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Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a progressive condition in which the kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood effectively. This can eventually lead to a buildup of waste and fluid in the body.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292b24f986-d1f1-4827-96a5-33ba9c4290b2 In the earlier stages of kidney disease, it’s possible to significantly slow down the progression of the disease with lifestyle changes. Treating related conditions, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, can also significantly improve your prognosis.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c1c5d9e3-0a87-4ce2-9ffe-44057a49c12a If the disease progresses to the point of kidney failure, there are only two treatment options: dialysis or a kidney transplant. There is currently no cure for CKD, and any loss of kidney function is irreversible. If you have CKD, talk to your healthcare professional before starting a treatment or combining treatments, and discuss what’s best for you.
Medication Medication A number of prescription drugs can help manage CKD, including ones that help treat diabetes and high blood pressure , two health conditions that are closely linked to this disease. Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors These drugs were developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but they are also effective at slowing down CKD progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762945398bb9-18c1-4dfb-8f60-1488dccc0a7b SGLT2 inhibitors work by helping your kidneys remove more sugar and salt from your body through the urine. Medications in this class include: canagliflozin (Invokana)e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a4654f3d-c6f4-404d-8918-ba7fddfd0cc4 dapagliflozin (Farxiga) empagliflozin (Jardiance) Canagliflozin is an option specifically for people who have type 2 diabetes and CKD, but dapagliflozin and empagliflozin can both be used by people with CKD who don’t have diabetes.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762945398bb9-18c1-4dfb-8f60-1488dccc0a7be60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c75f6217-5340-48af-a9e1-6918ad3ce0f6e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295954adae-2782-448c-8523-27bfcfda5ec8 Some possible side effects include more frequent urination, low blood pressure, and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is a measurement of how well your kidneys are filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a9af98ab-7acf-40ba-8565-866775f600ea Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists Better known as the drug class that includes the weight loss phenomenon Ozempic (semaglutide), GLP-1s have also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These drugs protect the kidneys from damage by lowering blood sugar.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295b5bce64-41cb-46f9-9b21-185e07bc20f6 Other medications in this class include: tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) dulglutide (Trulicity) extendatide (Bydureon) liraglutide (Victoza) Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors (RASi) This is a broader classification of drugs that includes ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Both medications can help protect the kidneys, and they’re also prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cfe345c9-26cb-4f7e-ba14-e5adf3281667 Joseph A. Vassalotti, MD , chief medical officer of the National Kidney Foundation and clinical professor with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, says these drugs are often one of the first medications prescribed for CKD. Medications in the ACE inhibitor class include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629827487d4-3d6d-4d88-bb83-93e593147236 lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) perindopril (Aceon) ramipril (Altace) Medications in the ARB class include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762997cf79f8-1445-4e80-90ce-90bb290e055de60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fda9c0e4-fcc5-4bde-9497-798b3381e98d losartan (Cozaar) olmesartan (Benicar) valsartan (Diovan) Common side effects of ARBs and ACE inhibitors include possible blood pressure drops, fatigue, and cough, which is more common with ACE than ARB medications.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290796793d-5dfe-42b0-b08d-58bc2775fa5e Statins Statins are medications that lower cholesterol to improve blood flow and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Some evidence suggests that these meds may help with inflammation and slow down CKD progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629dd39b9cc-f98d-4eb3-b14b-313c6d874273 Statins are considered a first-line therapy in people with CKD.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fdbfed5c-8588-430a-99c7-7cb4a7b3ac46 Some examples of statins include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b1524c0f-62cf-4780-b391-268e6617259e atorvastatin (Lipitor) rosuvastatin (Crestor) simvastatin (Zocor) Possible side effects of statins include digestive problems, mental fuzziness , and muscle pain.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762908a6b919-f372-4011-a8e5-b9ce4e2c921f
