Fact Check: Can Fermented Millets Miraculously Cure Kidney and Liver Failure?
An Instagram reel claims that Fermented Millets Miraculously Cures Kidney and Liver Failure. The claim by the user is FALSE.
Claim
In an Instagram reel, it is claimed that Fermented Millets Miraculously Cures Kidney and Liver Failure. In the reel posted by grains.of.devbhoomi it is said, "Fermented millets work like a miraculous remedy in fighting cancer, curing kidney failure, and healing liver failure. So how do you ferment millets? Take one bowl of millets. Wash them with normal water. Soak them for 6 to 8 hours in approximately six times the amount of water. So, how much water compared to the bowl? Six times the bowl of water. After soaking, heat them on a low flame for 15 to 20 minutes. Once they are cooked, let them cool down and transfer them to a clay pot. Cover the pot with a fine, thin cotton cloth. Let it sit for fermentation for 6 to 8 hours. In colder weather, it may take up to 12 hours. In summer, fermentation happens faster. Now, how do you eat this? Make a mint and coriander chutney. Mix two spoons of fermented millet in it. Take a banana. Grate some coconut, mix it with water, and squeeze it through a cloth to extract coconut milk. Mix the millet with this coconut milk and drink it like a shake. Or, if you're making vegetables at home, just add two to three spoons of fermented millet into them and eat. Basically, good bacteria have developed in this – that’s the whole idea."
The reel has 1,740 likes and can be accessed here.
Fact Check
The user's claim is FALSE. While fermented millet may provide certain nutritional benefits, there is no scientific evidence to support the claim that they can reverse kidney and liver failure.
What are Millets?
Millets are a diverse group of small-seeded grains that have been cultivated for thousands of years across various parts of the world, especially in India. Known for their high nutritional value, millets are rich in fibre, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They are naturally gluten-free, making them an ideal dietary choice for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. These grains can be consumed in multiple forms—either cooked whole as porridge or ground into flour to prepare a variety of foods like bread, cakes, and pasta.
In India, popular millets like Jowar (sorghum), Bajra (pearl millet), Ragi (finger millet), Foxtail, Little, Barnyard, Proso, Kodo, and Browntop millet are widely cultivated. They are mostly grown as rainfed crops but can also thrive under irrigated conditions with minimal inputs. Jowar and Bajra are common in states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, and can be grown in both Kharif and Rabi seasons. Finger millet is predominantly grown in Karnataka and other southern states and is known for its ability to grow in highly alkaline soils. These crops are drought-resistant, require minimal ploughing and fertilizer, and often double as fodder due to their nutrient-rich stalks and leaves, making them sustainable and eco-friendly options in agriculture.
What are the Health Benefits of Millets?
Millets offer numerous health benefits, making them a vital part of a balanced and nutritious diet. Rich in non-starchy polysaccharides and dietary fibre, they help regulate blood sugar levels, making them ideal for individuals with diabetes. Their low glycemic index further aids in maintaining glucose balance. Millets are also gluten-free, providing a safe grain option for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity. Additionally, the high soluble fibre and protein content support gut health and help reduce cholesterol levels, promoting cardiovascular wellness.
Each type of millet has its own unique nutritional profile. Ragi (finger millet) is an excellent source of calcium, supporting bone strength, blood vessel integrity, muscle function, and nerve transmission. Kodo millet, rich in iron, helps purify the blood, manage hypertension, and boost immune function. Foxtail millet benefits brain health, while Little millet supports thyroid function. Browntop millet is known for its anti-cancer properties, and Barnyard millet, often consumed during fasts, is good for liver health. These grains, known collectively as "nutri-cereals," are recommended for regular dietary rotation to maximize health benefits.
Millets are also gaining global recognition, with the International Year of Millets 2023 highlighting their importance in nutrition, sustainable agriculture, and economic development. From traditional recipes like millet rotis and khichdi to modern innovations such as millet pancakes, dosas, cookies, and breads, millets are being embraced across culinary platforms. Soaking the grains before cooking enhances digestibility, and their inclusion in daily meals can combat hidden hunger and contribute to the goal of zero hunger, while also uplifting farmer livelihoods.
What is Kidney Failure?
Kidney failure, also known as end-stage kidney disease (ESKD), occurs when the kidneys lose about 85–90% of their function and can no longer filter waste or maintain essential bodily functions. At this advanced stage, the kidneys are unable to effectively remove toxins and excess fluid, regulate blood pressure, produce red blood cells, or maintain bone health. As waste and fluid build up in the body, individuals may feel increasingly unwell, showing signs like swelling, fatigue, and nausea.
