The kidneys are the pair of organs located in the back of abdomen, just above the waist. Each kidney is about 4 or 5 inches long, about the size of a fist.
Each kidney contains around a million of units called NEPHRONS, each of which is a microscopic filter.
Why are the kidneys so important?
Most people know that a major function of the kidneys is to remove waste products and excess fluid from the body. These waste products and excess fluid are removed through the urine. The production of urine involves highly complex steps of excretion and re-absorption. This process is necessary to maintain a stable balance of body chemicals.
The critical regulation of the body’s salt, potassium and acid content is performed by the kidneys. The kidneys also produce hormones that affect the function of other organs. For example, a hormone produced by the kidneys stimulates red blood cell production. Other hormones produced by the kidneys help regulate blood pressure and control calcium metabolism.
The kidneys are powerful chemical factories that perform the following functions:
- Remove waste products from the body
- Remove drugs from the body
- Balance the body’s fluids
- Release hormones that regulate blood pressure
- Produce an active form of vitamin D that promotes strong, healthy bones
- Control the production of red blood cells
What causes Acute Kidney Injury?
Sudden loss of kidneys function is called “Acute Kidney Injury” or “Acute Renal Failure (ARF)”. It has three main causes:
- Lack of blood flow to the kidneys
- Direct damage to the kidney themselves
- Urine backed up in the kidney
This can happen when you :
- Have a traumatic injury with blood loss
- Are dehydrated (in case of severe diarrhea and vomiting)
- Have a blocked urine flow , which can happen with an enlarged Prostate Gland.
- Take specific drug or are around certain toxins
- Get complications with a pregnancy such as eclampsia or pre-eclampsia.
What causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
Kidneys that don’t work for longer than 3 months are called “Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)” or “Chronic Kidney Failure (CRF)”.
It’s dangerous, because you may not have any symptoms until a lot of damage that often can’t be repaired, has happened.
Main causes are :
- Diabetes (type 1 and 2)
- High blood pressure
- Immune system diseases such as HIV, hepatitis A & B, or any long term viral illness
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Polycystic kidney disease, where fluid filled cysts are formed in the kidneys.
- Long term use of drugs and medications like pain killers.
Symptoms which indicate that your kidneys are damaged :
- Increased urination, especially at night
- Decreased urination
- Blood in the urine (not a common symptom of chronic renal failure)
- Urine that is cloudy or tea-coloured
- Puffy eyes, hands, and feet (called edema)
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting (this is a common symptom)
- Thirst
- Bad taste in the mouth or bad breath
- Weight loss
- Generalized, persistent itchy skin
- Muscle twitching or cramping
- A yellowish-brown tint to the skin
KIDNEY STONES :
A kidney stone is a solid piece of material that forms in a kidney when substances that are normally found in the urine become highly concentrated. A stone may stay in the kidney or travel down the urinary tract. Kidney stones vary in size. A small stone may pass on its own, causing little or no pain. A larger stone may get stuck along the urinary tract and can block the flow of urine, causing severe pain or bleeding.
ROLE OF HOMEOPATHY IN KIDNEY DISEASES:
Homeopathy is one of the most popular holistic systems of medicine. The selection of remedy is based upon the theory of individualization and symptoms similarity by using holistic approach. This is the only way through which a state of complete health can be regained by removing all the sign and symptoms from which the patient is suffering. The aim of homeopathy is not only to treat kidney pain but to address its underlying cause and individual susceptibility. Some important remedies are given below for the treatment of kidney problems:
Apis mel, Cantharis, Benzoic Acid, Apocynum, Lycopodium, Nitric Acid, Sarsaparilla, Urtica Urens, Berberis Vul, Aconite, Terebinthina, Belladonna, Ocimum Can and various other medicines.