Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) Treatment in Ayurveda

FOCAL SEGMENTAL GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS (FSGS): OVERVIEW

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a kind of glomerular disease which is characterized by scarring (sclerosis) in the kidneys. The scarring generally occurs in small sections of the glomeruli --- the parts of the kidneys which are responsible for filtering waste from the body. Initially, only a limited number of glomeruli are damaged because of the scarring.

The scarring of the glomeruli in Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis can occur because of a number of reasons. The reasons behind the occurrence of FSGS categorize the disease into three types: (i) Primary FSGS, which occurs without any known cause; (ii) Secondary FSGS, which can be triggered by an infection, drug toxicity, or diseases which affect the whole body, like diabetes, sickle cell disease, lupus, or HIV infection; and (iii) Genetic FSGS, which is caused by genetic mutations.

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis is known by some other names also, such as ‘Focal glomerular sclerosis’ or ‘Focal nodular glomerulosclerosis.’

This disease can affect children as well as adults; with men at a slightly higher risk of developing the disease as compared to women. When the disease affects children and adolescents, it can lead to Nephrotic Syndrome (a set of symptoms which occur together and affect the kidneys); and, when it occurs in adults, it can lead to kidney failure.

FOCAL SEGMENTAL GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS (FSGS): SYMPTOMS

People affected by Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis may not show any particular symptoms of the disease in its early stages. Later, some affected individuals may notice some signs on their own, or the disease may be officially diagnosed by a doctor or healthcare provider.

Some of the common symptoms which are generally associated with the occurrence of Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis are:

• Edema (swelling around the eyes and in the legs/ankles)
• Proteinuria (foamy urine, due to high levels of protein in the urine)
• Weight gain, because of accumulation of fluid in the body
• High cholesterol levels (high levels of fat lipids in the blood)
• Low protein levels in the blood.

In the advanced stage of FSGS, the symptoms of the disease are usually similar to those of kidney failure. These symptoms may include loss of appetite, fatigue, nausea, headache, itchiness of skin, and shortness of breath.

FOCAL SEGMENTAL GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS (FSGS): TREATMENT

The treatment of Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis may be different for different patients because it largely depends on the cause of the disease. Some of the treatments for managing FSGS include: Corticosteroids (mostly called ‘Steroids’), Diuretics, Immunosuppressive drugs, ACE inhibitors and ARBs, Plasmapheresis, and Dietary changes. However, in advanced stages of the disease, the patients may be required to undergo Kidney transplant or Dialysis.

Some beneficial herbal products for managing the symptoms of Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis have been prepared by Ayurveda experts at Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company. These products are completely safe to use because they are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs.

Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products for the management of Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis include:

Herbal Remedies for Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis

1. Mutrakrichantak Churna

This product is an excellent supplement, in powder form, especially for maintaining kidney health. The powder is prepared from some extremely beneficial herbs including Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), and a few other herbs.

The use of the churna is particularly beneficial for patients suffering from Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis because of the ability of its herbal components to manage kidney disorders, keep the urinary system healthy, treat infections of the urinary tract, control high uric acid, provide relief in painful micturition, and bring down the elevated levels of elevated urea and creatinine in the body.

Dosage: 1 Teaspoonful twice daily warm with water and for best result Boil 1 Teaspoonful in 400ml water until it remains 50-60ml. Filter the preparation with a regular tea strainer and drink. You should use this once in morning 45min. after breakfast and similarly in evening 45min. after dinner. Prepare fresh every time as per this.

2. Rencure Formula Capsules

The combination of herbs used for the preparation of these capsules is particularly useful for managing the disorders related to the kidneys. These herbs include Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Palaash (Butea monosperma), Kaasni (Cichorium intybus), and Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris).

People suffering from Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis can benefit from the use of these capsules because their herbal components have proven properties to maintain a healthy urinary system, support kidney health, eliminated harmful toxins, strengthen the kidneys, relieve painful micturition, maintain healthy flow of urine, maintain healthy urea and creatinine levels, and balance the ‘Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’ doshas of the body.

Dosage: 2 Capsules, twice daily with warm water after meals.

3. Varunadi Vati Tablets

The potent herbs which are used for preparing these tablets include Shuddha Guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Varun (Crataeva nurvala), Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa).

The use of these tablets can benefit Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis patients because the herbal ingredients of the tablets are known for their ability to maintain kidney health, have a laxative action, keep the immune system healthy, maintain a good flow of urine, control urea and creatinine levels, promote healthy functioning of the kidneys, support the urinary system, and alleviate the pain resulting from kidney stones.

Dosage: 2 Tablets, thrice daily with warm water after meals.

4. Punarnava Mandoor Tablets

These tablets work as an amazing natural supplement because of the beneficial actions of their herbal components which include: Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Mandoor Bhasma (Ferric oxide calx), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Chitrak Mool (Plumbago zeylanica), Chavya (Piper chaba), and Vidanga (Embelia ribes).

The proven benefits of the herbs used for preparing these tablets can manage Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis symptoms by maintaining healthy kidneys, supporting the urinary system, increasing blood count, improving the quality and composition of blood, treating anaemia, controlling cholesterol, lowering the levels of urea and creatinine, and removing toxins from the body.

Dosage: 2 Tablets, thrice daily with warm water after meals.

5. Chandanadi Vati

This is a classical Ayurvedic formulation. It contains herbs and minerals like Safed chandan (Santalum album), Kababchini (Piper cubeba), Safed ral (Shorea robusta), Gandhabiroja (Pinus longifolia), Katha (Sanegellia catechu), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Gairik (Red ochre), etc.

This classical remedy is very beneficial in providing relief from kidney disorders. It provides a calming and soothing effect on the urinary tract system and also provides relief from burning gut. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. It is used in the treatment of burning micturition, kidney disorders, heatstroke, burning gut, piles, fissures, etc.

Dosage- 2 Tablets, twice daily with warm water after meals.

CONCLUSION

The herbal products offered by planet Ayurveda for managing FSGS have proven abilities to support healthy kidneys and maintain the body's three doshas --- Vata, Pitta and Kapha. These completely vegetarian products are prepared from standardized extracts of natural herbs, and do not contain any chemicals, artificial colors, preservatives, starch, yeast, fillers, binders or additives. All the herbs used for preparing these herbal products have been mentioned in ancient Ayurvedic literature.