Dialysis Dialysis If your kidney disease progresses to kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease), your kidneys will no longer be able to work well enough to keep you alive. As a result, you will need a more serious intervention. Dialysis, a treatment that filters waste and excess fluid from the blood, is one option. Options for dialysis include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291a9681bd-acba-4929-920d-cc3c849209b0 Hemodialysis: This is the most common type. Hemodialysis can be done at home or in a dialysis center. It uses a machine that removes blood from a surgically created connection in your arm, filters it through an artificial kidney known as a dialyzer, and returns the cleaned blood to your body. Alternatively, a catheter may be placed in the upper chest. In-clinic visits are usually three days a week, while in-home dialysis may be daily.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762926822669-f54d-4237-af1a-9d5086b4a2ac Peritoneal dialysis: This type uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood. There is no machine required, and it’s done every day at home. There is an initial surgery so that doctors can place the catheter for future fluid exchange.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298e599cf1-5833-44ef-828e-a6dd183e678f Hemodiafiltration: This type is is similar to hemodialysis, but it adds an extra filtration process that removes more waste products from the blood. It’s not widely used in the United States, but it has a positive effect on mortality rates.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629207c1b5a-f1f4-4c5d-8734-49fb8b7481d0e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292e038cd8-0262-435b-8527-99ecb04a44aa Dialysis is a significant burden, and it can greatly impact your quality of life. Dr. Vassalotti says that in-center dialysis can be especially hard for patients, since it can be time consuming. Patients need to come in “usually three times a week, for three to five hours,” he says. Patients can feel drained after dialysis treatment, often have to be on multiple medications, and can also struggle with the restricted diet that is necessary with this treatment.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor How quickly is my kidney function declining? What are my treatment options for chronic kidney disease? What side effects should I expect from the medications you prescribe? Will I need dialysis? What dietary changes should I make to slow the progression of the disease? What exercise and other lifestyle changes should I make to improve my prognosis? How often should I be monitored? When should I contact you or seek emergency care? When do I become a candidate for a kidney transplant?
Kidney Transplantation Kidney Transplant A kidney transplant may be the best option for people who have end-stage kidney disease. Compared to people who stay on dialysis, people who get a kidney transplant may live for about 10 years longer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290b017191-6a3c-49d6-af28-aa1246a932b7 “A preemptive transplant is the first treatment for kidney failure,” says Vassalotti. He adds that receiving a kidney from a live donor is the best way to obtain a healthy organ, and transplants are typically better for quality of life than dialysis. Potential transplant recipients need to go through a transplant evaluation, which can involve multiple visits with specialists and evaluation tests, and many people spend two to five years on the wait list. A kidney transplant surgery takes about five hours, and patients may spend a week at the hospital recovering.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f3b8b3bf-a4d8-4e2d-9c88-816019f88481e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298d8577c7-931d-481d-aa39-db4c37469ce2 After surgery, it could take several weeks for the kidney to start functioning. Dialysis may be necessary during this waiting time.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f3b8b3bf-a4d8-4e2d-9c88-816019f88481 People who receive a kidney transplant will need to take immunosuppressive medications for the rest of their lives to prevent their bodies from rejecting the organ. These medications may have unpleasant side effects like nausea and can increase infection risk.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297f5df541-5d3e-44e9-bbb5-60cd8e340a7d
Dietary Changes Diet Your diet can have a big impact on kidney health, and making healthy changes can significantly slow the progression of this chronic disease. There is no one-size-fits-all kidney health diet. Your own dietary needs may be different based on the stage of their CKD and other health factors, and they may change throughout the course of your treatment and progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f7e832b1-cd04-4ab4-b1f2-14cba2dfafb7 “Most people with kidney disease should see a registered dietitian for medical nutrition therapy,” says Vassalotti. You should discuss these nutrients with your healthcare team. Protein: Your body breaks protein down into waste that’s removed from the blood. Some people with CKD may be advised to avoid eating too much protein , since this can make kidney function worse.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762970e0e6be-f20a-490e-beb2-b266a6355f08 Choosing plant-based sources of protein, like nuts, beans, and tofu, may also help slow CKD progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762957b541f1-8e1b-47a4-b2f5-d48949bfe286 Potassium: When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, potassium levels can become high, leading to heart and muscle problems. High potassium is a risk in later stages of CKD, but even people who need to limit potassium should still eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for the other health benefits they offer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762903fc61f1-e53d-49b0-924d-35e4602e7a21 Sodium: Sodium is extremely common in processed and frozen foods, and keeping track of your salt intake can be beneficial for your kidney health. Limiting sodium might help with CKD progression and blood pressure. Phosphorous: Phosphorus, an important mineral, can build up in the bloodstream of people with CKD and harm your blood vessels and bones.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296d5dbdae-4710-415c-9691-f797b8f7ae9a Phosphorus is found in a wide variety of foods, including dairy products, salmon, meat, and poultry.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762972260492-8186-471c-9029-5f57518772c9 The risk of phosphorus getting too high is typically greater later on in CKD. Many people with CKD, especially during its earlier stages, will not have to limit nutrients like potassium and phosphorus. Choosing a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and minimally processed ingredients is a great start. Vassalotti recommends thinking about your overall dietary pattern and following healthy guidelines such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate concept. “Such an approach is more optimistic and useful than the focus on avoidance of certain foods,” he says.