There is no cure for kidney failure, but treatment options such as dialysis or a kidney transplant can help manage the condition and extend life. Dialysis performs the blood-filtering role of the kidneys, while a kidney transplant can offer a more permanent solution by replacing the failed kidneys. With proper treatment and care, many people with kidney failure can lead longer, more productive lives.
What is Liver Failure?
Liver failure is a life-threatening condition where the liver loses its ability to function properly. This vital organ is responsible for detoxifying the blood, producing essential proteins, and aiding in digestion. When the liver can no longer perform these tasks adequately, it affects the entire body. There are two types of failure:
Acute liver failure develops quickly, often due to toxins (like acetaminophen overdose) or viral infections, and is a medical emergency.
Chronic liver failure progresses slowly over time, often due to long-term liver diseases like hepatitis or alcohol-related liver damage, eventually leading to cirrhosis and irreversible liver damage that cannot be cured.
Can Fermented Millets Miraculously Cure Kidney and Liver Failure?
Fermented millets are nutritious and can be part of a healthy diet and provide health benefits, but there is no scientific evidence supporting their ability to "miraculously cure" kidney or liver failure.
Fermented millets, known for their enhanced bioavailability and probiotic potential, are gaining attention for their role in managing chronic metabolic diseases. A study led by Xia Liu et. al. found that incorporating fermented and germinated foxtail millet whole grains into the diet significantly reduced kidney tissue damage.
Further, an article published in Frontiers in Nutrition, found that regular consumption of fermented and germinated foxtail millet is linked to improved kidney function and better long-term glycemic control, as evidenced by reductions in HbA1c levels.
While fermented millet may offer potential health benefits and could aid in managing conditions like diabetes, there is currently no scientific evidence or established medical consensus to support the user's claim.
Dr Kartikey Kohli, Internal Medicine Consultant at Sitaram Bhartia Hospital in a conversation with The Medical Dialogues Fact Check Team said, "There is no scientific evidence to support the claim that fermented millets can reverse or cure kidney failure. Kidney failure, whether acute or chronic, is a complex medical condition that requires timely diagnosis which cannot be cured and appropriate clinical intervention, including medications, dialysis, or kidney transplant depending on severity.
Fermented millets are nutritious and may support general health due to their rich fiber, probiotics, and antioxidant content. They can be a part of a kidney-friendly diet in early stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) if appropriately recommended by a doctor or dietitian. However, relying on them as a sole treatment can delay critical medical care and worsen disease progression.
Misleading claims suggesting “miraculous” recovery through food items like fermented millets can fuel dangerous medical misinformation, potentially causing harm to vulnerable patients.
Patients with kidney failure should always consult a doctor and follow evidence-based treatment protocols. Incorporating healthy foods must be done under professional guidance, considering potassium, phosphorus, and protein restrictions in CKD diets."
Dr Aman Rathore, DNB, Critical Care Medicine, Max Super Speciality Hospital responded to the claim and said, "Fermented millets are undoubtedly nutrient-rich and may contribute to overall health by supporting gut health and metabolic function. However, there is no scientific or clinical evidence to suggest that they can regenerate liver cells or reverse liver failure.
Liver failure—whether acute or chronic—is a serious, life-threatening condition which cannot be cured and requires prompt and specialized medical intervention. Treatment may involve hospitalization, medications, and in severe cases, a liver transplant. Suggesting that fermented millets can act as a “miracle cure” is not only medically inaccurate but also potentially harmful, particularly if it causes patients to delay or forgo evidence-based care.
In advanced liver disease, dietary restrictions are often necessary to manage complications such as ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and disturbances in protein metabolism. Even healthy foods must be consumed cautiously under medical supervision.
Management of liver failure should always be guided by a qualified doctor, with individualized treatment plans based on clinical status and liver function tests. While fermented millets can be part of a balanced diet, their inclusion must be carefully tailored—not mistaken as a cure."
Medical Dialogues Final Take
Fermented millets are nutritious grains that may support the management of chronic metabolic conditions, improve kidney function, and aid in long-term blood sugar control. However, they are not a cure for kidney or liver failure. Further, there is no scientific evidence or medical consensus to back the claim that Fermented Millets Miraculously Cures Kidney and Liver Failure.
The claim by the user is FALSE.
