Can the Right Diet Reverse Kidney Disease?

Can the Right Diet Reverse Kidney Disease?

So, is there a diet that can cure this? Not exactly. But the correct choice of food can prevent worsening of this disease, help filter your body to work less, and sometimes even improve your tests. It is a great thing, isn't it?

Let's imagine that your kidneys are like two little bouncers at the club called Your Bloodstream. They cannot kick out all troublemakers if the crowd becomes too wild. That is the way diet in kidney disease is used; it is basically about controlling the guest list.

What does the research tell us?

Let's consider some of them.

• The study called MDRD Study (Modification of Diet in Renal Disease) examined the lower protein intake of the patients with CKD and found that this approach can slow down the development of the disease in some cases.
• A 2018 Cochrane review on protein restriction in CKD found some evidence of low protein diet being able to slow down the risk of progression to end-stage disease, although the quality of evidence was low.
• The ARIC study (Rebholz et al., 2016) concluded that people adhering to the DASH diet were at lower risk of developing CKD.

All these arguments do not imply the consumption of kale, which cures everything. However, food is important and it plays a vital role in maintaining health and fighting diseases.

Rules for Using the Plate

The optimal plate for your diet varies depending on the stage of your treatment, lab reports and your doctor's recommendations. However, here are some general guidelines:

• Go easy on sodium. Water is like a gossiper. Your body holds on to it like a gossip.
• Observe the proteins: too much of this isn't beneficial since the filters have to do the job.
• Be careful with your potassium and phosphorus intake if you have problems with their level in your body. This means limiting your consumption of bananas, potatoes, cola and processed products.
• Eat more vegetables and fruits. Fresh vegetable and whole grains are usually very healthy for your stomach.
• Drink fluids as advised. Having 8 glasses a day might not be helpful anymore if you are diagnosed with CKD.

Food Swaps: Friend or Foe?

Where Ayurveda Fits In

Many patients also turn to kidney disease Ayurvedic treatment in parallel with regular medication. The approach to kidney care in Ayurveda involves examination of digestive processes, lifestyle factors, and body constitution.

People ask about herbs which are good for kidney disease treatment in Ayurveda. Names like Punarnava, Gokshura and Varuna are mentioned in traditional texts as kidney friendly herbs. Unfortunately, there is not enough research about those herbs and they can interact with other medications or cause problems with potassium level. Thus, it's not recommended to buy herbs without any consultation from a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.

Should you want to find out more about Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disease, the best option is to tell both your nephrologist and Ayurvedic practitioner what you are taking. Teamwork is the way to go. Some people may try Karma Ayurveda for kidney disease treatment as part of that wide discussion, but the rule of thumb applies here too: do not stop prescribed medication on your own.

For those exploring the best herbs for kidney disease treatment in Ayurveda, professional guidance is important before adding anything to your routine.

Dr. Puneet Dhawan also discusses the importance of taking a careful, individualized approach to kidney care.

The Bottom Line

Thus, can food help in reversing CKD? Probably not. But it can be one of the greatest ways to preserve what you still have and protect yourself from future CKD complications.

Important Notes

• Diet is a key factor in the management of CKD, although it won't completely reverse it.
• Sodium, protein, potassium and phosphorus may need adjustment.
• There were promising findings of plant-based diets in studies.
• Ayurvedic procedures are considered as supplementary, but not alternative treatment methods to medical procedures.
• A piece of tailored advice is far better than random guesses online.

FAQs

Diet and kidney disease: can it reverse kidney damage?

It usually helps delay further development of the disease, but it is also possible to see some improvements in the early stages.

What foods to restrict when I have CKD?

Snacks salty, meats processed, colas, and foods rich in potassium are the most common culprits.

Disclaimer

This blog is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have symptoms or a health concern, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.