World Kidney Day is observed every year on March 11th, worldwide marking a year-long campaign committed towards raising awareness of the increasing burden of kidney diseases worldwide and also to educate people about the importance of uplifting renal health, its causes, symptoms, diagnostic procedures and treatment so as to reduce the prevalence of this chronic condition amongst the population.
Also Checkout: World Kidney Day 2020: Top 5 Foods For Enhanced Renal Function - Infographic
This global health awareness day is a joint initiative started by International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the International Federation of Kidney Foundations (IFKF) since the year 2006. For the year 2021, the World Kidney Day Steering Committee has declared 2021 as the year of “Living Well with Kidney Disease”, in order to both increase education and awareness about effective symptom management and patient empowerment. The World Kidney Day Steering Joint Committee calls for the involvement of life participation as a key focus for the care of patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and as a primary step towards delivering the ultimate goal of living well with kidney disease.
Kidney Disease, is quite a chronic condition and according to current statistics, approximately 850 million people all around the world are currently affected by it. Getting diagnosed with this condition not only poses a grave challenge for the patient but also for their family and people around them.
The pair of bean-shaped organ located just beneath the rib cage is extremely essential for eliminating wastes and toxins out of the body. In a single day, the kidneys process close to 200 quarts of blood to help remove about 2 quarts of excess water and waste products from food and the usual breakdown of active tissues. These waste products are then stored in the urinary bladder and then expelled through the body via urine. Additionally, the kidneys produce three very important hormones – calcitriol, that help in activating a form of vitamin D that in turn facilitates the body to absorb calcium for building bones and regulating muscle function; renin, that regulates blood pressure and erythropoietin, which controls the production of red blood cells. Additionally, it also maintains the pH balance, salt and potassium levels in the blood.
Also Read: Kidney Disease: Signs & Symptoms
In case of Chronic Kidney Disease, the kidney functions are significantly impaired causing dangerous levels of fluid, electrolytes and waste build up in the body. With the progression of the disease, it can ultimately cause kidney failure which is fatal without artificial filtering (dialysis) or a kidney transplant.
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Well, adapting to a healthier lifestyle by incorporating adequate amount of liquids in the form of fruits and veggies, nourishing juices, getting proper sleep, practicing exercises and Yogas and avoiding alcohol and tobacco can very well detoxify the kidneys and uplift the renal functions. Although an advanced stage of CKD requires medical intervention, if you have a mild form of kidney infection or just want to enhance your renal health to prevent kidney diseases, look no further as Ayurveda, the ancient science of alternative medicine brings you extraordinary herbs from the lap of Mother Nature to keep kidney diseases at bay.
This essay details on 7 such herbs that not only help keep blood pressure in check, and promote the functioning of the urinary tract and bladder but also bolster immunity, and clear toxins or doshas from the entire body.
Incredible Ayurvedic Herbs To Enhance Kidney Functions
Punarnava
Being a natural diuretic and imbued with potent anti-spasmodic, anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties, this rejuvenative herb is a one-shot remedy for preventing and treating urinary distension, renal stones, and painful urination. Regular consumption of punarnava uplifts renal health and combats kidney diseases.
Gokshura
Gokshura is a traditional remedy for enhancing the healthy functioning of the kidneys by aiding in the excretion of excess uric acid and maintaining the uric acid level in the kidneys, thereby preventing or treating gout. The anti-lithiasis property of the bark inhibits the formation of kidney stones, helps to break or reduce the size of the formed ones and thus prevents various underlying health conditions like polycystic kidney disease, kidney stones, and cystitis.
Giloy
Call it Giloy or Guduchi, this extraordinary herb has extensive diuretic properties that helps in eliminating excessive fluid build-up and toxins from the body. Additionally, it also offers a powerful solution for urinary tract infections, burning sensation while urination, and painful urination. It also regulates proper flow of urine and helps in eliminating kidney stones.
Palash
The cool potency or Shita Virya quality of the bright reddish-orange flowers of the Palash tree is an extremely potent natural remedy for promoting renal health. By relieving burning sensation and regularizing urine flow, it cures a number of underlying problems that arises due to kidney infections.
Turmeric
The golden-yellow powder obtained from Curcuma Longa plant has immense anti-inflammatory properties. Not only does it diminish the risk of kidney and urinary infections and reduces swelling but also prevents kidney stone formation and relieves burning sensation during micturition. It also facilitates the elimination of toxins and uric acid from the body thus preventing gout and promoting renal health and overall longeivity.
Triphala
The wonderful trio of rejuvenating herbs namely, Amalaki, Haritaki and Bibhitaki is nature’s miracle remedy for all sorts of health anomalies. Especially, in case of kidney health, it fortifies the kidney tissues, prevents damage and enhances overall renal functioning. In patient’s suffering from CKD, it delays the progression of kidney damage.
Varuna
Touted as the ‘three-leafed caper’, Varuna is a natural diuretic that promotes regular urination and an ultimate cure for treating kidney stones. It regulates the natural pH balance of the body, helps in metabolizing vitamin D and controls the water levels within the body. Additionally, it also cleanses the blood, prevents the formation of kidney cysts and strengthens overall renal functions.
