Present work is a case control study for which 62 subjects had been recruited in each group to assess the possible causes of CKD especially in context of Rakta- Meda vitiating diet. In case group, diagnosed patients of CKD in accordance with KDIGO criteria, age ≥20 yrs. and chronicity ≤1 yr. were enrolled. Whereas in control group age and gender matched healthy individuals were selected. A closed ended questionnaire containing demographic details, potential dietary and lifestyle factors on the basis of classics and relevant examinations was prepared and used for data collection. For case subjects, already carried out laboratory investigations (to diagnose CKD) had been documented. However, in control group hemoglobin, complete blood count, fasting blood sugar, lipid profile, renal profile, urine routine and microscopic investigations were carried out to rule out any metabolic and renal diseases.

Obtained data from survey of case and control groups had been presented in tabular form and statistical tests such as chi square, odds ratio, confidence interval (CI) and logistic regression analysis were applied and interpreted. In this study, maximum participants observed were of age group 61-70 yrs. (case and control- 30.64% each), male (case and control- 59.67% each), Hindu (case-88.7%, control- 96.77%), married (case- 88.7%, control- 91.93%), urban resident (case- 80.64%, control- 91.93%), Jangala Desha (case- 98.38%, control- 100%), secondary education (case- 35.48%, control- 22.58%), housewife (case- 37.09%, control- 32.25%), lower middle and middle class (case- 45.16% each, control- 17.74% and 80.64% respectively), insidious onset of disease (case- 61.29%), diabetic (case- 43.54%), hypertensive (case- 80.64%), positive family history of type â…¡ DM (case- 20.96%, control- 4.83%) and HTN (case- 16.12%, control- 6.45%).

On comparing the probable causative factors from case and control groups following remained highly significant or significant: 1) Rakta vitiating factors- Frequent or regular intake of black gram (p - 0.0405), food that cause burning sensation (p - 0.0162), food that is sharp in nature (p - 0.0028), salty food (p - 0.0063) and mid-day sun exposure (p - 0.0212) were observed. 2) Meda vitiating factors- Frequent or regular intake of non-veg diet (p -0.0006), Guru Guna dominant diet (p - 0.0000), deep fried food (p - 0.0000), fine flour products (p - 0.0055), buffalo or full fat milk (p - 0.0102), curd (p - 0.0027), fish (p - 0.0209) and positive family history of type â…¡ diabetes mellitus (p - 0.0135) were found.

Based on this study it can be concluded that, as kidney is formed by Rakta and Meda Dhatu, dietary and lifestyle factors vitiating them can contribute to development, manifestation and progression of CKD. Therefore, null hypothesis is rejected and alternative hypothesis i.e., there is positive association between Rakta- Meda vitiating diet and CKD is accepted.