Home > Treatments > Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease Treatment in Ayurveda

What Are Cysts?

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the membranous tissues. These cysts can be formed in any organs of the body or even under the skin.

  • What are cysts?
  • What is PKD?
  • What are the symptoms of PKD?
  • Who are at the higher risks of getting hit by PKD?
  • Does PKD affect other organs?
  • What are the complications that can affect the body?
  • How many types are there of PKD?
  • What should be the diet of a PKD patient?
  • How is PKD treated?

What is PKD?

PKD is characterized by the presence of cysts within the kidney. With time, the cysts get filled with fluid, however, which is noncancerous. You may have thousands of cysts along or inside your organ that grows at 0.5 or longer. PKD is the leading cause of kidney failure among patients. Ayurvedic kidney doctor approaches to curing PKD with Ayurveda have bought significant changes in the patient’s lives.

What are the symptoms of PKD?

Following are the symptoms that can help you in diagnosing the PKD:

  • Joint pain: Pain in the joints of the different parts of the body.
  • Nail abnormalities: Nail fungus, brittle nails, etc.
  • Kidney stones: Tiny crystals formed by the excess of minerals in kidneys.
  • Frequent urination: Increased and urgency to urinate often.
  • Blood in the urine: The presence of blood in urine maybe because of the cyst bursting.
  • Abdominal pain: Pain in the abdominal area because of the enlarged cysts.
  • Fatigue: Feeling exhausted all the time.
  • Urinary tract problems: Frequent UTIs can affect the kidneys as the urinary system and kidneys are interrelated.
  • Rashes and bruises: Itchy red patches and bruise marks on the body.

Who are at the higher risks of getting hit by PKD?

Though it is a genetic disorder, few factors are considered to be at higher risks:

  • A family history of PKD: Biological parents or either of the paternal and maternal family’s inheritance.
  • Diabetes type 2 patients: Diabetic patient is at the higher risks of getting caught by this disease.
  • High blood pressure patients: It is a common factor in kidney diseases. High blood pressure accelerates the pressure on the kidney’s functioning.

 

Does PKD affect other organs?

Yes If PKD is left untreated then there maybe are the possibilities that it will affect the other organs:

  • Liver
  • Pancreas
  • Heart
  • Uterus
  • Gall bladder

The organs mentioned above are the adjacent, linked, and work mutually, so if either of them stops performing their task; the impact could be seen on other organs as well.

What are the complications that can affect the body?

Cysts developing on the surface of kidneys can transfer the bacteria and virus in the organs nearby. Following are the complications that can affect the body in numerous ways:

Weakened areas in the walls of arteries, known as aortic or brain aneurysms:

  • Cysts on and in the liver
  • Cysts in the pancreas and testicles
  • Diverticulitis, or pouches or pockets in the wall of the colon
  • Cataracts or blindness
  • Liver disease
  • Mitral valve prolapsed
  • Anemia, or insufficient red blood cells
  • Bleeding or bursting of cysts
  • High blood pressure
  • Liver failure
  • Kidney stones
  • Heart disease

How many types are there of PKD?

There are two types of PKD:

  • Autosomal Dominant PKD (ADPKD): Autosomal Dominant Kidney Disease (ADPKD) is a disease inherited from one generation to another. It has been evident between the age groups from 30-40 though it can be diagnosed at childhood also. (*2)
  • Autosomal Recessive PKD (ARPKD): Infantile or Autosomal Recessive Kidney Disorder (ARPKD) is a disease inherited from both the parents. It can be diagnosed even in the womb. A fetus that is affected by ARPKD may have fluid-filled like cysts which can make the kidneys look larger than the normal size. The fetus that survives the birth stage is likely to survive adulthood with regular treatments. (*3)

What should be the diet of a PKD patient?

A PKD patient should follow the diet as follows:

  • Avocados are a big no: Avocados are a good source of potassium which is not good when you have a PKD.
  • Frozen/Canned Foods contains sodium as preservatives that are harmful to a PKD patient.
  • Avoid soft drinks and alcohol: it contains phosphorus which is easily absorbed by human bodies.
  • Avoid brown rice they are rich in potassium and phosphorus: Brown rice has more potassium and phosphorus compared to white rice.
  • Dairy products: That is a good source of potassium, phosphorus, and protein.
  • Bananas & Oranges: They both are rich in potassium. Try apples, grapes, cranberries, and juices.
  • Pickles & Processed Olives: They are high in sodium which should be avoided during the PKD natural therapy.
  • Drink Liquids: Drink water & juices (which don’t contain potassium, sodium & phosphorus) and observe the color of the urine.

Is acquired cystic kidney disease a type of PKD?

No, the Acquired Cystic Kidney failure is not as same as PKD. Acquired Cystic Kidney Disease is a disorder in which the kidneys develop the fluid-filled pouches on their own. Following are the conditions of developing the cysts by kidneys:

  • CKD: The kidneys develop cysts when the disease is chronic. In CKD, the kidneys lose the ability to filter wastes, extra salts, and toxins.
  • End-stage kidney disease: The cysts grow on the surface of kidneys when the kidney fails completely to perform the functioning.

