Being diagnosed with chronic kidney disease (CKD) or worse, kidney failure can be scary. However, experts suggest that if you catch the disease in its early stages, there are steps you can take to prolong kidney function. As per an estimate, around 850 million individuals worldwide are estimated to have kidney diseases due to various reasons. The two main causes of kidney failure are diabetes and blood pressure.
Although kidney transplant and kidney dialysis are the two most common treatment options for kidney failure or chronic kidney disease, they do have side effects.
The kidney may be rejected by the patient’s body during transplant or there may be chances of infection during dialysis. Ayurveda has always been a standout when it comes to natural and safe remedies for kidney ailments.
Here are some Ayurveda tips to keep your kidneys healthy and rejuvenate as well as strengthen the kidney system:
stay hydrated
You can significantly reduce your chances of developing kidney disease by consuming plenty of fluids as it can help the kidneys to clear sodium, urea and toxins from the body. Also, it is important to avoid excessive consumption of fluids as this can lead to side effects, forcing the kidneys to work excessively to filter out excess toxins. You can maintain a healthy fluid intake of at least 1.5 liters of water per day.
kidney detox
According to Ayurveda, periodic cleansing of the kidneys can be done with the help of some powerful Ayurvedic herbs. Diuretic herbs like Parsom, Gokshura, Varuna, Punarnava and Ajwain help flush out the kidneys and urinary tract, reducing the level of toxins in the body. You can consume herbal tea by boiling any of these herbs in 2 cups of water and steeping for 15 minutes.
Follow a balanced and nutritious diet
To ensure that your kidneys are in good health, and that you maintain an ideal body weight, you must follow a balanced and nutritious diet consisting of fibrous fruits and vegetables. Also, avoid processed or fast food and reduce your salt intake. Instead of a high-protein diet, it would be wise to opt for a low-calorie diet as the former may increase the burden on the kidneys. Consuming superfoods like grapes, apples, blueberries, garlic and cabbage will also ensure healthy kidneys. Amla juice is strongly recommended for the removal of toxins and preventing the formation of kidney stones.
Control blood pressure and sugar level
With high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and heart diseases, the chances of kidney damage increase. Only a few people know that high blood pressure is the most common cause of kidney damage, as it is mostly associated with strokes or heart attacks. Regular check-ups to understand or know the status of your kidneys can help prevent or reduce the chances of kidney damage.
Ayurveda is an exceptional way to promote kidney health in the long run as it naturally treats doshas (imbalances) in the body. For example, Ayurvedic herbs and remedies correct imbalances of Pitta (fire energy) levels in the body, and heal the kidneys naturally, as allopathic medicines have many side effects. In some cases, Ayurveda treatment has even enabled kidney patients to stop dialysis.