Kidney disease happens when the kidneys become damaged and can no longer do their job properly. The kidneys are important organs that help remove waste and extra fluids from the blood. When they don’t work well, it can lead to serious health problems.
If kidney function drops too low, a person may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. This stage is called end-stage renal disease.
But for many people in the early or middle stages of kidney disease, it is possible to manage the condition without dialysis. With the right lifestyle changes and medical care, kidney function can be maintained, and life can be healthier.
One of the most important steps in managing kidney disease is eating the right foods. A kidney-friendly diet reduces the stress on the kidneys. One key part is lowering salt (sodium) intake.
Too much salt can raise blood pressure and make the body retain too much fluid, which harms the kidneys. Health experts recommend less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day, and even less for people with kidney problems.
Protein is also something to watch. We need protein to stay healthy, but too much can make the kidneys work harder. People with kidney disease should eat moderate amounts of protein. Good sources include lean meats, fish, beans, and lentils. The exact amount should be based on a doctor’s advice.
Other nutrients to manage include potassium and phosphorus. These can build up in the body if the kidneys are not working well. High levels can cause health problems.
Foods like bananas, oranges, and potatoes are high in potassium and should be eaten in smaller amounts. Foods rich in phosphorus, like milk, cheese, nuts, and some meats, should also be limited. Some people may need special medicines called phosphate binders to help control phosphorus levels.
Exercise is another key part of staying healthy with kidney disease. Physical activity helps control weight, lowers blood pressure, and reduces the risk of heart disease. It also helps with blood sugar control.
The CDC suggests doing at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week, like walking or swimming, plus muscle-strengthening exercises on two or more days.
Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar is very important, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure. These are the top causes of kidney disease.
Medications like ACE inhibitors and ARBs can protect the kidneys and help lower blood pressure. Regular checkups and staying within your target blood pressure range can slow down kidney damage.
For people with diabetes, it is important to keep blood sugar levels in the healthy range. This can prevent further damage to the kidneys. Eating well, taking medicine, and checking blood sugar regularly all help.
Drinking the right amount of water is also important. The kidneys need water to work properly, but drinking too much can be harmful for people with kidney disease. A doctor can help decide how much fluid is right for each person.
Regular medical visits are important. Blood and urine tests can show how well the kidneys are working. Tests like the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) can detect problems early. Catching kidney issues early gives a better chance to slow down or stop the damage.
In conclusion, kidney disease can often be managed without dialysis if you follow a healthy lifestyle, eat the right foods, stay active, control blood pressure and blood sugar, drink the right amount of water, and get regular medical care. These steps can help people live better and keep their kidneys working longer.
If you care about kidney health, please read studies about how to protect your kidneys from diabetes, and drinking coffee could help reduce risk of kidney injury.
For more information about kidney health, please see recent studies about foods that may prevent recurrence of kidney stones, and eating nuts linked to lower risk of chronic kidney disease and death.
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