If you have kidney disease, your physician may suggest eating a low-protein diet in order to lessen the work your kidneys must do in filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood. They may also advise cutting down on sodium intake.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is an increasing burden on patients and healthcare systems alike, but certain plants and their extracts can provide protection by way of antioxidant activity, thus slowing its progress.
Acupuncture
Kidney disease refers to any disorder that impairs the functioning of kidneys, two bean-shaped organs located either side of the spine. Kidneys play an essential role in filtering waste products from blood and regulating blood pressure; when kidney disease impacts these processes, vital functions no longer take place, leading to buildups of toxins and health complications in the body. Thankfully, treatments exist that can manage this disorder and slow its progress into kidney failure.
One of the most widely utilized alternative treatments for kidney disease is acupuncture, an ancient practice which involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to relieve pain and stimulate production of natural chemicals that reduce inflammation. Research has also shown that acupuncture can improve blood circulation, increase white blood cell activity (which plays an essential role in immune system health) as well as decrease cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
As well as acupuncture, some patients may try other forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). CAM refers to any practice outside conventional medical treatments such as herbal supplements, home remedies or religious or spiritual practices; when it comes to kidney disease patients should use complementary and alternative medicines with caution as some herbal treatments could potentially have damaging effects on kidneys or interfere with conventional medications prescribed for them.
Regular urine and blood testing is an effective way to detect and treat kidney disease early, helping reduce progression while simultaneously improving quality of life. Medication may be prescribed to reduce blood pressure or proteinuria (which indicates damage). For severe chronic cases of kidney disease, dialysis or even transplant may be necessary.
Massage
Massage therapy has long been recognized for its ability to decrease stress and anxiety levels – two symptoms associated with kidney disease – as well as promote relaxation and enhance emotional well-being, all of which are beneficial to kidney health. Regular massage sessions may improve circulation, alleviate muscle cramps and provide pain relief; all benefits that can help those living on dialysis maintain an increased quality of life and participate more fully in activities.
Study results demonstrated that patients on hemodialysis experienced reduced fatigue and enhanced mood after receiving massage therapy, leading to more positive outlook and greater ability to take on new responsibilities. Massage may also help reduce inflammation caused by chronic kidney disease, improving blood flow to their kidneys for healthier living and supporting an active, healthier lifestyle.
Integration of massage into your routine may prove beneficial, though it’s wise to consult your physician first before initiating any kind of supplemental treatments such as this. Some types of massage could potentially exacerbate kidney or liver conditions and it’s crucial that you find a therapist familiar with meeting the unique needs of dialysis patients.
Dialysis patients should avoid massage near fistulae and catheters to avoid infection at those sites; other areas, such as the back, may be safely treated through draping and positioning techniques. A massage should be gentle enough to stimulate kidneys while increasing blood flow without causing discomfort or increasing the risk of infection.
The kidneys are essential organs, filtering blood to produce urine and eliminate waste products from our systems. Massage can stimulate these organs and improve circulation, helping support kidney function while decreasing the risk of conditions like kidney stones. Furthermore, certain massage techniques such as abdominal massage may assist with eliminating toxins from our urinary tract and support its health.
Though dialysis presents many difficulties, this patient discovered that including massage in their weekly routine was an effective way of relieving stress and relieving pain. Thanks to an improved sense of wellbeing, they could more fully participate in daily activities ranging from spending time with loved ones and caring for children.
Meditation
Meditation has long been practiced to reduce stress and improve mental and physical wellbeing. Meditation involves focusing on an object, sound, breath or movement to train the mind and reduce stress, enhance spiritual balance, cope with illness better and enhance quality of life – although prior consultation should always be sought with your physician first before beginning any alternative therapy regimens.
Studies have demonstrated the many health benefits of meditation for chronic kidney disease patients. Research indicates it can help chronic kidney disease patients to feel less stressed, sleep better, have lower heart rates and decrease depression risk factors like anxiety and high blood pressure. Many meditative practices can be done at home such as breathing exercises, clearing your mind or visualizing. While meditation may be effective in managing kidney disease symptoms, it’s essential that patients work closely with their physicians in developing an approach tailored to individual needs and goals.
Meditation has long been practiced as part of various religions, yet can also be done independently from such influences. Meditation is commonly known in Western countries as yoga and typically includes movements, poses and breathing techniques that combine movement with poses to improve cardiovascular health while increasing energy levels and quality of life in patients living with CKD.
Recent research found that guided meditation intervention increased trait mindfulness, emotion regulation, and Kidney Disease Quality of Life scores among chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment. Unfortunately, convenience sampling limited generalizability; additionally there were no follow-up assessments conducted as part of this research project.
Research team from Bhagwan Mahavir Medical Research Centre in India examined 175 hemodialysis patients and discovered that those who practiced Arham purushakar meditation experienced significant reductions in feelings of sadness, anxiety and stress. Arham purushakar meditation is a straightforward technique which can easily be performed both alone or under guidance from an expert; benefits may include enhancing concentration and memory recall while increasing focus and attention span as well as decreasing anxiety/depression/pain effects while increasing self-love.
Yoga
Yoga, which originated in India thousands of years ago, consists of various exercises, breathing techniques and meditation designed to promote overall health benefits including improved kidney health and relaxation. Yoga offers an effective alternative therapy solution for chronic kidney disease patients receiving dialysis; by adding yoga into daily life you may be able to increase kidney functionality significantly while increasing quality of life.
Kidney disease and its symptoms are caused by lifestyle and diet choices that we make, but they can be reversed with healthy changes. Altering your diet, exercising regularly, controlling blood sugar levels, avoiding alcohol or tobacco smoking and receiving regular medical tests are all effective measures for maintaining good kidney health. Acupuncture and yoga have also proven themselves effective ways to increase quality of life and prolong lives; studies have confirmed this fact.
Numerous people with kidney disease suffer from depression and anxiety, which can have serious negative repercussions for their health. Sleep disturbances, reduced quality of life and an increase in heart disease risk are also symptoms of depression and anxiety; yoga offers a useful solution that can address all these concerns while also aiding with physical issues like muscle stiffness and joint pain.
Yoga offers many advantages for kidney disease patients, including improving cardiovascular health, alleviating depression and anxiety, and lowering blood pressure. Yoga may also help you maintain a healthier weight that reduces strain on the kidneys as well as relieve itching caused by kidney disease.
Kidney disease can be a life-altering illness, so it’s essential that you take proactive measures to ensure its treatment and management. Maintain a balanced diet, drink plenty of water and limit processed and sugary drinks as much as possible. For complementary approaches such as Yoga or Tai Chi, consult with healthcare providers who can offer safe guidance about how best to incorporate them into your treatment plan.
