Today, more than 850 million people worldwide are living with incapacitating kidney diseases. Kidney disease affects 1 in 10 people globally. This unfortunate reality is an eye-opener for us all. It’s high time we paid more attention to the unsung heroes of our bodies – our kidneys. Most people know that kidneys remove toxins and excess fluids from the body. But, they also do much more than act as a filter in the body. From detoxifying the body and purifying the blood to regulating blood pressure and metabolism, Kidneys perform many functions for the body. Healthy kidneys are important for better health and vitality. We need more public awareness regarding the importance of kidneys and the various ways to keep them healthy. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian medicinal practice, offers different dietary changes, lifestyle practices, and herbal treatments to help maintain kidney health. Here are some key Ayurvedic medicines and other recommendations for caring for your kidneys:
Staying Hydrated
Kidneys remove toxic waste from the body. They clean the blood by clearing waste matter, excess fluids, and toxins and flushing them through urine. They also adjust urine production according to the body’s hydration levels to maintain the fluid balance. Hence, staying hydrated is important to help the kidneys function properly and stress-free. Ayurveda advises drinking warm water and herbal teas like Ginger, Mulethi, Turmeric, Gokshru, Punarnava, etc. You can also try Ayurvedic decoctions or Kwatha of herbs like Varunadi Kwatha, Pashanbhedadi Kwatha, etc.
Dietary Changes
Ayurveda propagates the following dietary changes to maintain kidney health:
Take a Balanced Diet:
A balanced diet is an amalgamation of all the nutrients and minerals essential for the body, in the right proportions. In Ayurveda, a balanced diet is based on the individual’s bodily needs as well as their prakriti and doshas. However, it generally promotes a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, Whole Grains, Pulses, Herbs, Spices, and Dairy products. Ayurveda also recommends avoiding processed foods, excess salt, sugar, and chilies.
Foods that Aid Kidney Function:
If you’re suffering from kidney diseases or trying to improve your kidney’s health, Ayurveda also recommends consuming kidney-friendly foods. Enrich your diet with cereals like semolina and vermicelli, fruits like Apple, Papaya, Guava, Pear, etc., and vegetables like Cabbage, Okra, Root Vegetables, etc. You can also add Yellow and Orange Lentils, Green Grams, Split Chickpeas, and Pigeon Peas to your diet as they aid kidney function. You can also consume Cow Ghee, and Olive, Mustard, and Rice Bran oils. Almonds and Dates are also good for kidneys and should be consumed after soaking overnight. Except for Egg Whites, all other flesh foods should also be avoided.
Beneficial Spice and Herbs:
Ayurveda also recommends adding specific spices and herbs to your daily food intake to maintain healthy kidney function. These include Fennel, Coriander, Turmeric, Cardamom, Black pepper, Cumin, Carmon, Rock salt (limited), Cinnamon, Oregano, etc.
Foods to Avoid
If you’re suffering from kidney disease, avoid dairy products like Whole Milk, Cream, Curd, Cottage Cheese, etc. Pulses like Black Gram, White Chickpea, Kidney Beans, Soybeans, etc. should also be avoided. Also, avoid eating citrus fruits, seeded fruits and vegetables, leafy vegetables, Garlic, Sweet Potatoes, Cucumber, Eggplant, etc. Canned and packaged food or soup, frozen vegetables, raw salad, etc. should also be avoided.
Along with these dietary changes, it is also important to reduce the intake of Alcohol, Carbonated and Caffeinated drinks, and Tea or Coffee and avoid smoking to improve kidney function. Avoid skipping meals, especially breakfast. Simple lifestyle changes like regular exercise, walking for at least 30 minutes, and consuming herbal teas also help maintain kidney health.
Herbal Remedies
Ayurvedic treatments are based mainly on medicinal herbs, plants, metals, and minerals found around us. For the treatment of kidney diseases, Ayurveda uses specific herbs that have properties beneficial for the kidneys. Let us look at some of the best herbs useful for kidney health:
Punarnava
Punarnava has been used in classical Ayurvedic medicines for its rejuvenating properties and balancing Kapha. It is anti-inflammatory and has diuretic properties that help increase urine production, reduce swelling, treat urinary tract and inflammatory kidney diseases, and improve kidney function. One of the best ways to incorporate this herb into your routine is to consume Punarvasu’sPunarnava Churna or take Punarnava juice daily.
Gokshura
Gokshura is a well-known immunity booster. Its tridoshahar properties help balance the body functions while its diuretic properties help manage urinary disorders. Gokshura is often used in different Ayurvedic medicines to support urinary tract health and improve kidney function.
Varun
Varuna is famous for its beneficial effects on the fluids in the body and the urinary system. Its diuretic properties help purify the blood and treat various urinary tract disorders including stones in the kidney, bladder, and ureters. Punarvasu’s Varunadi kwatha has Varuna as the main ingredient with other useful herbs like Shrigu that help treat kidney or urinary stones and other urinary tract diseases.
Pashanbhed
Kidney stones are one of the most common urinary disorders and Pashanbheda is one of the best herbs for this ailment. As the name suggests, this herb is very useful in breaking kidney stones and is used frequently to treat kidney stones and other kidney diseases. Punarvasu’sPashanbhedadi Kwathais easy to consume and effective in urinary tract diseases.
Panchakarma
Ayurveda also suggests using detoxification treatments like Panchakarma to get rid of toxins from the body and improve kidney function. It includes herbal therapies, massages, and diet adjustments that remove toxins, purify the blood, and support kidney function.
Ayurveda’s holistic approach to kidney health includes a balanced diet, lifestyle adjustments, and time-tested herbal remedies. Incorporating these practices and treatments into your daily life can enhance kidney function and support its health and wellness. Start your journey toward kidney wellness and overall well-being with the age-old wisdom of Ayurveda!