NEPHROTIC SYNDROME, CAUSES, SYMPTOMS AND AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

INTRODUCTION

Nephrotic syndrome is a medical condition in which the kidneys abnormally excrete excessive protein in urine. It occurs because the small blood vessels which filter waste and excess fluid from the blood get damaged. Glomeruli are the bunch of tiny blood vessels which do the work of filtration of blood and removes waste such as urea, creatinine, etc. Swelling in feet and ankles is the main symptom of nephrotic syndrome. It increases the risk of various other health problems.

The treatment of nephrotic syndrome involves some oral medications and dietary modifications. A healthy lifestyle plays an important role in its prevention as well as management.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF NEPHROTIC SYNDROME?

Nephrotic syndrome occurs because of the damage of glomerulus present in kidneys. Glomerulus consists of a group of tiny blood vessels which help in filtration of blood and removes wastes from the body. It keeps optimum amount of protein (albumin) in body and thus maintains right amount of fluid. When there occur damage to the glomerulus, it excretes excessive amount of protein from body.

There are various health conditions which can lead to glomerular damage such as:

• Diabetes
• Scarring of glomerulus known as glomerulosclerosis
• Thickening of walls of glomerulus known as membranous nephropathy
• Amyloidosis – excessive accumulation of amyloid proteins in kidneys
• Systemic lupus erythematosus

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF NEPHROTIC SYNDROME?

Following are the factors which increase the risk of a person developing nephrotic syndrome:

• Certain viral infections such as HIV, hepatitis C, malaria, etc
• Inflammation of the glomerulus known as glomerulonephritis
• Reflux nephropathy
• Some medications like painkillers, antibiotics, etc

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF NEPHROTIC SYNDROME?

The common signs and symptoms of nephrotic syndrome are:

• Swelling around eyes, ankles and feet
• Foamy urine
• Increased body weight due to fluid retention
• Feeling tired
• Loss of appetite
• Presence of large amount of protein in urine
• Increased cholesterol levels in blood
• Low albumin levels in blood
• Pain in abdomen

WHAT ARE THE ASSOCIATED COMPLICATIONS OF NEPHROTIC SYNDROME?

If nephrotic syndrome is not dealt properly, then it can lead to various health repercussions. Following are the potential complications of nephrotic syndrome:

• Anemia
• High blood pressure
• Coronary artery disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Clotting of blood in blood vessels
• Weight loss
• Hypothyroidism
• Chronic kidney disease
• Increased body infections

WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF NEPHROTIC SYNDROME?

According to Ayurveda, nephrotic syndrome occurs because of the blockage of tiny channels in kidneys known as mutravaha srotas. These strotas carry urine and are responsible for flow of liquid into and out of the kidney. When the doshas get vitiated, especially pitta dosha, then it causes blockage of mutravaha srotas. This leads to dysfunctioning of kidney problems.

Ayurveda focuses on curing the root cause of the disease. There are various herbs and panchkarma therapies which are helpful in removing toxins from the body. The medicines remove obstructions from the channels, nourish tissues and cleanse system.

Some of the herbs which are useful for kidney problems are:

• Punarnava
• Varun
• Bhumiamla
• Shigru
• Haridra

MANAGEMENT OF NEPHROTIC SYNDROME WITH THE MEDICATIONS OF CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurved centre which are used for the treatment of nephrotic syndrome:

1. Gokshura Capsules

Gokshuru capsules are pure ayurvedic medicine which is very effective in kidney disorders as it has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling of the abdomen. It also acts as diuretic which causes increased urine secretion from the body and removal of all the toxins. These capsules contain pure extract of Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). It provides effective result in acute & chronic kidney disease, chronic renal failure, cystitis, and urethritis, nephropathy, and urinary tract infections.

Recommended Dosage: Take one capsule twice daily with normal water.

2. Kidney Care Tablet

Kidney plays an important role in keeping the whole body clean, well-fueled, strong and functioning properly. Kidney failure puts the body at risk, allowing waste to accumulate and damage the kidneys from inside. It is a good idea to do a kidney cleansing and keep a check on the health of the kidneys in your middle and old age. The toxins that buildup results in nausea or feeling sick to the stomach, lack of concentration and blood pressure changes are all symptoms of kidney failure.

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 tablets twice daily with normal water.

3. Kidney Care Churna

The kidney care churna is prepared from herbs like Bhumiamla (Phyllanthus niruri), Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), & Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). These herbs in combination show anti-inflammatory, diuretic, antioxidant, analgesic, etc properties. Kidney care churna keep all kidney function tests (serum creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium, chlorine, & uric acid), etc in normal range. The use of this churna reduces swelling in the body, remove kidney stones, deal with urinary tract infection, general weakness, & fatigue, etc related to kidney patients.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 teaspoonful twice daily with normal water.

4. UTI Care Tablet

UTI Care Tablets helps to treat Urinary tract infections along with the diseases related to kidney, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. This tablet contains pure herbal ingredients which are Yavakshar (Hordeum vulgare), kalmi Shora (Pottasium nitrate), Naushadar (Ammonium chloride), Swarna Gairik (Red ochre), etc. UTI Care Tablets are also beneficial in kidney stones, chronic kidney disease, renal colic, burning sensation or pain during micturition, and Hypertension.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.

5. Detox Premium Powder

The powder contains all the Ayurvedic herbs which strengthen the immune system of the body and prevents the various complications by potentiating immune system. The powder includes :

Parwal Pishti– Parwal pishti is prepared from Coral calcium. It is mainly used in Pitta related disorders and helpful in bleeding disorders. This pishti relieves Ama dosha and improves the digestion power. It also improves the strength and immunity.

Shukta Pishti– It is prepared from Pearl oyster shell. Shukta pishti pacifies Pitta and Kapha dosha. It is the best ant-acid and relieves the abdominal distention. Shukta pishti reduces the rashes on the arms and legs.

Giloy Satva–Giloy satva includes water-soluble extract of Giloy/Guduchi (Tinospora Cordifolia). It balances the aggravated pitta and acts as a mild-antipyretic, antacid, and immuno-modulator. It also reduces burning sensation in the hands, feet, and body.

Kamdudha Ras–According to Ayurveda principles, Kamdudha Ras has Sheeta Virya thus it is beneficial in every Pitta Roga classified in Ayurveda. It is beneficial in the symptoms like burning sensation, restlessness, bleeding tendencies, excessive thirst, and hot flashes, vomiting with yellowish or sour water.

Akik Pishti– Akik bhasma contains Silicon Dioxide and some herbal extracts derived into in during processing with Aloe vera and Rose water. It is used in General debility, Restlessness. It works well in loss of appetite, weight loss, and feeling of excessive heat in the body.

Gandhak Rasayan– Gandhak Rasayan is a great antibacterial, antiviral ayurvedic medicine. It acts as an anti-pyretic, analgesic, & blood purifier.

Sutshekhar Ras–It is an important medicine used in Ayurveda, which acts on Pitta dosha and reduces the symptoms like nausea, vomiting, fever, headache, sour taste of mouth, restlessness, etc.

Recommended Dosage– Take 1 sachet twice a day with normal water.