Definition of kidneys
Kidneys are two bean-shaped organs located on each side of the spine. Kidneys are comprised of blood vessels that filter out waste materials, excess water, and substances from the blood. The bloodstream hence gets the filtered blood, and waste material is removed from the body.
Immunoglobulin (IgA) is a pillar of the immunity system that kills the pathogens and prevents infection from the body. IgA nephropathy is a disorder that deposits glomeruli resulting in glomerulonephritis that hinders the process of filtration in the Kidney.
IgA Nephropathy treatment in Ayurveda focuses on factors that can put a person at risk of developing IgA Nephropathy.
Studies suggest that the cause of IgA deposits is unclear, but some factors are linked to the disease, such as:
- Genes: IgA is known to be a genes related disorder where chances of getting this disorder are higher in people who have a family history of this disease.
- Infections: HIV infection and various bacterial infections put people suffering from these infections at a higher risk of acquiring IgA nephropathy.
- Liver Diseases: Cirrhosis is a condition where scar tissues in the liver replace healthy tissues, and a person gets infected with chronic hepatitis B and C infection. This can also cause IgA Nephropathy.
- Ethnicity: People belonging to ethnic groups such as White and Asian are more prone to IgA Nephropathy than Blacks & other ethnicities.
- Age: People belonging to age groups between late teens and late 30s are at higher risk of developing this disease.
Symptoms of IgA Nephropathy
- Changes in the color of urine where urine becomes cola or tea-colored
- Experiencing pain below the ribs in back
- Urine with bubbles and foam in it as well as with swelling in hands and feet
- Experiencing an increase in blood pressure
Diagnosis of Nephropathy
IgA nephropathy is diagnosed when the tests show proteins or blood in the urine. There are many tests performed to diagnose and treat Nephropathy, such as:
- Urine Test: The first sign of IgA Nephropathy is detected through a urine test. A urine test is used to identify blood or protein in the urine
- Blood Test: A blood test can detect the level of waste products and creatinine in the bloodstream
- Kidney Biopsy: The only test that can confirm the diagnosis of IgA Nephropathy is Kidney Biopsy. The biopsy is done through the biopsy needle by taking out pieces of kidney tissue for a thorough assessment
- Iothalamate Clearance Test: This test is conducted by using a contrast liquid that determines how well the kidneys filter out waste from the body
IgA Nephropathy gets developed eventually over some time in months, years, or decades. IgA Nephropathy treatment in Ayurveda aims at healing the Nephropathy by slowing its progression.
Measures taken by Ayurvedic Doctors to control IgA Nephropathy
- Normalizing Blood Pressure: Ayurvedic doctors ensure that the blood pressure is kept in control so that the risk of kidney damage can be averted. A balanced diet prescribed by qualified Ayurvedic doctors can help normalize the blood pressure and organically monitor IgA Nephropathy. Limiting the consumption of alcohol, salt, tobacco along with maintaining physical health through exercises help manage the levels of blood pressure
- Restricting the Consumption of Protein: IgA Nephropathy treatment in Ayurveda recommends limiting the consumption of protein to protect the kidneys from damage and slow down the advancement of IgA Nephropathy
Herbs that are used for Ayurvedic medicine for IgA nephropathy
Gokshur (Tribulus Terrestris): Gokshura is a herb that helps to treat urogenital diseases such as kidney stones, urinary tract infections, and bladder infection. It helps to remove kidney stones naturally, and it is diuretic and lithotriptic. It also manages the symptoms of IgA Nephropathy by decreasing the frequency of painful urination or bleeding in nutrition.
Apamarg (Prickly Chaff): Apamarg is a wonder herb that has medicinal properties in its flowers, seeds, leaves, and roots. It is anti-inflammatory and soothes inflammation in the Kidney caused by IgA Nephropathy.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Punarnava is also famous as Hog Weed. Punarnava revives the damaged cells and tissues in the Kidney to help people suffering from IgA Nephropathy. It helps the body to get rid of extra fluid and stops fluid retention. Laxative properties of Punarnava also keep the body system cleaned and detoxified.
Rakt Chandan (P. Santalinus): Rakt Chandan has various healing properties such as it is an analgesic, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, antipyretic, anti exudative, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, expectorant, tranquilizer and hypoglycemic. IgA Nephropathy treatment in Ayurveda is highly dependent on rakt Chandan due to several healing properties that this drug provides.
Varuna (Crataeva nurvala): This herb contains various elements such as saponins, alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, triterpenes, and glucosinolates. Varuna also has properties like diuretic, antilithiatic, rubefacient, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial that helps in rapid recovery from IgA Nephropathy.
Kaasni (Cichorium intybus): Kaasni is a herb that helps in removing toxins and purifying the blood and the liver. With its antioxidant properties, it has various other nutrients like vitamin c, iron, calcium, minerals, potassium, and phosphorus. A careful dosage given by a qualified doctor can help people with kidney diseases.
Karma Ayurveda is one such kidney disease treatment hospital in New Delhi, established in 1937. The qualified doctors of Karma Ayurveda provide IgA Nephropathy treatment in Ayurveda.
A customized approach to the treatment of IgA Nephropathy helps the patients of karma Ayurveda regain their life. An organic approach to treat kidney diseases, karma Ayurveda offers a wide range of treatment options for people suffering through these diseases.
Integrating modern practices with ancient knowledge of Ayurveda aids Karma Ayurveda in maintaining quality treatment for people suffering from IgA Nephropathy disease.
