidney function declines, these essential processes are impaired, leading to significant health complications.

CKD is categorized into five stages based on the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), with Stage 1 indicating mild dysfunction and Stage 5 being end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant for survival.

CKD is a global public health challenge, with increasing prevalence due to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases.

According to recent estimates, 10-15% of the global population is affected by CKD.

CKD is among the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide, as reported by the Global Burden of Disease study. Management of kidney diseases is not affordable for everyone and creates a great financial burden. So, Ayurveda has become the new ray of hope for kidney sufferers. Herbs have the healing properties which help to resolve various ailments. In Ayurveda, not only the symptoms of diseases are suppressed but it is a holistic approach to resolve the diseases from root.

Causative Factors of CKD

Diabetes Mellitus: High blood sugar damages the kidneys over time (Diabetic Nephropathy).
Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure harms kidney blood vessels (Hypertensive Nephropathy).
Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation of the kidney's filtering units.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD): Genetic disorder leading to cyst formation in kidneys.
Urinary Tract Obstruction: Due to stones, tumours, or enlarged prostate.
Recurrent Kidney Infections: Chronic pyelonephritis.
Exposure to nephrotoxic substances (e.g., heavy metals, environmental toxins).
Autoimmune diseases: Such as lupus.
Lifestyle factors: Poor diet, smoking, and dehydration.

In Ayurveda, CKD is considered a progressive disease involving:

Doshic Imbalance:

Vata: Main dosha involved, leading to degeneration of kidney tissues.
Kapha: Causes blockages in channels (Srotas) and accumulation of toxins (Ama)
Pitta: May cause inflammation or burning sensations.

Affected Srotas:

Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary Channels): Primary involvement in CKD.
Raktavaha Srotas (Blood Channels): Secondary involvement due to toxin accumulation.

Ojas Depletion:

Decline in vitality and immunity, weakening kidney function.

Ayurvedic Management of CKD

Ayurveda focuses on halting progression, detoxifying the body, and rejuvenating kidney tissues.

Dietary Recommendations (Pathya-Apathya)

Pathya (Recommended Foods):

Freshly cooked, light, and easily digestible meals.
Include barley, wheat, red rice, cooked vegetables (e.g., bottle gourd, ash gourd), and fruits like pomegranate and apples.
Use herbs like coriander, fennel, and cumin in cooking.
Adequate hydration with lukewarm water.

Apathya (Foods to Avoid):

High-protein foods (e.g., red meat, lentils in excess).
Salt, spicy foods, and processed or canned items.
Alcohol, caffeine, and carbonated drinks.

Panchakarma (Detoxification Therapies)

Customized therapies are suggested based on the patient's condition:

Basti (Medicated Enema): Cleanses Vata and improves urinary functions.
Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation): Removes Pitta-related toxins.
Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): In advanced cases of Rakta involvement.

Rasayana Therapy (Rejuvenation)

Chyawanprash: Enhances immunity and restores Ojas.
Shilajit: Renal tonic and adaptogen.
Ashwagandha: Strengthens tissues and reduces stress.
Amalaki (Indian Gooseberry): Antioxidant and detoxifier.

Lifestyle Modifications (Dinacharya)

Follow a disciplined routine with regular meals and sleep patterns.
Practice Yoga and Pranayama to reduce stress and improve circulation (e.g., Bhujangasana, Paschimottanasana).
Avoid overexertion, smoking, and exposure to nephrotoxic substances.