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| - Last Updated on June 26, 2024 by Dr Priyamvada
Quick Take
A Facebook video claims that sitting in hot water or Hot Water Immersion can cure Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This claim is made by Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury, a self-proclaimed doctor whose credentials and claims have been widely discredited. We investigated these claims and found them to be False.
The Claim
In a Facebook video, Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury claims that immersing oneself in hot water can cure end-stage kidney disease and other conditions such as blocked arteries, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. He suggests this method can replace dialysis and promote significant weight loss.
Fact Check
Is Dr Biswaroop Roy Chowdhary really a doctor?
Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury is a self-proclaimed doctor, known for promoting medical conspiracy theories about COVID-19, HIV/AIDS, and diabetes. His claims have been widely discredited, leading to the termination of his YouTube and social media accounts for spreading misleading health advice.
Chowdhury has authored several self-published books and created two films. Despite claiming to be a doctor, he lacks formal medical qualifications. He has an honorary PhD in “diabetes science” from an unaccredited university, Alliance International University in Zambia, which is considered an “online scam.” He also runs World Records University, which reportedly sells fraudulent PhDs. This is basically a Diploma Mill.
In his 2019 book, “Diabetes Type 1 & Type 2 Cure in 72 Hrs,” Chowdhury controversially argues that diabetes is a “political disease” and a deception by modern medical science. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he released a video calling face masks “a form of slavery” and advised against vaccines, claiming they were part of a lethal conspiracy.
Additionally, his advertisements for curing diabetes were found false and misleading by the Advertising Standards Council of India in 2016 and 2017, violating the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Chowdhury has faced legal issues, including a criminal complaint for falsely claiming to be a medical practitioner and offering fraudulent treatments. This resulted in the death of a diabetic patient.
What is the Hot Water Immersion method?
Hot Water Immersion (HWI) involves a patient sitting in a bathtub with hot water (40°C) up to their neck. The air pressure above the neck is 1 atmosphere (atm), while the pressure below the neck increases slightly due to the water depth, creating a pressure differential of about 2% (1 atm + 20 cm of water).
This pressure differential results in negative pressure breathing, leading to a 20% increase in the heart’s stroke volume. Consequently, the heart pumps more blood, redistributing it from the lower body to the upper torso.
This redistribution of blood from the kidneys to the upper body triggers certain chemical changes. Within two hours of immersion, levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (Ilira), heat shock proteins (Hsp72 and 1Hsp72), and nitric oxide (NO) increase. Meanwhile, levels of norepinephrine, vasopressin, and renin decrease.
Chowdhury claims that HWI can:
- Act as a form of dialysis by removing toxins from the body
- Increase sodium excretion by five times
- Double potassium excretion
- Triple urine volume
- Reduce weight and swelling
However, these claims are false and lack medical validation. Scientific evidence does not support the claim that HWI can replace dialysis or cause significant changes in electrolyte excretion and urine volume. The claim that Hot Water Immersion can cure Chronic Kidney Disease is hence not true.
What is the GRAD system?
The GRAD (Gravitational Resistance and Diet) system, proposed by Chowdhury, claims to cure various chronic diseases, including CKD, through specific dietary and resistance practices. The system involves a combination of diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. Chowdhury claims that this system can cure CKD, blocked arteries, high blood pressure, diabetes, and other conditions. However, these claims lack scientific validation.
What is Chronic Kidney Disease?
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys do not function effectively, leading to a gradual decline in kidney function. It can progress to kidney failure, necessitating dialysis or a kidney transplant. Symptoms include fatigue, swollen ankles, and difficulty concentrating. Common causes include diabetes and high blood pressure. CKD can be managed to slow its progression and alleviate symptoms, but currently, it cannot be cured.
Is there any scientific evidence for his claims?
While doing our research we came across three studies mentioned on his website:
- The study on the “Effectiveness of Gravitational Resistance and Diet (GRAD) system in reversing chronic kidney disease (CKD) among dialysis patients,” conducted jointly by Shridhar University and Dayanand University, is unreliable because of bias due to its close association with Biswaroop Roy Chowdhary. This affiliation compromises the study’s reliability, as it lacks independent verification and proper peer review. Key scientific standards like randomization and blinding were not followed. Thus, raising doubts about the validity of the findings. Moreover, the study’s methodology, including small sample sizes and absence of control groups, compromises its credibility. These factors, coupled with the absence of replication in unbiased scientific settings, raise significant doubt on the reliability and validity of its conclusions. The association of BR Chowdhary also raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest. This further emphasises the need for more objective scrutiny before accepting its claims.
