Did you know? The end-stage of chronic kidney disease is a complete failure of its functioning. Around 10% or 850 million population of India is affected by chronic stages of kidney diseases at current times. This involves individuals of mostly all age groups, starting from young adults to elderly people. Therefore, this indicates an increasing burden worldwide. There could be many factors behind the cause but the direct link is related to ‘lack of right nutritious choices’. Therefore, in Ayurveda, we often advise the best diet for kidney failure patient.
When the kidney’s ability decreases to filter out the waste product from the bloodstream, it indicates the start of kidney disease. However, when the ability completely ends, it refers to kidney failure. In such cases, kidney dialysis is further recommended to the patient. It is a painful procedure in which the bloodstream is filtered with the help of a machine. To save yourself from such struggles in life, the right time to switch to a healthy lifestyle is now! Under Ayurvedic treatment for kidney failure, all-natural treatments and medicines are recommended.
Kidney Failure Symptoms
If you notice any of the signs shared below, understand that the body is showing symptoms of some dysfunction in the kidney. Be aware and never ignore them.
- Urination changes
- Swelling in legs, ankles, or feet
- Fatigue
- Nausea & vomiting
- Change in mood or mental status
- Blood in urine or stool
- Bad breath
- High blood pressure
- Nosebleeds
- Bruising easily
Why is Kidney Failure so in the air these Days?
There are a number of factors that exist as a cause of Kidney diseases or Kidney failure. These can become a home to disorders in kidney functioning, thus, one needs to manage them on time.
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Autoimmune diseases
- Genetic diseases
- Medications
- Urinary tract problems
- Infections
Relationship between Diet and Kidney Functioning
Damage caused to kidneys due to chronic kidney diseases is said to be irreversible. However, the nutritional therapy i.e. straight away opting for Kidney healthy foods will show positive progression with time. Even Ayurveda believes that the right nutritional choices and balanced meals hold the power to heal the body from the inside naturally.
Studies have proven that CKD patients have different dietary patterns and requirements than the general population. This is due to CKD interfering with the body’s biological and physiological mechanisms, such as blood pressure regulation, removal of waste and toxins, pH and electrolyte balance, hormonal regulation, and vitamin D metabolism.
Dietary advice to prevent Kidney Failures
Ayurveda says diet plays a crucial role in healing (as shared above). Even medicines work efficiently only if one understands and adapts the correct balance in the diet. To help kidney patients solve the mystery of what’s right & wrong food choices for them, here’s some information:
7 Foods to Eat
The food choices that we are spotlighting in this section are super healthy options, especially for people living with kidney diseases or the ones trying to maintain their kidney health.
Fruits
Fresh colorful kidney-friendly fruits are super rich in fibre and essential nutrients for the healthy functioning of kidneys. Their hidden quality of being low in sodium helps kidneys prevent becoming more prone to any disorder or failure.
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Grapes
- Citrus
- Cherries
- Peaches
- Pears
- Plums
- Watermelons
Vegetables
Vegetables prevent deficiencies that kidney patients normally face. They also hold the power to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. This will help reduce the progression of the disease and reduce its complications.
- Bell peppers
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Garlic
- Onion
- Broccoli
- Squash
- Leafy greens
- Beans
Nuts and seeds
Its antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds can fight any damage or inflammation that can be hard on the kidneys. Even some studies have proved the link between nuts and improved kidney functioning. By controlling various other health disorders like diabetes, it takes off the pressure from the kidneys.
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Walnuts
- Almonds
- Pecans
- Pistachio
- Cashews
Whole grains
Whole grains hold some amazing qualities like regular bowel movement, and control of blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose, and weight. Adding more variety of whole grains to your diet will help you never get bored of it.
- Barley
- Buckwheat
- Bulgur
- White rice
- Oats
- Rye
Plant-based proteins
Eating more plant-based foods prevents and slows the progression of other diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. With regular consumption, it also lowers sodium, saturated fat, and acid load on the kidneys.
- Tofu
- Lentils
- Beans
Healthy oils and fats
These are an essential part of a kidney-friendly diet. It helps with heart health, and kidney function, absorbing vitamins and minerals, fast buildup of cell membranes and nerve tissues, and lowering inflammation.
- Olive oil
- Sesame oil
- Sunflower oil
Spices and herbs
Each spice and herb has its unique property to perform when consumed for maintaining kidney health. For eg., turmeric improves plasma proteins and decreases creatinine levels, Ginger reduces swelling & pain, etc.
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Giloy
- Parsley
- Pepper
- Rosemary
- Sage
Summary
The normal size of the kidney of a woman ranges from 9-13 cm and in males it ranges from 10cm to 14cm. This small-sized organ is crucial for our body to filter out toxins, detoxify them completely, and maintain a healthy balance inside. Imagine if this stops working. How will the toxins be eliminated from the body? They will remain inside it until detoxified with a process named kidney dialysis.
Therefore, Ayurveda urges each individual to take the initiative to opt for a healthy way of living and let the body retain its natural healthy state. If any kidney disorder is detected, it can still be managed with a natural treatment process.
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