Kidney disease happens when the kidneys become damaged and can’t filter waste and extra fluids from the blood properly.
When the kidneys stop working well, it can lead to end-stage kidney disease, where treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed.
But for people with mild or moderate kidney disease, it is often possible to manage the condition without needing dialysis.
Making healthy lifestyle changes and following a doctor’s advice can help protect the kidneys and improve quality of life.
One of the most important steps is changing your diet. Eating foods that are gentle on the kidneys helps reduce their workload. A big part of this is lowering the amount of sodium (salt) in your meals.
Too much salt makes it harder for the kidneys to control blood pressure and can lead to fluid buildup in the body. This extra fluid puts more strain on the kidneys. Experts suggest keeping sodium intake below 2,300 milligrams per day, or even lower if your doctor recommends it.
Protein is another important part of the diet. While your body needs protein, eating too much can stress the kidneys.
People with kidney disease are usually advised to eat a moderate amount of protein, choosing healthy options like lean meat, fish, eggs, and plant-based sources such as beans and lentils. The right amount depends on how well your kidneys are working.
Potassium and phosphorus are two minerals that also need to be controlled. When kidneys are damaged, these minerals can build up in the blood and cause health problems. Foods like bananas, oranges, and potatoes are high in potassium, so they should be eaten in moderation.
Foods high in phosphorus—like cheese, nuts, and some meats—should also be limited. In some cases, doctors may give medicines called phosphate binders to help control phosphorus levels in the body.
Exercise is also helpful for managing kidney disease. Staying active helps control weight, lowers blood pressure, and keeps blood sugar in check. All of these things support kidney health. Doctors recommend getting about 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, like walking, plus doing muscle-strengthening activities a few times a week.
Keeping blood pressure and blood sugar at healthy levels is especially important. High blood pressure and diabetes are the main causes of kidney damage.
Medicines such as ACE inhibitors or ARBs can help lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys. It’s also important to check your blood pressure regularly and keep it within the range your doctor recommends.
For people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels stable helps prevent damage to the kidneys. This includes eating healthy foods, taking medication if needed, and checking blood sugar regularly.
Drinking enough water is important too, but not too much. People with kidney disease need to be careful with how much fluid they drink. Your doctor can help you decide the right amount based on your condition.
Lastly, regular check-ups and blood tests are key. These tests help your doctor see how well your kidneys are working. Two important tests are the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR). Catching problems early means treatment can start sooner to help slow down the disease.
In short, managing kidney disease without dialysis means eating the right foods, exercising, keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control, drinking the right amount of water, and getting regular check-ups. These steps can help protect your kidneys and allow you to live a healthier life.
For more health information, please read studies about important cause of kidney disease and Cruciferous vegetables may reverse kidney damage in diabetics.
For more about kidney health, please read studies about High blood pressure drugs may affect kidney health and findings of Effective home remedies for kidney infections.
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