Can You Heal Kidneys by Ayurveda Once on Dialysis

Dialysis often represents an irreversible threshold. People frequently question whether there exists any method to boost kidney function alongside dialysis through extensive procedures such as Ayurveda. The question embodies hope while expressing a desire for a state more ordinary than the healing process. Some people claim that Ayurvedic treatment stops kidney dialysis. This article will elaborate on this topic and dissect the truth behind it.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Kidney Damage: The Approach

Ayurveda views kidney disease in the context of imbalance, sometimes involving the Vata and Pitta doshas. Ayurveda has yielded positive results in early-stage chronic kidney disease and in arresting progression, but dialysis is a different ball game.

An Introduction to Dialysis and its Limitations:

The basic task of dialysis is to replace the kidneys’ most important job: clearing waste and excess fluids from the blood. And though it’s life-saving when kidneys are failing, it does nothing to repair the underlying damage or heal the kidneys themselves. It is not curative; it is a supportive measure.

Ayurvedic Role in Dialysis: Understanding the Finer Details

When someone is on dialysis, Ayurveda's approach is not to try to reverse kidney failure but rather to:

• Symptom Control: Ayurveda may assist in alleviating some of the side effects and discomfort from dialysis, like fatigue, nausea, and loss of appetite.
• Enhancing Quality of Life: Ayurveda can play a complementary role in improving the renal health of those on dialysis.
• As Adaptive Medicine: Ayurvedic herbs are often anti-inflammatory and/or antioxidant in nature, which will help reduce the complications caused by kidney disease.
• Manage Underlying Imbalances: Dialysis might not address the fundamental imbalances of doshas as per Ayurvedic principles; hence, working on doshic health through food and herbs can enhance body resilience.

What Ayurveda Might Offer?

Although Ayurveda alone cannot replace dialysis once initiated, it serves as a very effective adjunct. Popular Ayurvedic herbs that may support kidney function include:

• Punarnava: A dhatu lekhana and diuretic, known to support kidneys.
• Gokshura: As per beliefs, helps with urinary tract health and kidney function.
• Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): Traditionally utilized for its property to dissolve barriers and facilitate release in the urinary path.

An Ayurvedic approach makes a judicious use of herbs, diet and lifestyle changes to support those on dialysis and strengthen their renal function.

Ayurveda: The Holistic Approach

Ayurveda does not just limit itself to prescribing herbs for treating dialysis patients; it adopts a more holistic view of the disease. Ayurveda has listed diet and lifestyle modifications that may complement your dialysis needs and further strengthen your renal function such as:

Diet:

• Protein Power: Dialysis removes protein, so you have to compensate for that lost protein with high-quality sources like meat, fish, eggs, and poultry.
• Limit Sodium: Too much salt encourages fluid retention and high blood pressure. Avoid processed foods, canned goods, and high-salt dishes.
• Potassium Control: Limit the consumption of potassium-rich foods like bananas, oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes.
• Phosphorus: High phosphorus levels can affect bones. If possible, moderate the consumption of dairy, nuts, and beans.
• Fluid Management: Dialysis involves the removal of excess fluid, but you'll still need to monitor your intake, including water, tea, coffee, and even some fruits and vegetables. Your doctor will advise on your fluid limit.

Lifestyle:

• Follow Your Treatment Plan: Stick to your treatment plans and do not deviate at all.
• Monitor Your Weight: Keep track of your weight between dialysis sessions; this will allow you track a fluid buildup in the body.
• Stay Active: If possible and allowed, engage in gentle exercise, like walking.
• Get Enough Rest: You should secure a good night’s sleep daily for recharging yourself.
• Manage Stress: Find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as meditation or spending time on hobbies.
• Regular Check-ups: Do not skip even a single check-up. Regular check-ups allow your doctor to monitor any changes in your health.

Note – Please consult with your doctor before incorporating any changes in your lifestyle and diet and before consuming any herb. Unsupervised consumption of medications, even if they are herbal, can cause side effects.

Important Considerations:

You should have realistic expectations. Ayurveda can help, but it is not a replacement for dialysis when kidney function is seriously compromised. It's also vital to:

• Consult your Nephrologist: Before pursuing any Ayurvedic treatment, it would be best to consult your nephrologist. Make sure there are no contradictions with your conventional treatment and that your overall medical care is coordinated.
• Partner with a Qualified Ayurvedic Practitioner: Collaborate with a trained and experienced Ayurvedic practitioner or hospital like Karma Ayurveda who comprehends the intricacies of kidney disease and dialysis.
• Focus on Holistic Well-being: Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach. In addition to herbal remedies, a healthy diet, stress management, and gentle exercise can be beneficial.
• Give More Time and Stick to It: Ayurvedic treatment often takes time and needs to be consistent.

The Outlook:

Ayurveda can support the process as reversing kidney failure while on dialysis is a tough task on the plate. It’s about quality of life, symptom management, and sometimes preservation of any remaining kidney function. This is something that takes a collaboration of both conventional and complementary medicine working together under the support of qualified healthcare professionals. Hospitals like Karma Ayurveda Hospital have treated thousands of patients and ensured that they have minimal need for undergoing dialysis. You can visit the hospital for comprehensive renal treatment.