adequate fluid intake is seen as Mootrala (diuretic and cleansing) for the kidneys. Elderly or
Vata-dominant persons are advised to drink warm liquids in moderation to avoid Agni
(digestive fire) impairment and to support mutravaha srotas. In summary, while modern
medicine uses lab screening for GFR and proteins, Ayurveda relies on constitutional
assessment (prakruti), symptom surveillance, and lifestyle (including hydration) to catch
early renal imbalance. Integrating both approaches – e.g. correlating urine changes with
biochemical markers – could enhance early detection.
8. Psychosomatic Relationships with Kidney Disease
The interplay between mind and kidney health is an important, if sometimes
underappreciated, aspect of nephrology. Psychological stress, anxiety, and depression are
both consequences of and contributors to kidney disease. Physiologically, chronic stress
triggers sustained sympathetic overactivity, raising blood pressure and releasing cortisol,
which can damage renal microcirculation over time. Stress also impairs glycemic control,
compounding diabetes-related kidney injury. Thus, persistent psychosocial strain is
considered a risk factor for accelerating CKD progression. Conversely, living with CKD or
undergoing dialysis imposes heavy mental burdens – patients frequently face depression,
anxiety, and reduced quality of life. This psychological distress can worsen adherence to
treatment and dietary restrictions, creating a vicious cycle: for example, a depressed patient
may neglect fluid or dietary limits, causing fluid overload or electrolyte imbalance that further
harms the kidneys. Medical surveys show high rates (often >50%) of anxiety and depression
among dialysis patients. These emotions also manifest physically; in Ayurveda, the kidneys
are associated with Ojas (vital essence) and Apan Vayu, which can be disrupted by Vata’s
agitation, illustrating the mind-body paradigm.
Coping mechanisms and social support improve outcomes. Stress-management techniques
(mindfulness, meditation, yoga) have been shown to lower blood pressure and cortisol,
potentially slowing CKD progression.Furthermore, psychosocial support (family, counseling)
helps patients maintain treatment regimens and lifestyle changes. In sum, kidney disease is
not purely biomedical but deeply psychosomatic: emotional well-being can influence kidney
health via neurohormonal pathways, and vice versa.Comprehensive care for kidney patients
must therefore include mental health support alongside medical treatment.
9. Lack of Awareness and a Hypothetical Case Example
Awareness of kidney disease remains remarkably low, even in populations with high
prevalence. Globally, only about 10% of individuals with CKD know they have it. In the
US, nearly 9 out of 10 adults with CKD are unaware of their condition. This “silent epidemic”
of undiagnosed CKD means many patients present late, often with complications or in end-
stage. Contributing factors include the asymptomatic nature of early CKD and lack of routine
screening in primary care.
Hypothetical Case Example: Imagine Raj, a 55-year-old man with type 2 diabetes and
borderline blood pressure. He rarely visits a doctor and assumes his occasional fatigue is
just age or busy work. He feels fine, drinks alcohol socially, and eats a typical diet high in
salt. Unbeknownst to him, his kidneys are gradually failing. Without routine blood or urine
tests, Raj’s CKD (stage 3) goes unchecked for years. He begins to notice swelling in his
ankles and nighttime cramps, but still has no idea the kidneys are involved. Finally, during a
hospital visit for unrelated surgery, blood tests reveal high serum creatinine and a GFR of
45. Only then is chronic kidney disease diagnosed. By this time, Raj requires multiple
interventions (dietary salt restriction, medications to control blood pressure and proteinuria)
to slow further decline.