What Is Dialysis, and When Is It Needed for Kidney Failure?

Question

I recently learned about dialysis, and I was curious about how it works and when it becomes necessary. From what I understand, dialysis is a treatment that helps remove waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys stop functioning properly. But at what stage of kidney disease does a person need to start dialysis?

I read that there are two main types of dialysis—Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis. What is the difference between these methods, and how do doctors decide which one is best for a patient?

One thing that concerns me is that dialysis is a lifelong process for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Are there any ways to reverse kidney damage naturally before reaching the stage where dialysis is required?

Are there any Ayurvedic treatments or dietary changes that can help support kidney function and reduce dependence on dialysis? I’ve heard that Punarnava, Gokshura, and Varuna are beneficial for kidney health and detoxification—do these actually work?

If anyone has undergone dialysis, what was your experience like? Did it improve energy levels and overall health, and how did you adjust to the treatment?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Namaste, 
Dialysis is a treatment for removing waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood when the kidneys can no longer function effectively. It becomes necessary when kidney function drops to around 10-15% of normal, typically in Stage 4 or Stage 5 chronic kidney disease (CKD).

There are two main types of dialysis:

Hemodialysis: Involves filtering the blood through a machine outside the body. It’s usually done in a clinic, 3 times a week.
Peritoneal Dialysis: Uses the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) to filter blood inside the body. This can be done at home.
Doctors decide based on factors like the patient’s overall health, lifestyle, and access to dialysis facilities. Hemodialysis is more common, but peritoneal dialysis can offer more flexibility.

While dialysis can be lifelong, kidney damage can sometimes be managed or even reversed in early stages of CKD through lifestyle changes and Ayurvedic support. Herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Varuna are known to promote kidney health, reduce inflammation, and detoxify the kidneys. They support kidney function, but significant damage may still require medical intervention.

Dietary changes such as reducing salt, controlling protein intake, and eating foods that support kidney health (like cranberries, turmeric, and ginger) can also help.

For those undergoing dialysis, the process can improve energy levels and overall health by removing toxins. Adjusting to dialysis often involves lifestyle changes, but it can significantly enhance quality of life when managed well.

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

Dialysis becomes necessary when the kidneys can no longer perform their critical functions, typically when kidney function falls below 15% of normal. At this point, either Hemodialysis or Peritoneal Dialysis is used to filter waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood. Hemodialysis involves using a machine to filter the blood outside the body, while Peritoneal Dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen as a filter. The choice of dialysis depends on factors like the patient's health, lifestyle, and personal preferences. In Ayurveda, herbs like Punarnava, Gokshura, and Varuna are known to support kidney function and help with detoxification, potentially reducing the need for dialysis by improving kidney health. Additionally, a kidney-friendly diet and maintaining hydration, reducing processed foods, and managing underlying conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes can play a role in preventing further kidney damage. However, once kidney damage reaches an advanced stage, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be unavoidable.

What Is Dialysis, and When Is It Needed for Kidney Failure? - #15332

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