Urea is a toxic biochemical compound produced by the breakdown of nitrogenous chemicals produced by the breakdown of proteins in the body. It is a waste product which has to be eliminated by urine on a regular basis to keep the body healthy. In people with a malfunctioning kidney, urea is not excreted out as effectively due to which it starts accumulating in the body beyond safe levels.
The normal range of urea in blood is 7 to 20 mg/dl. This may be variable depending upon the reference range used and the age of the patient etc. For an older patient the normal values of blood urea are different and mostly higher than for a young adult.
Nevertheless, high levels of urea in blood are a serious concern which should be checked in time to prevent damage to the vital body organs and worsening of kidney function. Given below are a few ways in which blood urea levels can be checked and controlled naturally.
Natural Ways to Reduce Urea Levels In Blood
1. REDUCE PROTEIN INTAKE IN DIET
Proteins are the main food products that are broken down to produce urea in blood. Therefore, for a patient in Uremia (raised urea levels in blood), it is important to severely restrict protein in his diet. Limiting animal fats, cottage cheese, lentils, chick peas etc. is a good option to start with.The patient can stick to egg whites to meet his protein demands and follow a calculated diet chart which allows him to take the maximum permissible protein that can be safely taken on a daily basis.
2. LIMITING ALCOHOL INTAKE
Alcohol is metabolised in the liver to produce harmful toxins that can damage the kidneys. It also puts pressure on the kidneys by acting as a stimulant. For a kidney with impaired function, alcohol intake may worsen the blood composition and create difficulties for the patient. So it is better that such patients stay away from alcohol as far as possible.3. WATCH SALT LEVELS
Something as basic as a low sodium diet can have very regulatory effect over high urea levels in the body. Salt is mostly filtered and regulated in the long loops of the Kidney Nephrons. When the kidneys are not functioning properly, it becomes difficult for them to effectively filter out salt from the body. Renal hypertension which may cause or develop as a result of deranged kidney function is also dependent a lot on the salt levels in blood.4. POTASSIUM MANAGEMENT
This is especially important for people on dialysis although in the initial stages of compromised kidney function, potassium levels just need to be monitored. Potassium is an important mineral for the body which regulates the salt levels in the cells. Its levels are also maintained in blood with the regulatory control of the kidneys.With optimum potassium levels in the body, load on the kidneys would drastically reduce giving them enough time to cope with high urea levels.
5. INCREASE VITAMIN C INTAKE
Vitamin C is one of the best anti – oxidants for the body. It is wonderful to prevent free radical damage to the kidneys and also helps to control levels of Iron in the body (Kidney patients usually develop Anemia due to the absence of erythropoietin hormone in the body).With a good intake of vitamin C, kidneys are stimulated to produce more urine which helps in the elimination of urea and creatinine effectively.
6. BITTER GOURD JUICE
Bitter gourd is a boon for people with kidney problems especially associated with Diabetes. Bitter gourd is a great regulator of blood sugar and naturally detoxifies the body. It also helps cleanse the blood by flushing out toxic chemicals from the body.Ayurvedic point of view on raised urea levels in the body
As per Ayurveda, toxins are produced in the body which are recognised as "Ama". If not eliminated by the body Ama accumulates in the body creating problems in different body organs. Urea can also be considered as a type of Ama which when not removed from the body may start producing problems in the body.Natural Supplements to lower blood urea levels
1. MUTRAKRICHANTAKA CHURNA
It is a herbal blend containing Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa), Varun (Crateva Nurula), Gokshur (Tribulus terestris) and Kaasni (Chicorium Intybus). It is great for eliminating harmful metabolites in the urine which helps in aiding Kidney function.Preparation -1tsf twice daily with plain water after meals. It can be taken as a decoction as well by boiling 1 tsp. powder in 100 ml of water until it remains just 30 ml. This should also be consumed one to two times a day.
2. RENCURE FORMULA
It is a herbal Capsule formula containing Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa), Varun (Crateva Nurula), Gokshur (Tribulus terestris), Palaash (Butea monospermum) and Rakta Chandan (Pterocarpus Santalinus). It is another great herbal supplement with no side effects and absolutely safe for consumption.DOSE:- 2 Capsules, twice daily with plain water after meals.
3. PUNARNAVA MANDUR
It is a classical ayurvedic preparation that is especially good for high urea levels with Anemia. A pure herbal formula containing Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa) and natural Iron for the body punarnava is one of Ayurveda's most used supplements.DOSE:- 2 tablets, thrice daily with plain water after meals.
4. VARUNADI VATI
It is also a classical Ayurvedic preparation with the following constituents, Punarnava (Boerrhavia diffusa), Varun (Crateva Nurula), Gokshur (Tribulus terestris) and Shuddh Guggul (Commiphora mukul). It works to stimulate production of adequate amounts of urine that can flush out excess urea and creatinine from blood.DOSE:- 2 tablets, twice daily with plain water after meals.