Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney failure, is characterized by the gradual loss of kidney performance. The organ gets affected to the extent that it becomes ineffective in filtering excess fluids and waste from the blood. This results in an accumulation of waste in the body, making the patient feel sick. If ignored, the disorder can lead to complications like anemia, high blood pressure, weak bones, and even nerve damage.
Causes
It is mainly triggered by another ailment that causes the kidney to malfunction over an extended period. Some primary conditions that may lead to kidney disease include diabetes, high blood pressure, pyelonephritis (recurring kidney infections), glomerulonephritis (inflammation of the kidney’s filtering units or glomeruli), and interstitial nephritis (inflammation in the kidney’s tubules and the surrounding structures). Another common cause is the obstruction of the urinary tract for prolonged periods due to kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, and some cancers.
Symptoms
Kidney malfunction leads to problems like waste or fluid build-up in the body. As a result, one may experience vomiting, nausea, fatigue, increased or decreased urination, loss of appetite, sleep problems, and decreased mental sharpness. Patients may also complain of muscle cramps, dry and itchy skin, swollen ankles and feet, and uncontrollable hypertension. Further, the condition can lead to shortness of breath due to fluid build-up in the lungs and chest pain due to fluid build-up around the heart lining.
The signs of kidney disease develop gradually and are far from specific. They vary in severity and are often confused for other ailments. Besides, the kidneys are known to cover up for their lost function. So, the patient may not develop or notice the symptoms unless irreversible damage occurs.
Treatments
Although the disorder has no definite cure, it can be managed by treating the potential cause and controlling the symptoms to slow its progression. Patients with severe kidney damage or end-stage kidney disease may require dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis involves using a machine to remove waste from the blood. A kidney transplant replaces the patient’s malfunctioning kidney with a healthy kidney from a donor.
Natural remedies
Besides treatments, specific natural remedies help manage the disorder. These include indulging in regular physical activity, getting sufficient sleep, and managing ailments like diabetes, blood pressure, and heart diseases. Patients should also strive to manage stress through yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
Foods to have and avoid
A healthy, well-balanced meal plan is recommended for chronic kidney disease. One may choose foods rich in antioxidants, such as cauliflower, bell peppers, blueberries, pineapple, buckwheat, and olive oil. At the same time, it is best to avoid foods with potassium and phosphorus. Protein intake must also be reduced as a damaged kidney finds it challenging to filter protein content in the blood. Based on the given restrictions, the harmful foods are avocados, canned foods, bananas, whole wheat bread, dairy products, brown rice, apricots, and potatoes.
It is crucial to consult a doctor at the earliest if a person experiences any signs or suffers from a disease that may cause kidney issues in the long term. It also helps to consult a nutrition expert about developing a suitable food plan that prevents the worsening of symptoms. Lastly, patients must introduce healthy lifestyle changes to slow the ailment’s progression.