How is Polycystic Kidney Disease Treatment in Ayurveda?

A lot of allopathic researchers have said that there is no cure for PKD. It can only be reduced but cannot be removed or finished. But, PKD has been efficient in eliminating and shrinking the cysts. All it does: few dietary & lifestyle changes with herbs and herbal syrups.

The Ayurvedic treatment for polycystic kidney problem requires a few dietary & lifestyle changes:

  • Get up early in the morning or at least one hour before the sunrise.
  • Perform mild exercises.
  • Practice yoga asana like Pranayam, Surya namaskar, and cobra pose, etc.
  • Eat fresh fruits & vegetables that the doctors prescribe.
  • Allopathic health supplements should be avoided, they leave loopholes behind.
  • Avoid the consumption of alcohol, they put an extra burden on the functioning of kidneys.
  • Avoid the intake of tobacco and tobacco products.
  • Avoid spicy & oily food.
  • Avoid pickles
  • Avoid frozen & processed foods
  • Avoid canned foods
  • Avoid foods that are rich in sodium in high amounts, high phosphorus, and high potassium.
  • Meditate for an hour
  • Drink fresh fruit juice. Juices of: carrots, radish, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, orange, cucumber, etc.
  • Drink green & herbal tea. Dandelion, tulsi, mint, etc.
  • Drink herbal syrups prescribed by a certified practitioner or physician only.

FAQs

Do you think, it is possible to manage Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) with Ayurveda?

Kidney cysts or Simple kidney cysts are round pouches of fluid that are formed on or in the kidneys. Usually, kidney cysts are simple cysts. These cysts are not cancerous, thus are also not fatal. These cysts rarely cause serious health problems and can be cured. Simple cysts also differ from complex cysts. Complex cysts need to be watched for changes that could be cancerous. Simple kidney cysts are different from those formed in Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD).

Polycystic kidney disease is an inherited disorder in which a large number of cysts develop primarily within your kidneys. These cysts vary in size and they can grow very large. If you have many cysts or large sized cysts, these can damage your kidneys. It leads to increase in the size of kidneys and loss of function over time. The question that bothers us is that what is the cause of formation of these cysts? Researchers don’t know the root cause of this, but they do know that simple cysts aren’t inherited while PKD usually is.

How do Ayurveda physicians see Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) as?

Like your other vital organs in the body, the Kidney plays two crucial functions in the body, like purification of blood and production of urine to keep your body’s fluid in a balanced state. As per the Ayurvedic view, the balance of these three doshas drives the Kidney’s function in the body. However, some people are affected by imbalance in these three body doshas, leading to kidney cyst or Gurda Granthi. Due to some genetic variations in the body, these cysts can be transferred into Polycystic Kidney Disease.

PKD varies greatly in its severity but some complications are preventable. Kidney cysts do not go away on their own but the Ayurvedic medicine system and some Lifestyle changes might help reduce damage to your kidneys from severe complications.

What can be an alarming Sign or Symptom for Kidney Cysts leading to Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)?

Kidney diseases usually keep mute but can be frightening, if you all of a sudden have unexpected signs. It is generally believed that any injury or some microscopic blockages in the kidney tubules may lead to the development of some simple kidney cysts. Simple kidney cyst mostly stays quiet and is often found during an imaging test for another condition. We can live easily, if the cyst is not giving any trouble in kidney functioning. Treatment usually isn’t needed unless these cysts cause symptoms. It’s not uncommon that people having polycystic kidney disease for years, live without knowing it.

PKD usually gives symptoms, when it starts hampering the kidney function. Polycystic kidney disease symptoms include:

1. Back or side pain

2. Blood in your urine

3. Feeling of fullness in your abdomen and nausea

4. Headaches

5. Back or side pain

6. Blood in your urine

7. Feeling of fullness in your abdomen and nausea

8. Headaches

9. High blood pressure

10. Increased in size of your abdomen due to enlargement of kidneys

11. Kidney failure

12. Kidney stones

13. Urinary tract or kidney infections

If you develop some of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, see your doctor. If you have a first-degree relative i.e. parent, sibling or child is with polycystic kidney disease, see your doctor to discuss screening for this disorder.

Your healthcare provider usually suggests genetic and imaging testing to diagnose PKD. The genetic testing is a way to assess your family history of PKD. The earlier you diagnose PKD, the sooner you can start the treatment.

You have a risk of passing the disease to your offspring if you have polycystic kidney disease. A genetic counsellor and an ayurvedic treatment can help you here.

Imaging tests

Imaging is a way to check the size and diseases of the kidneys. The radiologist reads this image of the kidneys and examines if there is presence of the kidney cysts.

