Kidney disease happens when your kidneys become damaged and cannot filter waste and extra fluid from your blood properly.
If kidney function gets very low, it can lead to end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where treatments like dialysis or a kidney transplant are usually needed.
But for people in the early or middle stages of kidney disease, it is possible to manage the condition without needing dialysis. With the right lifestyle changes and by following medical advice, people can protect their kidneys and live a better life.
One of the most important things is diet. A kidney-friendly diet helps reduce the workload on the kidneys. This means eating less salt, because too much salt raises blood pressure and causes the body to hold on to extra fluid.
High blood pressure and fluid buildup can damage the kidneys even more. Experts recommend eating less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day—and often even less for people with kidney disease.
Protein is also important. While our bodies need protein, eating too much can stress the kidneys. People with kidney disease should eat a moderate amount of protein. Good choices include lean meats, fish, and plant-based proteins like beans and lentils.
Potassium and phosphorus are two minerals that must be managed. When kidneys don’t work well, these minerals can build up in the body and cause problems. Foods like bananas, oranges, and potatoes are high in potassium, and should be eaten in smaller amounts.
Phosphorus is found in foods like dairy, nuts, and some meats. Too much phosphorus can also be harmful, but some people may take medicine called phosphate binders to help lower the amount their body absorbs.
Staying active and keeping a healthy weight also helps. Exercise lowers blood pressure and blood sugar, and reduces the risk of heart disease—all of which support kidney health. The CDC suggests doing at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week, plus strength training a couple of days a week.
Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar is very important, especially for people with diabetes or high blood pressure—two common causes of kidney disease.
Medicines like ACE inhibitors or ARBs are often used to help lower blood pressure and protect the kidneys. Checking your blood pressure regularly and keeping it in the target range can slow down kidney damage.
If you have diabetes, keeping your blood sugar at a healthy level protects your kidneys. This means monitoring your sugar levels, taking your medicine, and eating well.
Drinking the right amount of water also matters. While it’s important to stay hydrated, too much fluid can cause swelling or high blood pressure if your kidneys can’t get rid of the extra water. A doctor can help decide how much water is right for you.
Regular doctor visits and blood tests are needed to check kidney function. Tests like GFR (glomerular filtration rate) and UACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio) show how well your kidneys are working. Catching problems early allows treatment to be adjusted in time.
In short, many people with kidney disease can avoid dialysis by eating well, staying active, keeping blood pressure and blood sugar under control, managing fluids, and getting regular checkups. Following these steps with the help of a doctor can protect your kidneys and help you live a healthier life.
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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