Kidney Care and Ayurveda

I am neither a doctor, nor a specialist in the field of medicine. My knowledge as far as the medical field is concerned is as ignorant as can be. Sometimes ignorance can be as good as bliss and mine is at a level from where my knowledge can go only in one direction-North. It is actually a very good situation to be in because all that I will try to understand will be much better than my current understanding. That in itself would be a vast improvement.

Last week I met a friend who must be in the same age bracket as yours truly, its always a pleasure to be in the mid forties for a long duration of time as its perhaps the last time you can ever claim to be in the prime of youth, before heading into youngish old age. I have always cherished or rather longed for a salt and pepper look, however that claim of mine will remain as bald as my head. Back to my friend , I was shocked to hear that this friend of mine was having kidney related issues and that he had to undergo dialysis once every two weeks.

I could see that this friend was undergoing a huge amount of pain. That brings me to the next point, that as we grow older we need to be aware that our body is never really the same and that as age advances, the physical body needs more care and attention. My only understanding of the Kidney was what my eight standard science teacher had told me that the Kidney is bean shaped, beyond which I knew nothing. This blog of mine is to take an understanding of the Kidney, its care and treatment of the Kidney from the Ayurvedic perspective. By the way I know Dr. Nihal who practices Ayurveda and gave me some solid gyan on the Kidney and Ayurveda. So here is a conversation between Dr.Nihal and myself

TBK: Dr Nihal, Can you please elaborate on what kind of diseases plague our kidneys

Dr Nihal: Kidneys are the organs that filter all waste products and excess water from the blood. Each kidney has millions of minute structures known as nephrons that act as a filter. Kidney diseases generally affect these nephrons. Any metabolic problems will increase the load on kidneys.
The most common reasons for kidney disease are diabetes, high blood pressure, injuries, medications and toxins.

TBK : What kind of diet regulations would you recommend for a person who has a history of kidney disease? 

Dr Nihal: Diet regulations for kidney diseases will change from patient to patient, based on their condition and body structure. As a general guideline we can say the following

• Control the salt intake: WHO recommends a maximum 5 grams salt a day. More than 5 grams is harmful to kidneys as well as overall health. 1 teaspoon of salt is about 6 grams.
• Choose food with less salt and sodium: Go for fresh food, Salt is a part of most packed and processed food. The same applies for restaurants and supermarkets. 
• Eat small portions of protein: Protein metabolism causes waste production, more protein you eat harder the kidneys to work.
• Animal sources of protein are – Chicken, fish, meat, dairy products
• Plant sources are- Beans, nuts etc.
• Alcohol is a severe dehydrating agent which will hamper the kidney performance. Alcohol also effects the performance of liver to cause more waste.

TBK : What are the common symptoms of kidney disease?

Dr. Nihal : As the kidneys lose its capacity to filter blood, the toxins and excess water starts to accumulate in the body. The symptoms of kidney disease would not be evident till both the kidneys are affected. The common symptoms of kidney disease are

• Swollen feet and ankles
• Puffiness around eyes in the morning
• Poor appetite
• Muscle cramping
• Trouble sleeping
• Fatigue
• Frequent urination especially at night

The symptoms depend on the type of kidney disease and may not be present together.

   

TBK : How does Ayurveda help with regards to the kidney diseases. Can precautionary ayurvedic treatment be taken?

Dr Nihal: Ayurveda considers kidney disease as a metabolic problem rather than a problem of an organ. The treatment considers the prakruthi and disease condition of the person. Due to this, there cannot be a standard treatment for kidney ailments but patient-specific approach takes care of cause of the disease and problems to other organs.

Dr Nihal then goes on to recommend a healthy diet to ensure better health of the Kidneys. He suggests the consumption of the following food products as good for the kidney:

Ginger
Ginger can work to relive clots, stimulate the circulatory system, promote the blood flow to the kidneys, and clean the blood. This herb is well known for its strength to ease these discomforts and improve patient’s quality of life.
Carrots
Beta-carotene, the water-soluble form of vitamin A in carrots, helps the kidneys flush out toxins out of the blood and prevent urinary infections. Carrots contain a high intensity of pectin, a form of dissolvable fibre.
Fish
Fish contains omega-3 fatty acids that reduce infection in the body and hence protect the kidneys from several diseases. Also, fish is a good source of high-quality protein.
Apple
A good source of pectin, a soluble fibre that can lower cholesterol and glucose levels. It is a significant source of antioxidants, including one called quercetin, which protects brain cells. Fresh apples are also a good source of Vitamin C.
Turmeric
Turmeric can be safely adopted into our daily diet as it has got no side effects if we have in moderated quantity.

I am totally enriched by what Dr. Nihal has shared with me. I hope that all of you my dearest readers are as well. I write lesser these days on account of the workload, however my intention of writing as always has been to bring you articles and blogs that shall be perceived as being useful. Hope you enjoyed this kidney filled blog. Live a Happy Life. Lead a Healthy Life.This is your friendly TBK signing off for now. See you later. Cheers....