Lifestyle Changes Lifestyle Changes Beyond following a relatively strict eating plan, other lifestyle changes may help slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease, improve quality of life, and minimize the chances of kidney failure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762915d8c3cd-858c-4f51-9609-53e29f97268e Stay active: More physical activity might help slow down worsening kidney function, although there is a need for more research.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a992a324-7786-414d-8d50-077fd6bdbbb3 Physical activity can also help decrease heart disease risk and improve sleep .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762913ef1879-f8a9-4e11-b0c0-cb0554437bf6 Maintain a healthy weight: Both obesity and being underweight can pose risks for those who have CKD. Carrying extra weight can make the kidneys work harder, and being underweight is associated with an increased risk of developing end-stage kidney disease.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629219ccbdc-3b41-41c4-b609-b98293348d7d Avoid excessive alcohol: Binge drinking may contribute to CKD progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a992a324-7786-414d-8d50-077fd6bdbbb3 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with CKD limit alcohol because of its impact on blood pressure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762913ef1879-f8a9-4e11-b0c0-cb0554437bf6 Stop smoking: Smoking may speed the progression of CKD.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a992a324-7786-414d-8d50-077fd6bdbbb3 Quitting smoking can also help decrease risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762954822bba-f087-42fa-abac-f8344a6cd6e1
Treat Related Conditions Managing Related Conditions Vassalotti says that diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, heart failure, and obesity are common conditions that often coexist with kidney disease. Treating those conditions can help control or slow the progression of your CKD. Manage blood pressure. Good blood pressure control helps decrease the risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762912636f7f-6b86-456e-90b6-8e796f3070bf Lower cholesterol levels. Lowering your cholesterol can help decrease the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in those with CKD.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c0431408-2224-4d6a-9f17-7a4513e2c6ee Stay on top of diabetes. Because these two health conditions are so closely interconnected, it’s essential to manage both. High blood sugar can speed up the decline of kidney function.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f0309a57-fd45-4f61-ae99-a0adcc854cc4 Your doctor may also prescribe a variety of other medications to treat the side effects or complications of chronic kidney disease. Diuretics, for example, can help treat the swelling and fluid retention that often accompanies kidney decline. Iron supplements may be necessary to treat anemia, a possible complication of CKD. And potassium binders can help your body clear excessive amounts of potassium.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299f1bfb89-59b0-44db-a276-19013daf0ceb
The Takeaway Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition, but it can be managed through treatment. There currently is no cure. Medications such as SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, and statins can all help slow the progression of the disease. Dialysis and kidney transplants are the only treatment options for those who have more advanced CKD. Modifying your diet, staying active, and quitting smoking and drinking alcohol can also help give those with CKD a better quality of life.