- The DIP diet study does not directly relate to CKD but claims to address other chronic conditions. It shares similar issues of bias and poor methodology, with results not replicable in unbiased settings. The study’s interventional nature without proper controls and comprehensive data analysis weakens its conclusions. The lack of transparency in the study design and outcome reporting further diminishes its scientific credibility.
- To add more, he has published his researches in
- Journal of Metabolic Syndrome
- International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research
These are predatory journals. These journals take advantage of the academic publishing system for profit, charging fees without offering genuine editorial or peer review support. They prioritise making money over upholding scientific standards, often publishing subpar or even fabricated research. This, once again, confirms his fraudulent and deceptive nature.
What does the eBook say, mentioned in the claim video?
BR Chowdhury’s eBook, “End of Transplant,” makes several unverified claims about curing CKD through non-conventional methods. He suggests that immersing in hot water and following the GRAD system can effectively treat CKD. However, the eBook lacks citations from peer-reviewed scientific literature, making its assertions scientifically invalid. The anecdotal evidence presented is insufficient to support the claims, and the recommendations do not align with established medical guidelines for CKD treatment. The book relies heavily on personal testimonials and observational data without rigorous scientific validation. And, this is inadequate to substantiate such significant health claims.
Can the GRAD system and Hot Water Immersion method cure CKD?
No, there is no scientific evidence supporting the GRAD system and HWI method’s effectiveness in curing CKD. Established medical research emphasises controlling underlying conditions like diabetes and hypertension, alongside dialysis or transplantation for advanced cases. The GRAD system’s claims are not supported by peer-reviewed studies or clinical trials. Moreover, following such unproven methods can delay effective medical treatment, or worse, prove to be detrimental.
What do the experts say?
Dr Avreen Shah, Consultant Urologist in Shah Hospital Advanced Laparoscopic Gynae and Urology Centre, Ludhiana, Punjab, states, “First of all, so called ‘Dr’ Biswaroop is not a doctor in terms of medical knowledge, so I don’t think his understanding works. The skin acts as an organ itself, removing waste in the form of sweat from the body. Immersing it in water will not only block its function but also would not provide any benefits. Otherwise, swimmers would never have issues like hypertension, kidney problems, or arterial blockages. The rule of medicine is that it should apply to all. If swimmers have these conditions, it’s pretty obvious they can’t be cured by being submerged in water. In fact, if that worked, then in normal human beings, urine output would decrease after getting submerged in water. According to his theory, the skin would act like a kidney, which doesn’t happen at all.”
Dr Ubaid ur Rahman, a General Physician, at Holy Mission Clinic, New Delhi, shares his opinion, “You can not cure CKD through ‘hot water immersion or the GRAD system’. These claims are not supported by any credible scientific evidence. CKD is a serious medical condition that requires proper medical care. Misleading patients with false cures can lead to harmful consequences and delay essential treatment. Effective management of CKD involves medication, lifestyle changes, and in advanced stages, dialysis or a kidney transplant. Relying on unproven methods like those proposed by Chowdhury, who is not even a doctor, is dangerous and unethical.”
Therefore, we can firmly say that the claim Hot Water Immersion can cure Chronic Kidney Disease is categorically false.
Can CKD be cured?
Currently, there’s no cure for CKD. The condition can be managed to slow its progression and improve quality of life. In cases where CKD progresses to kidney failure, treatments include dialysis or a kidney transplant. Ongoing research aims to find more effective treatments, but as of now, there is no cure.
What is the treatment for CKD?
Treatment for CKD involves managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and hypertension, taking prescribed medications, and making lifestyle changes like following a kidney-friendly diet. You should avoid certain medications that can harm the kidneys. Some of the drugs that can harm your kidneys are: aspirin, naproxen and ibuprofen. Alcohol, antibiotics and oral sodium phosphate (OSP) affect your kidneys too, so be careful. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is essential to manage the condition effectively and prevent complications.
Conclusion
Biswaroop Roy Chowdhury’s claims about curing CKD through hot water immersion and the GRAD system are baseless. Patients should rely on evidence-based medical treatments and not trust random videos on the internet to self treat their conditions. Consult healthcare professionals for managing CKD. All in all, misleading information on social media can lead to dangerous health outcomes.
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