Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Causes, Symptoms & Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition characterized by a gradual decline in kidney function over time. It is a major public health concern because it can remain unnoticed during its early stages and may eventually lead to kidney failure. Common risk factors include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and a family history of kidney problems. Symptoms such as fatigue, swelling of the legs, changes in urination, nausea, and loss of appetite often appear in advanced stages. Early detection through blood and urine tests can help slow disease progression. Management focuses on controlling blood pressure and blood glucose, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding harmful medications, and following appropriate medical treatment. Regular monitoring is important for preventing complications such as anemia, bone disease, cardiovascular problems, and kidney failure. Increased awareness, early screening of high-risk individuals, and timely treatment can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for people living with CKD.

Introduction

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a long-term medical condition in which the kidneys gradually lose their ability to perform essential functions, such as filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood. CKD is an important global health problem and can affect people of all ages, although it is more common among older adults and individuals with conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In its early stages, CKD may not produce noticeable symptoms, making regular screening important for people at increased risk. As the disease progresses, individuals may experience fatigue, swelling of the feet or legs, changes in urination, nausea, poor appetite, and difficulty concentrating. If left untreated, CKD can lead to serious complications, including cardiovascular disease, anemia, bone disorders, and kidney failure. Early diagnosis, appropriate medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular monitoring can help slow disease progression and improve the quality of life of affected individuals.

Statistics for Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) has become a major global health concern, affecting millions of people worldwide. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 788 million adults had CKD in 2023, with about 14.2% of adults aged 20 years and older affected. The number of people living with CKD has more than doubled since 1990, largely due to population ageing, increasing rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. CKD contributes to nearly 1.5 million deaths each year and is also strongly associated with cardiovascular disease, increasing the risk of heart-related complications. The burden of CKD varies across regions, with particularly high prevalence reported in North Africa and the Middle East, South Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Latin America and the Caribbean. China has the largest number of cases, followed by India. In advanced stages, some patients require kidney replacement therapy, including dialysis or kidney transplantation. These findings highlight the importance of early detection, prevention, and effective CKD management to reduce its growing impact on individuals and healthcare systems.

Facts About Chronic Kidney Disease

• Often silent: CKD can develop for years without obvious symptoms, so many people do not know they have it.
•  A global health problem: Nearly 800 million people worldwide are estimated to live with CKD.
•  Strong heart connection: CKD increases the risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart disease and stroke.
•  Diabetes is a major cause: High blood sugar can damage the small blood vessels that filter blood in the kidneys. High blood pressure matters: Hypertension can damage the kidneys, while kidney disease can also make blood pressure harder to control.
•  Risk increases with age: Kidney function naturally tends to decline as people get older.
•  Early testing helps: Simple blood and urine tests can detect kidney problems before severe symptoms develop.
•  Kidneys do more than make urine: They help remove waste, balance fluids and minerals, regulate blood pressure, and support red blood cell production.

Damage may be permanent: Advanced kidney damage generally cannot be completely reversed, but early treatment can slow its progression.

Severe CKD may require kidney replacement therapy: Some people with kidney failure need dialysis or a kidney transplant to maintain essential body functions.

Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease

• Diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2): High blood sugar  harms the tiny filtering units (nephrons) inside the kidneys
• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): High pressure strains and damages the blood vessels that supply the kidneys
• Glomerulonephritis: Inflammation damages the glomeruli, which are the waste-filtering clusters of blood vessels in the kidneys
• Polycystic Kidney Disease: Fluid-filled cysts grow inside the kidneys and slowly replace normal tissue.
• Urinary Tract Obstructions: Long-term blockages from kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or tumors trap urine and pressure the kidneys.
• Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like lupus cause the body’s immune system to attack healthy kidney tissues
• Vesicoureteral Reflux: A birth defect or condition causes urine to flow backward from the bladder into the kidneys]
• Recurrent Kidney Infections: Repeated bouts of pyelonephritis or long-term infections scar the kidneys.
• Medication and Toxin Damage: Regular use of drugs toxic to the kidneys, such as high doses of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or lithium, causes gradual harm