Medication Medication A number of prescription drugs can help manage CKD, including ones that help treat diabetes and high blood pressure , two health conditions that are closely linked to this disease. Sodium-Glucose Cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) Inhibitors These drugs were developed to treat type 2 diabetes, but they are also effective at slowing down CKD progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762945398bb9-18c1-4dfb-8f60-1488dccc0a7b SGLT2 inhibitors work by helping your kidneys remove more sugar and salt from your body through the urine. Medications in this class include: canagliflozin (Invokana)e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a4654f3d-c6f4-404d-8918-ba7fddfd0cc4 dapagliflozin (Farxiga) empagliflozin (Jardiance) Canagliflozin is an option specifically for people who have type 2 diabetes and CKD, but dapagliflozin and empagliflozin can both be used by people with CKD who don’t have diabetes.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762945398bb9-18c1-4dfb-8f60-1488dccc0a7be60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c75f6217-5340-48af-a9e1-6918ad3ce0f6e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295954adae-2782-448c-8523-27bfcfda5ec8 Some possible side effects include more frequent urination, low blood pressure, and a decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is a measurement of how well your kidneys are filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a9af98ab-7acf-40ba-8565-866775f600ea Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) Receptor Agonists Better known as the drug class that includes the weight loss phenomenon Ozempic (semaglutide), GLP-1s have also been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat people with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. These drugs protect the kidneys from damage by lowering blood sugar.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976295b5bce64-41cb-46f9-9b21-185e07bc20f6 Other medications in this class include: tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) dulglutide (Trulicity) extendatide (Bydureon) liraglutide (Victoza) Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitors (RASi) This is a broader classification of drugs that includes ACE inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs). Both medications can help protect the kidneys, and they’re also prescribed for high blood pressure and heart failure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629cfe345c9-26cb-4f7e-ba14-e5adf3281667 Joseph A. Vassalotti, MD , chief medical officer of the National Kidney Foundation and clinical professor with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, says these drugs are often one of the first medications prescribed for CKD. Medications in the ACE inhibitor class include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629827487d4-3d6d-4d88-bb83-93e593147236 lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) perindopril (Aceon) ramipril (Altace) Medications in the ARB class include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762997cf79f8-1445-4e80-90ce-90bb290e055de60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fda9c0e4-fcc5-4bde-9497-798b3381e98d losartan (Cozaar) olmesartan (Benicar) valsartan (Diovan) Common side effects of ARBs and ACE inhibitors include possible blood pressure drops, fatigue, and cough, which is more common with ACE than ARB medications.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290796793d-5dfe-42b0-b08d-58bc2775fa5e Statins Statins are medications that lower cholesterol to improve blood flow and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Some evidence suggests that these meds may help with inflammation and slow down CKD progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629dd39b9cc-f98d-4eb3-b14b-313c6d874273 Statins are considered a first-line therapy in people with CKD.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629fdbfed5c-8588-430a-99c7-7cb4a7b3ac46 Some examples of statins include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629b1524c0f-62cf-4780-b391-268e6617259e atorvastatin (Lipitor) rosuvastatin (Crestor) simvastatin (Zocor) Possible side effects of statins include digestive problems, mental fuzziness , and muscle pain.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762908a6b919-f372-4011-a8e5-b9ce4e2c921f
Dialysis Dialysis If your kidney disease progresses to kidney failure (end-stage kidney disease), your kidneys will no longer be able to work well enough to keep you alive. As a result, you will need a more serious intervention. Dialysis, a treatment that filters waste and excess fluid from the blood, is one option. Options for dialysis include:e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976291a9681bd-acba-4929-920d-cc3c849209b0 Hemodialysis: This is the most common type. Hemodialysis can be done at home or in a dialysis center. It uses a machine that removes blood from a surgically created connection in your arm, filters it through an artificial kidney known as a dialyzer, and returns the cleaned blood to your body. Alternatively, a catheter may be placed in the upper chest. In-clinic visits are usually three days a week, while in-home dialysis may be daily.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762926822669-f54d-4237-af1a-9d5086b4a2ac Peritoneal dialysis: This type uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood. There is no machine required, and it’s done every day at home. There is an initial surgery so that doctors can place the catheter for future fluid exchange.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298e599cf1-5833-44ef-828e-a6dd183e678f Hemodiafiltration: This type is is similar to hemodialysis, but it adds an extra filtration process that removes more waste products from the blood. It’s not widely used in the United States, but it has a positive effect on mortality rates.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629207c1b5a-f1f4-4c5d-8734-49fb8b7481d0e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976292e038cd8-0262-435b-8527-99ecb04a44aa Dialysis is a significant burden, and it can greatly impact your quality of life. Dr. Vassalotti says that in-center dialysis can be especially hard for patients, since it can be time consuming. Patients need to come in “usually three times a week, for three to five hours,” he says. Patients can feel drained after dialysis treatment, often have to be on multiple medications, and can also struggle with the restricted diet that is necessary with this treatment.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor How quickly is my kidney function declining? What are my treatment options for chronic kidney disease? What side effects should I expect from the medications you prescribe? Will I need dialysis? What dietary changes should I make to slow the progression of the disease? What exercise and other lifestyle changes should I make to improve my prognosis? How often should I be monitored? When should I contact you or seek emergency care? When do I become a candidate for a kidney transplant?
