How to Improve Kidney Function: What Every Conscious Adult Needs to Know

Did you know that 1 in 3 American adults are at risk for kidney disease? As we age, the likelihood of developing kidney problems increases. More than 1 in 7 adults have chronic kidney disease, and most are unaware of it. 

Most people with early kidney disease have no symptoms. It’s important to be proactive in order to improve kidney health, as by the time they feel unwell, their kidneys may already be significantly damaged.

Kidney disease is serious, but there’s a lot you can do to keep your kidneys healthy. This article covers everything baby boomers need to know about improving kidney health, including how your kidneys work, preventing damage through lifestyle changes, recognizing warning signs, getting tested, treatment options, and living well with kidney disease. 

Your kidneys work hard daily, so taking care of them is essential. Your future self will thank you!

What Do Healthy Kidneys Do?

Your kidneys are a pair of fist-sized organs located just below your rib cage on each side of your spine. These little powerhouses perform many vital functions:

• Kidneys filter waste products, excess water, and other impurities from your blood.
• They regulate your blood pressure. 
• They produce hormones that regulate other bodily functions, like making red blood cells and keeping your bones strong.

In short, your kidneys are essential to keeping your body in balance.

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease occurs when the kidneys become damaged and cannot perform their functions. Over time, waste can build up in the body, harming health. 

There are several types of kidney disease. The two most common are:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): Gradual loss of kidney function over time, usually due to diabetes or high blood pressure.
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Sudden loss of kidney function, often due to a specific event like dehydration or a medication side effect. AKI can sometimes lead to CKD.

Other types include kidney stones, kidney infections, and polycystic kidney disease (a genetic disorder causing cysts to grow on the kidneys).

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

One reason kidney disease is so sneaky is that you often have no symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, you may notice:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Poor appetite 
• Trouble sleeping
• Muscle cramps at night
• Swollen feet and ankles
• Puffy eyes, especially in the morning
• Dry, itchy skin
• Increased need to urinate, especially at night

How to Determine If You Are at Risk for Kidney Disease

Certain factors can increase your likelihood of developing kidney problems:

• Diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Family history of kidney failure 
• Being over 60 years old
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Frequent use of medications that can damage the kidneys, like NSAIDs

How Do You Improve Kidney Function?

While it’s impossible to reverse kidney damage completely, several ways exist to help maintain and improve kidney function. Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure is crucial, as these are major risk factors for kidney disease.

Adopting a kidney-friendly and balanced diet can also repair kidney damage by limiting sugary beverages and increasing the consumption of fruits and vegetables. Practicing home cooking helps control ingredients while staying hydrated by drinking adequate water, which aids the kidneys in filtering waste products.

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are essential, as obesity stresses the kidneys. Avoiding smoking is crucial because it damages blood vessels and increases the risk of kidney cancer. Be cautious with medications, especially over-the-counter pain medications like NSAIDs, which can harm the kidneys if taken too often. Adequate sleep is also vital for overall health, including kidney function.

Consider kidney-protective medications prescribed by your healthcare provider, such as ACE inhibitors, ARBs, SGLT2 inhibitors, or nsMRAs, to help slow down or stop the progression of kidney disease. It is also important to have regular check-ups to monitor your kidney function through tests like GFR and urine albumin. 

Remember, working with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan for maintaining or improving your kidney function is crucial. Focus on adopting healthy lifestyle habits rather than seeking quick fixes or “superfoods” that promise miraculous results.

6 Tips to Keep Your Kidneys Healthy 

The good news about kidney disease is that it’s often preventable. By making smart lifestyle choices, you can significantly lower your risk. 

1. Eat a Balanced, Kidney-Friendly Diet

One of the best things you can do for your kidneys is to eat a healthy diet. That means plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.

Go easy on the salt, processed foods, and saturated fats. If you already have kidney disease, you may also need to limit potassium and phosphorus – your doctor or a renal dietitian can guide you.

2. Get Moving 

Exercise is a kidney’s best friend. Regular physical activity can help control blood pressure and blood sugar, keep your weight in check, and lower your risk of kidney disease.

Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week. Walking, swimming, and biking are all great options. If you’ve been sedentary, start slow and work your way up.

3. Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water helps your kidneys clear sodium and toxins from your body. Aim for 4-6 glasses daily unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If you have kidney stones, adequate hydration can also help prevent new stones from forming. 

4. Quit Smoking

Smoking damages your blood vessels, decreasing blood flow to the kidneys. Quitting smoking can lower your risk of kidney disease and help your kidneys function better.

5. Use Caution with Medications and Supplements

Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and naproxen can damage your kidneys if taken too often. Only use them when necessary, and never exceed the recommended dose.

Certain antibiotics and supplements can also harm the kidneys. Always tell your doctor about all your medicines, vitamins, and herbs.

6. Control Diabetes and High Blood Pressure

Diabetes and high blood pressure are the leading causes of kidney disease. If you have either condition, work with your doctor to keep it well-controlled.

For people with diabetes, this means monitoring their blood sugar, taking their insulin or other medications as prescribed, and following a diet.

If you have high blood pressure, you may need medication to keep it in check. Lifestyle changes like reducing salt intake, losing weight if needed, and exercising regularly can also help.

When to Seek Help: Diagnosis and Treatment of Kidney Disease

Because kidney disease often has no symptoms in the early stages, regular check-ups with your doctor are a must. Simple blood and urine tests can detect kidney problems early when they’re easier to treat.

Don’t Skip Check-Ups

These tests are essential for diabetes, high blood pressure, or other risk factors. 

Feel free to inquire with your doctor about ways to improve kidney health.

Understanding Diagnostic Tests

If your doctor suspects kidney disease, they may recommend additional tests, such as:

• Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR): This blood test measures how well your kidneys are filtering. A GFR below 60 for three months indicates chronic kidney disease. 
• Imaging Tests: An ultrasound or CT scan can check for kidney stones, tumors, or other structural issues.
• Kidney Biopsy: In some cases, your doctor may need to remove a small sample of kidney tissue for testing.

Treatment Options for Kidney Disease

Treatment for kidney disease depends on the underlying cause and how much kidney function you have left. Options may include:

• Medication: Drugs to control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, treat anemia, or reduce swelling may be necessary.
• Dialysis: If your kidneys can no longer filter your blood effectively, you may need dialysis. This involves using a machine to remove waste and excess fluid from your blood.  
• Kidney Transplant: For end-stage kidney failure, a kidney transplant may be an option. This involves surgically placing a healthy kidney from a donor into your body.

Remember, early detection and treatment can often slow the progression of kidney disease. Working closely with your healthcare team gives you the best chance at preserving kidney function.

Living Well with Kidney Disease

Learning you have kidney disease can be scary. It’s normal to feel a range of emotions, from fear and anger to sadness and grief. It’s okay to feel these feelings—they’re a natural part of the coping process.

At the same time, know that having kidney disease doesn’t mean giving up on a good quality of life. With proper management and a positive outlook, you can still lead a full, active life.

Finding Support

No one should face kidney disease alone. Building a solid support system is crucial. Consider:

• Talking to a counselor or joining a support group for people with kidney disease.  
• Leaning on close family and friends—let them know how they can help.
• Connecting with others who have kidney disease through online forums or social media.

Remember, your healthcare team is also there to support you. Don’t hesitate to contact them with questions or concerns.

Being Your Own Advocate

If you want to improve kidney health, your knowledge is power. The more you understand your condition, the better you’ll be able to manage it.

Be bold and speak up at doctor’s appointments. Come prepared with questions, and make sure you understand your treatment plan.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts. You know your body best. It’s okay to seek a second opinion or explore alternative treatment options.

Improving Kidney Function with Hope

A kidney disease diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but there are reasons to be hopeful. Advancements in treatment mean people with kidney disease are living longer, healthier lives than ever before.

The most important thing you can do is to be proactive about your kidney health. That means staying informed, following your treatment plan, and making lifestyle choices that support your kidneys. 

It won’t always be easy, but know that every positive step you take is an investment in your future wellbeing. Whether you’re at risk for kidney disease, newly diagnosed, or have been managing kidney problems for years, you have the power to influence your health outcomes.

So keep learning, striving, and, most of all, taking the best possible care of yourself. Your kidneys—and your whole body—will thank you.