Signs/symptoms of Chronic Liver Disease

• Fatigue and weakness-A person may feel tired even after adequate rest.Reduced kidney function can cause anemia and accumulation of waste products in the blood.
• Swelling (edema)-Swelling may occur in the feet, ankles, legs, hands, or around the eyes.
• Changes in urination-Urinating more or less frequently than usual Increased urination may occur, particularly at night.
• Foamy or frothy urine-Persistent foam or bubbles in the urine may indicate protein (albumin) leaking into the urine.
• .Puffiness around the eyes-Swelling around the eyes, particularly in the morning, can occur when significant protein is lost in the urine.

When kidney function becomes severely reduced, a person may develop:

• Severe tiredness and weakness
• Marked swelling
• Persistent nausea and vomiting
• Significant loss of appetite
• Severe itching
• Increasing shortness of breath
• Confusion or drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Muscle twitching or cramps
• Reduced urine output
• Changes in consciousness in very severe cases

Diagnosis Of  Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic kidney disease is diagnosed by identifying abnormal kidney structure or function that persists for at least 3 months. The diagnosis usually involves medical history, physical examination, blood tests, urine tests, and imaging.

• Medical history– asks about diabetes, hypertension, previous kidney disease, urinary problems, kidney stones, infections, medications, and family history of kidney disorders.
• Physical examination: Blood pressure, body weight, and signs such as swelling of the legs or face are assessed. Look for signs of anemia, dehydration, or fluid overload.
• Blood Test
  Blood investigations commonly used in the evaluation of chronic kidney disease include serum creatinine 0.6–1.2 mg/dL ); blood urea nitrogen(7 –20 mg/dL); estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), ≥90 mL/min)s; sodium, (135–145 mEq/L); potassium, (3.5–5.0 mEq/L) bicarbonate( 22–29 mEq/L); calcium,( 8.5–10.5 mg/dL); phosphate,(2.5–4.5 mg/dL); and hemoglobin( 13.5–17.5 g/dL). Blood glucose (70–99 mg/dL when fasting), while HbA1c is normally below 5.7%. In CKD, creatinine and urea may increase, eGFR may decrease, and abnormalities in electrolytes, hemoglobin, calcium, and phosphate may develop. Normal ranges can vary slightly between laboratories, age groups, and sexes.
• Kidney ultrasound
  • Ultrasound can assess kidney size and structure and may identify cysts, obstruction, stones, or other abnormalities.
• Other imaging tests
  • CT or MRI may be performed when more detailed information about the kidneys or urinary tract is required.
• Serological tests
  • When an autoimmune or inflammatory kidney disease is suspected, tests such as ANA, complement levels, or other disease-specific antibodies may be requested.
• Kidney biopsy
  • A small sample of kidney tissue is examined under a microscope.
    It may be performed when the cause of kidney disease is unclear or when a specific kidney disorder needs to be confirmed.

Management of  Chronic Kidney Disease

The management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) focuses on slowing the progression of kidney damage, treating the underlying cause, controlling complications, and maintaining the patient’s quality of life.

• Treat the underlying cause-Identify and manage conditions responsible for CKD, such as diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, or urinary obstruction.
• Control blood pressure-Regular monitoring of blood pressure is important. Antihypertensive medicines may be prescribed to protect kidney function and reduce cardiovascular risk.
• Control blood glucose-Patients with diabetes should maintain appropriate blood glucose levels through diet, physical activity, and prescribed medicines.  Regular monitoring of blood glucose and HbA1c is recommended.
• Follow an appropriate diet-Reduce excessive salt intake. Protein intake should be individualized rather than severely restricted without professional advice. Dietary potassium and phosphorus may need adjustment in advanced CKD.
• Maintain a healthy body weight-A healthy weight can help control blood pressure, blood glucose, and cardiovascular risk. Regular physical activity should be encouraged according to the person’s ability.
• Avoid unnecessary kidney-harming medicines-Long-term or inappropriate use of medicines such as NSAID painkillers can worsen kidney function.
• Maintain appropriate fluid intake-Fluid intake should be individualized. Patients with significant fluid retention or advanced CKD may require fluid restriction as advised by their healthcare provider.
• Manage mineral and bone disorders-Calcium, phosphate, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone levels may be monitored.
• Correct electrolyte and acid-base abnormalities

