What Do The Kidneys Do And Which Diseases Can Attack Them


Kidneys are the most influential organs of the human body. They are reliable for the filtering process in the body. They are red bean-shaped organs with the size of a fist. They are located at the back of the abdominal area in humans. The positioning of kidneys is not equal and differs from one another but the job is the same.

What do the kidneys do? 

• Moving waste products out from the body
• Regulating salt levels in the body
• Producing hormones erythropoietin (responsible for the production of red blood cells) and calcitriol (an active vitamin D3).
• Filtering wastes and toxins out of the body.
• Purifies the blood.
• Helps in regulating the blood pressure
• Maintaining a perfect pH balance in the blood.
• Neutralizes electrolytes.
• Maintaining adequate fluid balance. 
• Regulating the key ions; sodium, potassium, and phosphorus in the body.

What are the common signs and symptoms of kidney diseases?

Before we discuss the diseases that can attack kidneys, we thought of telling you about the common symptoms of the diseases first, so here are the symptoms:

• Fever
• Back pain
• Pain between legs
• Pain in the pelvis
• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Increased output of urine
• Changes in the color of urine
• Painful urination
• Blood in urine

What types of diseases are classified under kidney diseases?

Majorly, only two types of kidney diseases are classified under medical books and other diseases are just parts of these two diseases:

• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Acute Kidney Disease

Chronic Kidney Disease or CKD is a disease that attacks the body by leaving barely recognizable symptoms in the past. These types of diseases are the disease that damages the progress of kidneys gradually or at a slow rate. Following are the common diseases characterized in CKD:

• Polycystic Kidney Disease
• Kidney stones
• Proteinuria
• Kidney infection
• Kidney stones
• Kidney cyst

Acute Kidney Disease or AKD is a sudden attack on kidneys that results in instant kidney failure. You may or may not observe the symptoms when your kidneys are attacked by disease because this will be spontaneous and swift.

Which diseases can attack the functioning of kidneys?


Proteinuria: Proteinuria is an unhealthy condition of the kidneys where the tiny filtering units get damaged and leak protein in excess amounts from the body, the most evident symptom of this condition if your urine output would be foamy and frothy.

Kidney stones: Kidney stones are the solidated forms of accumulated calcium and uric acid. Another reason why these stones are formed is the solid forms of accumulated salts and minerals in kidneys. Kidney stones are different in size; they can be small as a size of mustard seed and can take an entire space present in the kidneys.

High creatinine level: Creatinine is a type of protein that is found in the blood and urine of a human body. It is the by-product of the physical and metabolic activities done by our muscles throughout the day. About 2% of creatinine is produced daily by the human body on an average.
Having a high creatinine level can tell a lot about the bad and damaged conditions of kidneys.

Kidney Infection: This is the condition of kidneys when a specific type of bacteria enters through the uterus and spreads in the renal system. This condition can arise due to the overconsumption of antibiotics and buildup of urine in kidneys.

Acute kidney disease: Acute Kidney Disease or AKD is a sudden attack on kidneys that results in instant kidney failure. You may or may not observe the symptoms when your kidneys are attacked by disease because this will be spontaneous and swift.

Nephrotic Syndrome: Nephrotic syndrome is a collection of symptoms that make the presence of protein in urine in high amounts. Nephrotic syndrome is a disorder that damages the Glomeruli and Nephrons of kidneys. It becomes one of the reasons why kidney stops performing their functions properly.

Polycystic Kidney Disease: Polycystic Kidney Disease is a type of kidney cyst. It is a genetic disorder that may be because of inheritance from the biological parents or may have the defected genes of their own. These are the fluid-filled pouches in and on the surface of the kidneys.

What are the common causes of kidney diseases?

Following are the common causes of kidney diseases:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Overconsumption of allopathic drugs
• Overconsumption of drugs
• Consumption of alcohol
• Unhealthy eating habits
• Laziness
• Exertion
• OedemaPoor appetite
• Cramping in muscles

What are the tests available to diagnose kidney diseases?

Three types of kidney diseases are available to determine the presence of kidney diseases. These tests will also be done to know the physical conditions and the percentage of damage done in the kidneys:

• Blood Test
• Kidney biopsy
• Urine test
• Imaging tests

Can these diseases be cured with Ayurvedic treatment?

It may surprise you to know that kidney diseases can be cured with Ayurvedic treatment if considered and followed with determination. According to Ayurvedic nephrologist Dr. Puneet Dhawan, following are the basic guidelines that can help in curing kidney diseases:

• Get up one hour before the sunrise
• Exercise 
• Practice yoga 
• Become vegetarian 
• Avoid the intake of health supplements
• Avoid the intake of alcohol
• Avoid the intake of tobacco and tobacco products
• Avoid spicy & oily food
• Avoid pickles
• Avoid frozen & processed foods
• Avoid canned foods
• Avoid foods that are rich in sodium in high amounts, high phosphorus, and high potassium.
• Meditate for an hour
• Drink fresh fruit juice. Juices of: carrots, radish, cranberries, blueberries, strawberries, orange, cucumber, etc.
• Drink green & herbal tea. Dandelion, tulsi, mint, etc.
• Drink herbal syrups prescribed by a certified practitioner or physician.

Disclaimer: Aforesaid information is just for your reference. Kindly consult your doctor before any implication. 

Comments