Kidney failure, also known as end-stage renal disease, is a term used to denote a condition in which the kidneys cannot complete their function as intended. The kidneys are a pair of organs in the back of your abdomen, just below the rib-cage. There is a kidney on each side of the spine. The kidneys are held accountable for maintaining fluid levels, removing waste, and excreting the urine. In the process of urine production, the impurities in the blood are absorbed by the blood vessels within the kidneys. Another important function they carried out is helping the body get the required hormones. For instance, the erythropoietin hormone secreted by the kidneys helps the body with RBCs requirements. Rennin is also produced by the kidneys to maintain high blood pressure.
But during kidney failure, waste and fluid which is supposed to be excreted out stay in the blood, thereby disturbing the chemical composition. It can be fatal if left untreated. Individuals with kidney failure also develop weak bones as calcium is pulled out by the phosphorus clubbed in the blood.
There are a variety of reasons that lead to kidney failure, and they may include diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. Over time, the kidneys may stop working at all and lead to kidney failure.
In most cases, kidney failure happens all of a sudden such as a drop in the blood flow to the kidneys, medications, obstruction in the urine flow, infections, severe dehydration. This is called acute kidney failure. A person with AKF can recover quickly with the treatment of the underlying cause. It would not be wrong to say that AKF occurs in people who are already ill or taking dialysis for some ongoing disease. Taking ayurvedic medicine for kidney failure will help do the needful. It is one of the best approaches to improve kidney function without dialysis or transplant.
What are the different types of kidney failure?
Chronic kidney failure
Chronic kidney failure or CKD is the damage to the kidneys that occur over time. It is referred to as the gradual loss of kidney function that progresses to kidney failure. CKD is challenging to treat.
Acute kidney failure
Acute kidney failure, also known as acute kidney injury, comes suddenly within hours or days maybe. The good news is that it is recoverable with the treatment of the underlying cause. Conditions such as kidney stones also lead to acute kidney injury.
What are the signs related to kidney failure?
If it is chronic kidney disease, the condition may remain silent for years. Often the signs are too general to suspect an impaired kidney function.
Lab tests can help diagnose if your kidneys are working well. The signs in the advanced stage of kidney failure are noted as:
- Swelling or puffiness, particularly around the eyes or in the face, wrists, abdomen, thighs, or ankles.
- Urine that appears foamy, bloody, or coffee-colored.
- Problems in urination, such as a burning feeling or a change in the frequency of urination, especially at night.
- Pain in the back below the ribs, near where the kidneys are located.
- High blood pressure.
In the later stages, when the damage has progressed, the sets of signs that can be experienced may include:
- Feeling itchy
- Tiredness, loss of concentration
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Nausea and vomiting
- Numbness in hands and feet
- Darkened skin
- Muscle cramps
- Gout
Signs of AKI
- Urinating less frequently
- Fluid retention, causing swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet
- Drowsiness, fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Seizures or coma
- Chest pain
It is important to consult your doctor as soon as you notice these signs. In case your doctor signifies kidney failure, ask them about ayurvedic medicine for kidney failure. The treatment can help improve renal function without any surgical approach.
What are the tests to check kidney failure?
Your doctor may order:
- Renal ultrasound: With the help of sound waves, the kidney’s internal structure can be examined.
- Body CT: Computed tomography or CT can take multiple images of the inside of the kidneys.
- MR or CT urography: If blood in the urine is experienced, the test will help diagnose the parts of the urinary tract for infections and to evaluate certain other conditions such as cancer.
- Biopsy: A sample from the kidneys is taken to diagnose the disease. It may help get the diagnose of the disease.
Other tests that may help with kidney disease are:
- Blood tests: To check for blood in the urine (hematuria) and/or protein in the urine (proteinuria). GFR or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is also a part of the diagnosis.
- Urine test: To evaluate the presence of important substances in the urine.
Ayurvedic medicine for kidney failure
Ayurveda, the oldest remedial science, is an authentic and natural approach to bring back the kidneys’ original function. It is completely based on the use of ayurvedic herbs and spices for the improvement in how your kidneys are functioning. Ayurvedic herbs are powerfully beneficial to provide strength to the core of the kidneys. Those who take ayurvedic treatment slowly gets away with dialysis and transplant.
Preventive measures
Ayurveda focuses on diet and medicine for the betterment of the kidneys. Along with this, if you take certain preventive measures, you can always get better.
- Take sound sleep
- Avoid salt and sugar in your diet
- Eat fresh food cooked at home
- Restrict alcohol
- Quit smoking
- Practice stress management techniques
- Prefer yoga and meditation