Ayurvedic Insights

In Ayurveda, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) does not have a direct one-to-one equivalent in classical texts. Its features may be understood through disorders involving Vrikka (kidneys), Basti (urinary bladder), and Mutravaha Srotas (urinary channels). Ayurvedic understanding emphasizes the role of Agni( digestive fire), Dosha imbalance, Ama endotoxins), and impaired tissue metabolism in the development of chronic disorders. A classical reference states:

“मूत्रवाहीनि तु बस्तिर्वङ्क्षणौ च तेषां मूलम्।”

The urinary-carrying channels (Mutravaha Srotas) have their roots in the Basti (urinary bladder) and Vankshana (groin region). This verse emphasizes the anatomical and functional importance of the urinary system in Ayurveda. In CKD, disturbed urinary function can be considered in relation to Mutravaha Srotas (urinary carrying channels) Dushti, while the chronic nature of the condition calls for careful assessment of Dosha, Agni, Dhatu, and Srotas involvement. Ayurvedic management focuses on Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding causative factors), appropriate diet, lifestyle, and individualized supportive care.

Pathogenesis of Chronic Kidney Disease

In Ayurveda, CKD does not have a direct one-to-one disease equivalent. Its pathogenesis can be conceptually explained through Mutravaha Srotas Dushti urinary carrying channels), Dosha imbalance, Agni( digestive fire) impairment, and progressive Dhatu involvement.

Nidana Sevana (causative factors)
↓
Agni( digestive fire) Dushti
↓
Ama( endotoxins) formation & improper metabolism
↓
Tridosha Prakopa
(  Predominant involvement of Vata–Kapha Dosha)
↓
Mutravaha Srotas(urinary carrying channel)  Dushti
↓
Sanga / obstruction and impaired Mutra formation & excretion
↓
Dhatvagni Dushti
↓
Progressive disturbance of Rasa → Rakta → Mamsa → Meda → Majja Dhatu
↓
Kleda accumulation / impaired Kleda regulation
↓
Vrikka (kidney) dysfunction
↓
Mutra Kshaya or Mutravaha Srotas impairment
↓
Chronic progression with Ojas depletion and systemic manifestations

Herbal Remedies by Planet Ayurveda for Chronic kidney Disease

Planet Ayurveda is a well-established Ayurvedic healthcare organization that works to promote the ancient knowledge of Ayurveda through natural remedies and holistic health solutions. The company develops a wide range of herbal formulations using pure, high-quality ingredients and standardized herbal extracts, with a focus on maintaining safety, authenticity, and effectiveness. Following the principles of classical Ayurveda, Planet Ayurveda aims to support overall health by addressing the underlying causes of health concerns and encouraging balance in the body, mind, and emotions. With an emphasis on quality, natural ingredients, and traditional approaches supported by modern research, the organization works toward making Ayurvedic wellness solutions available globally. We will explore various herbal approaches used for the management of Chronic kidney Disease according to Ayurvedic principles. The herbal formulations are:-

1. Mutrakrichantak Churna
2. Rencure Formula
3. Varunadi Vati
4. Punarnava Mandur
5. Chandanadi Vati

REVIVE KIDNEYS PACK (CKP)

Product Description

1. Mutrakrichantak Churna

This Ayurvedic formulation contains  Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) and Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata). These herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda for supporting Mutravaha Srotas (Urinary carrying channels) and maintaining urinary and renal health. Varun is traditionally associated with urinary flow and urinary tract support, while Gokshur is described as Mutrala (supporting urine formation and flow). Bhumi Amla and Kalmegh are traditionally valued for their Deepana( improved digestive fire), Pachana (digest the food), and Shothahara( reduce  swelling) properties and may complement an Ayurvedic approach to systemic wellness.

