Alternative Treatment for Chronic Kidney Diseases

Alternative medicine may not cure kidney diseases but slow its progression. To help standard medical treatment work more effectively, resort to alternative treatment.

Himanshu Sharma
Written by: Himanshu SharmaUpdated at: Jan 13, 2014 18:51 IST
Alternative Treatment for Chronic Kidney Diseases

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A chronic kidney disease is an ongoing and non-reversible illness. Alternative treatment cannot treat them but can help standard medical treatment work more effectively.

kidney disease alternative treatmentChronic kidney disease (CKD) is an illness characterised by kidney damage. The kidneys can't filter blood as they used to. As a result, wastes build up in your body and harm your health in many ways.

To keep your kidneys working when you have CKD, you have to reduce salt intake, manage blood pressure and keep blood glucose in the healthy range. Alternative medicine has had success in managing kidney disease and promoting kidney reparation.

 

Herbal or Homeopathic Remedies for CKD

Homeopathic and herbal medicine works well to improve kidney function, but make sure to consult your doctor before beginning any treatment.  Some of the following have proved effective against kidney diseases.

Dandelion – Usually considered a weed, dandelion has a long history in American medicine. Its roots and leaves when boiled help treat kidney diseases. Moreover, the herb also helps prevent the condition owing to its diuretic properties.

Lei Gong Teng – The herb, used in Traditional Chinese Medicine, has been found to be effective in treating polycystic kidney disease. A research at the Yale University successfully used Lei Gong Teng to destroy PKD cysts in mice.

Apple cider vinegar – An effective remedy to help break down kidney stones, apple cider vinegar boosts kidney function. It is known to disintegrating the calculi formed by calcium in the kidneys. Besides, the antibacterial aspect of apple cider vinegar helps prevent bacterial infections.

Baking soda – According to British researchers, baking soda slows the progression of chronic kidney disease. It neutralises the acidity in the blood, which is a major contributing factor in kidney problems.

Cornsilk – The tassels of the corn cob, cornsilk, is quite effective in boosting kidney function. It is a potent cure for urinary infections, prevents stone formation and eliminates oedema (a byproduct of kidney disease).

Other remedies – The remedies that are believed to relieve some of the symptoms of chronic kidney disease are celery (works as a diuretic to decrease uric acid), hydrangea (cleanses the urinary tract), Uva Ursi (cleanse the urinary tract), marshmallow tea (cleanses the kidneys), and goldenrod tea (an inflammatory cure).

 

Dietary modifications

Making slight changes in your diet can help your kidneys. The best foods to increase kidney function are sprouts, garlic, legumes, beans, potato, banana, papaya, watermelon, yoghurt, green vegetables and whole grains. Incorporate these foods in your diet to help prevent kidney disease from advancing. Drink unsweetened cranberry juice to eliminate harmful bacteria that make your urine acidic. Juniper berries, stinging nettle and red clover help those with kidney disease.

 

Alternative treatments and natural remedies help alleviate symptoms of the chronic kidney disease. They may not cure the condition but slow its progression. Since these conditions are non-reversible, you can combine standard medical treatment with alternative medicine to help improve kidney health. Do not use alternative treatment without consent of your doctor as it may interfere with standard treatment.

 

 

 

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