There are many types of imaging tests a healthcare provider may do:

Ultrasound (USG): To create the internal image of the kidney’s structure.
Computed tomography (CT Scan): To get the image of the urinary tract.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To get the detailed view of the tissues of the kidneys.

 

Abnormal genes may cause PKD, which means in most cases, the disease runs in families. Sometimes, a spontaneous genetic mutation occurs on its own even if any parent has not a copy of the mutated gene.

Usually both parents must have abnormal genes to pass on this form of the disease. If both parents carry a gene for this disorder, each child has more chance of getting the disease. If one parent has it, each child has a less chance of getting the disease. This accounts for most of the cases of polycystic kidney disease.

Can I leave my mildly affecting Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) untreated?

It is very rare that a patient may not notice any sign until the kidney cyst is around half inches larger. Complications associated with polycystic kidney disease, if left untreated include:

1. Chronic pain – Pain is one of the common symptoms for people with polycystic kidney disease. It often occurs in your back or on sides. This kind of pain can also be associated with a urinary tract infection, a kidney stone or a malignancy or tumor.

2. Loss of kidney function – Polycystic kidney disease can progressively lead to loss of kidney functions. Nearly half of the people with this disease have kidney failure by age 60.

3. High blood pressure – Sustained rise in blood pressure is a common complication of polycystic kidney disease. If untreated, high blood pressure can cause further damage to your kidneys and increase your risk of heart disease and strokes.

4. Heart valve abnormalities – As many as 25% of adults with PKD develops mitral valve prolapse. When this happens, the heart valve is not able to close properly leading to leak and backflow.

5. Growth of cysts in the liver – The chances of developing liver cysts in someone with PKD increases with age. Both men and women develop cysts but women often develop larger cysts. Female hormones and multiple pregnancies might be the contributing factors to cyst development.

6. Development of an aneurysm in the brain – An aneurysm in your brain can cause bleeding (hemorrhage) if it ruptures. People with PKD have a higher risk of aneurysms. People with a familial history of aneurysms seem to be at highest risk.

7. Pregnancy complications – Pregnancy is successful for most women with PKD. However, a few women may develop a life-threatening disorder called preeclampsia. Those women who are at risk have high blood pressure or a decline in kidney function before they become pregnant.

8. Colon problems – Diverticulosis is a condition where weaknesses and pouches or sacs in the wall of the colon may develop in people with polycystic kidney disease.

PKD hampers the ability of your kidneys to keep wastes and building to toxic levels leading to a condition called uremia. As the disease worsens with time, end-stage kidney (renal) disease may result, necessitating kidney dialysis or a transplant to prolong your life.

Is it possible to control Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)?

To keep you healthy and PKD free, you have to make some changes in your life. According to Ayurveda, the problem arises in the body due to undisciplined lifestyle, insufficient diet intake and lack of exercise. Using the tips and tricks of Ayurveda can help you regulate PKD.

How can I prevent Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)?

Ayurveda helps you to make some healthy lifestyle changes that make your life stress free and happy by controlling PKD. You can follow all these guidelines to keep you healthy and fit.

1. Control your blood sugar level, if you are a diabetic person.

2. Eat fresh fiber-rich vegetables, and fruits.

3. Eat low fat and low sodium diet to control your blood pressure.

4. Drink an adequate amount of water to keep your Kidney and other body cells toxin-free.

5. Daily exercise at least 30 minutes to keep your Kidney functional and disease-free.

6. Manage a healthy weight to keep your body diseases free.

7. Do not smoke or avoid alcohol consumption and protect your Kidney from toxins collection.

8. Use Ayurvedic herbs or medicines to treat any health problem naturally.

9. Detoxify your body with natural ingredients.

10. Avoid non-vegetarian and dairy products in your diet.

Are there any Ayurvedic medicines available for prevention of Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)?

1. Gokshura: It is a natural herb that helps to treat Kidney related problems and helps to remove kidney stones.

2. Guggul: Guggul is a traditional herb that helps treat urinary tract infection and prevents your Kidney from failure.

3. Haldi: Haldi is a traditional herb and has anti-inflammatory properties. Haldi helps in prevention of kidney infection and thus protects your Kidney from dialysis.

4. Vijayasar: it is a natural herb that helps to treat chronic kidney diseases.

The other herbs usually used to treat polycystic kidney disease are Amla, Anardana, Ashwagandha, Badi Elaichi, Behda, Bhumi Binaksha, Black Pepper, Brahmi, carom Seeds, Choti Elaichi, Fenugreek, Giloy, Ginger, Green Tea, Harad, Kachnaar, Katuja, Kesar, Kutki, Laung, Long Pepper, Mulethi, Mulethi, Naag Bhasma, Naag Kesar, Neem Patra, Safatika Bhasma, Sarfoka, Saunf, Shankhpushpi, Shilajit, Tej Patta, Triphala, Tulsi Patra, etc.

By now, we can get a touch about the PKD and the various ways to regulate it for the healthy and happy life. It is always advisable to use any above-mentioned herb or medicine under proper medical supervision.