Dosage –1 tsp twice a day with lukewarm water

2. Rencure  Formula

It is a polyherbal Ayurvedic formulation containing Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa)Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris, Palaash (Butea monosperma), and Kasni (Cichorium intybus) The formulation is traditionally positioned for supporting kidney and urinary system health. In an Ayurvedic approach to CKD, its ingredients are considered in relation to Mutravaha Srotas (urinary carrying channel), Kleda( fat )regulation, and urinary function. Punarnava and Gokshur are traditionally valued for their Mutrala (diuretics) properties, while Varun is traditionally used in urinary tract disorders. Palaash and Kasni complement the formulation through their traditional Ayurvedic properties.

Dosage- 2 capsules twice a day after meals

3. Varunadi Vati

This formulation contains Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), and Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). In the Ayurvedic approach to chronic kidney disease (CKD), these ingredients are traditionally considered supportive for Mutravaha Srotas (urinary carrying channel)  and urinary function. Punarnava and Gokshur are traditionally described for their Mutrala (urinary-supporting) properties, while Varun is traditionally associated with urinary tract and renal stone-related conditions. Shuddha Guggulu is traditionally used for its Shothahara (anti-inflammatory) and metabolic-supportive properties.

Dosage -2 capsules twice a day after meals.

4. Punarnava Mandur

It is used as supportive care for maintaining urinary and kidney health. Its principal ingredient is Boerhaavia diffusa (Punarnava), a traditionally valued herb known for its shothahara (supporting reduction of swelling) and urinary-supportive properties. The formulation also contains Zingiber officinale (Shunti), Piper longum (Pippali), Piper nigrum (Maricha), Emblica officinalis (Amalaki), Terminalia chebula (Haritaki), and Piper chaba (Chavya). Collectively, these herbs are traditionally used in Ayurveda to support digestion, metabolism, antioxidant defenses, and healthy urinary function.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals.

5. Chandanadi Vati

It contains Safed Chandan (Santalum album), Kababchini (Piper cubeba), Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica), Kapur (Cinnamomum camphora), Rasaut (Berberis aristata), and Gairik (Ferric oxide ) and many other herb, These herbs and natural substances are traditionally associated with properties that support urinary health, digestion, antioxidant activity, and overall metabolic balance. Amalaki (Phyllanthus emblica) is particularly recognized for its antioxidant and rasayana properties, while Safed Chandan (Santalum album) and Kapur (Cinnamomum camphora) are traditionally used for their soothing and cooling effects. Rasaut (Berberis aristata) is valued in Ayurveda for its traditional antimicrobial and metabolic-supporting properties. In the management of chronic kidney disease (CKD), such formulations may be used as complementary support for kidney function.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice a day after meals

Conclusion

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition that requires early detection, regular monitoring, appropriate medication, dietary modification, and long-term lifestyle management to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. Conventional treatment remains essential for controlling underlying causes such as diabetes and hypertension, managing complications, and planning renal replacement therapy when necessary. Ayurveda may have a supportive role through individualized dietary guidance, lifestyle practices, stress management, and selected traditional therapies aimed at maintaining overall well-being. However, Ayurvedic medicines should be used cautiously and only under qualified medical supervision, as some herbal or mineral preparations may adversely affect kidney function or interact with prescribed medicines. An integrated approach that combines evidence-based nephrology care with carefully supervised Ayurvedic supportive practices may help address the physical and psychological needs of people living with CKD. Overall, prevention, early diagnosis, adherence to treatment, and coordinated healthcare remain the foundation of effective CKD management.