Can Ayurveda Help Treat PKD?

Ayurveda is a lot more than a science. It is a way of treating the disease based on the natural defense system of the body. We, humans, have the natural tendency to heal from physical and mental complications and Ayurveda boosts that ability of ours.

The ayurvedic medicines are made from the herbs and spices we use in our daily routine at home. For instance, when we get cold, we often drink tea made with the Tulsi, Ginger, and Black Peppers. Such herbs or spices are the core of ayurvedic medicine. But, we still underestimate the healing powers of Ayurveda and run for allopathic procedures.

When it comes to conditions or diseases like polycystic kidney disease, even allopathy fails to deliver the right treatment, so approaching Ayurveda has become the need of the hour.

Ayurvedic medicines for PKD

Polycystic kidney disease is the growth of cysts or sac-like membrane over the kidneys. The outer growth on the kidneys encircles themselves with fluids and toxic waste over time and may increase the risk of kidney failure.

PKD can increase the shape and size of the kidneys and as they expand by 0.5 inches or larger. The swollen size of the kidneys can make it hard for the other organs to do their job normally. This is why a patient with PKD may have a problem related to breathing and an unhealthy heart.

The two types of PKD are known as:

Autosomal dominant PKD (ADPKD): It is usually diagnosed late in adulthood, and both the parents must have got the PKD1 and PKD 2genes to pass it to the child. However, the signs appear late.

Autosomal recessive PKD (ARPKD): This form of PKD can be diagnosed in the womb or soon the baby is born or living the initial days of life.

The ubiquity of PKD

Polycystic kidney disease is one of the most common genetic disorders known for putting the life of the patients at risk. It nearly affects five lakhs people around the world yearly.

If we talk about the occurrence of ADPKD, then know that it affects 1 in every 400 to 800 people altogether while ARPKD affects 1 in 20,000 children yearly.

Who is more likely to have PKD?

Polycystic kidney disease is not restricted to any age group, sex, races, and ethnicities; instead, it develops equally in those whose parents have got genetic mutation.

What causes PKD?

A gene mutation or alterations is the known factor behind the disease. In most cases, the gene mutation occurs in one parent only while the less common cases may have faulty genes from both the parents. In 10% of the cases of PKD, the gene mutation occurs on its own without either of the parent possessing even a single copy of the PKD1 or PKD2 gene. This type of genetic mutation is not natural but spontaneous.

What are the signs and symptoms of PKD?

The signs and symptoms of the two forms of PKD appear late in life and by that time, a patient reaches end-stage renal disease.

The early signs that should not be ignored during ADPKD include pain, high blood pressure, and kidney failure. In many cases, ADPKD does not implicitly show any signs or symptoms until your kidney cysts are a half-inch.

Early signs of ARPKD appear when the baby is in the womb. Baby with ARPKD has increased the size of the kidneys which obstructs their growth leading to growth failure. If they survive the first few days of life, then there are high chances of surviving until adulthood.

Can you prevent PKD?

There is no definite treatment for curing PKD in allopathy, but with the help of Ayurveda and some preventive measures, you can prevent complete kidney damage in the later stages.

Ayurvedic procedures focus more on curing the disease at the cellular level instead of signing off the symptoms. The gene mutation is the main reason behind PKD, which is treated with the help of herbal medications. Hence, better you take the help of Ayurveda if you get diagnosed with the same condition.

To slow down the progression of PKD, work on problems such as high blood pressure, which can further worsen the situation. Also, work with a dietician who can advise you on a renal diet plan given your health state. You will be needed to consult an Ayurvedacharya, a dietician who is specialized in kidney-related issues.

You can also consult with ayurvedic kidney care treatment hospital if you want to get rid of kidney problems using natural therapies.