What is Acute Kidney Disease?
Acute Kidney Disease (AKD), also known as acute kidney injury (AKI), is a severe medical condition where a sudden loss of kidney function takes place within a few hours to days. This condition plays a disrupting role with the kidney's ability to carry out its functions like filtering waste, regulating fluid balance, and maintaining electrolyte levels. If not treated timely, AKI can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. While conventional medicine provides quick relief, many people have started to explore complementary natural remedies for a thorough treatment of this disease. Acute kidney disease natural treatment offers a non-invasive way to treat this disease effectively.
Causes of Acute Kidney Disease
- Extreme Loss Of Fluids
- Cardiovascular Issues
- Severe Blood Loss (E.g., From Trauma Or Surgery)
- Hypotension
- Sepsis
- Liver Cirrhosis
- Medications (E.g., Nsaids, Ace Inhibitors)
- Acute Tubular Necrosis (Atn)
- Glomerulonephritis
- Acute Interstitial Nephritis (Often Due To Drugs Or Infections)
- Vascular Disorders (E.g., Vasculitis, Thrombosis)
- Kidney Stones
- Enlarged Prostate
- Urinary Tract Tumors
- Bladder Obstruction
- Urethral Obstruction
Who is at a Higher Risk?
Individuals at higher risk for acute kidney disease (AKD) include:
- Diabetics
- Pregnant women
- Older adults above 65
- People suffering from UTIs, sepsis, etc
- Individuals with urinary tract obstruction
- People with pre-existing kidney disease
- Individuals with cardiovascular conditions
- Individuals with dehydration or volume depletion
- People taking nephrotoxic medications like Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), certain antibiotics (e.g., aminoglycosides), chemotherapy drugs, etc.
How to Diagnose Acute Kidney Disease?
- Kidney Biopsy
- Medical History
- Imaging Tests Like Ultrasound
- Urinalysis, Urine Output Measurement
- Blood Tests Like Serum Creatinine, Bun, Electrolytes
Complications of Acute Kidney Disease
- Uremia
- Metabolic acidosis
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Fluid retention in the body
- Increased risk of infections
- Hypertension, heart failure
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Need for dialysis in severe cases
- Increased risk of mortality in very severe cases
Acute Kidney Disease Natural Treatment
Natural cure for acute kidney disease involves the use of potent natural herbs for acute kidney disease, lifestyle measures, diet changes, etc. Herbal treatment for acute kidney disease makes use of herbs like Punarnava, Giloy, etc. to treat the various symptoms of AKI. In addition to making use of holistic medicine for acute kidney disease, consuming a renal-friendly diet and following precautions is also vital for managing the symptoms well.
Herbal Medicine for Acute Kidney Disease
Some of the best natural herbs for acute kidney disease are:
- Turmeric: Its active compound, curcumin, has tons of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Consuming this spice reduces inflammation in the kidney cells. Additionally, turmeric is also helpful in reducing oxidative stress in the body.
- Astragalus: This herb is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and consuming it may enhance kidney function and help reduce oxidative damage accumulated in the kidneys.
- Ginger: Ginger is one of the most potent home remedies for managing acute kidney disease. It has anti-inflammatory effects and consuming it regularly may reduce inflammation in the kidney cells. It also contributes to improved digestion.
Note – Please consult a healthcare provider before using herbs, as some of these herbs may cause undesired side effects.
Natural Cure for Acute Kidney Disease: Lifestyle Changes
1. Hydration Management: Adequate hydration is indispensable for good kidney health. Dehydration can cause AKD, so maintaining optimal fluid levels is vital for reduced burden on the kidneys. Herbal teas such as dandelion or nettle tea, are also excellent choices for replenishing your hydration needs.
2. Anti-Inflammatory Diet: An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Additionally, food items like blueberries, cranberries, red grapes, and bell peppers contain a high amount of antioxidants. Limit the intake of processed foods, excessive salt, and animal protein as well.
3. Stress Management: Chronic stress may aggravate kidney problems by increasing blood pressure and inflammation in the renal cells. Yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises have the potential to not only enhance kidney function but also reduce stress.
4. Probiotics and Gut Health: Research has suggested that probiotics consumption can result in lower uremic toxins in the body. Probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, kefir, and fermented vegetables can support gut health as well.
5. Regular Physical Activity: Engaging in moderate exercise has been linked with improved blood circulation, directly contributing to good renal health. Activities like walking, swimming, etc. perfect for renal patients.
6. Toxin Avoidance: Staying away from smoking, limiting alcohol intake, and reducing the use of over-the-counter painkillers like NSAIDs may boost your renal functions.
7. Monitoring Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar: High blood pressure and diabetes cause multiple kidney diseases including acute kidney disease. Regularly monitoring your blood glucose and blood pressure levels and managing these conditions through diet, exercise, and stress reduction is indispensable for good renal health and avoiding kidney diseases.
Conclusion
Acute Kidney Disease is a serious condition requiring immediate attention on your part. While natural treatments cannot fully treat this disorder, they can help manage symptoms effectively. By integrating good renal habits like hydration management, an anti-inflammatory diet, and stress reduction techniques with proper treatment, individuals can get a thorough cure for this dreaded renal disorder.