Kidney Transplantation Kidney Transplant A kidney transplant may be the best option for people who have end-stage kidney disease. Compared to people who stay on dialysis, people who get a kidney transplant may live for about 10 years longer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976290b017191-6a3c-49d6-af28-aa1246a932b7 “A preemptive transplant is the first treatment for kidney failure,” says Vassalotti. He adds that receiving a kidney from a live donor is the best way to obtain a healthy organ, and transplants are typically better for quality of life than dialysis. Potential transplant recipients need to go through a transplant evaluation, which can involve multiple visits with specialists and evaluation tests, and many people spend two to five years on the wait list. A kidney transplant surgery takes about five hours, and patients may spend a week at the hospital recovering.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f3b8b3bf-a4d8-4e2d-9c88-816019f88481e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976298d8577c7-931d-481d-aa39-db4c37469ce2 After surgery, it could take several weeks for the kidney to start functioning. Dialysis may be necessary during this waiting time.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f3b8b3bf-a4d8-4e2d-9c88-816019f88481 People who receive a kidney transplant will need to take immunosuppressive medications for the rest of their lives to prevent their bodies from rejecting the organ. These medications may have unpleasant side effects like nausea and can increase infection risk.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976297f5df541-5d3e-44e9-bbb5-60cd8e340a7d
Dietary Changes Diet Your diet can have a big impact on kidney health, and making healthy changes can significantly slow the progression of this chronic disease. There is no one-size-fits-all kidney health diet. Your own dietary needs may be different based on the stage of their CKD and other health factors, and they may change throughout the course of your treatment and progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f7e832b1-cd04-4ab4-b1f2-14cba2dfafb7 “Most people with kidney disease should see a registered dietitian for medical nutrition therapy,” says Vassalotti. You should discuss these nutrients with your healthcare team. Protein: Your body breaks protein down into waste that’s removed from the blood. Some people with CKD may be advised to avoid eating too much protein , since this can make kidney function worse.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762970e0e6be-f20a-490e-beb2-b266a6355f08 Choosing plant-based sources of protein, like nuts, beans, and tofu, may also help slow CKD progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762957b541f1-8e1b-47a4-b2f5-d48949bfe286 Potassium: When the kidneys aren’t functioning properly, potassium levels can become high, leading to heart and muscle problems. High potassium is a risk in later stages of CKD, but even people who need to limit potassium should still eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for the other health benefits they offer.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762903fc61f1-e53d-49b0-924d-35e4602e7a21 Sodium: Sodium is extremely common in processed and frozen foods, and keeping track of your salt intake can be beneficial for your kidney health. Limiting sodium might help with CKD progression and blood pressure. Phosphorous: Phosphorus, an important mineral, can build up in the bloodstream of people with CKD and harm your blood vessels and bones.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976296d5dbdae-4710-415c-9691-f797b8f7ae9a Phosphorus is found in a wide variety of foods, including dairy products, salmon, meat, and poultry.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762972260492-8186-471c-9029-5f57518772c9 The risk of phosphorus getting too high is typically greater later on in CKD. Many people with CKD, especially during its earlier stages, will not have to limit nutrients like potassium and phosphorus. Choosing a healthy diet with plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and minimally processed ingredients is a great start. Vassalotti recommends thinking about your overall dietary pattern and following healthy guidelines such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate concept. “Such an approach is more optimistic and useful than the focus on avoidance of certain foods,” he says.
Lifestyle Changes Lifestyle Changes Beyond following a relatively strict eating plan, other lifestyle changes may help slow down the progression of chronic kidney disease, improve quality of life, and minimize the chances of kidney failure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762915d8c3cd-858c-4f51-9609-53e29f97268e Stay active: More physical activity might help slow down worsening kidney function, although there is a need for more research.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a992a324-7786-414d-8d50-077fd6bdbbb3 Physical activity can also help decrease heart disease risk and improve sleep .e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762913ef1879-f8a9-4e11-b0c0-cb0554437bf6 Maintain a healthy weight: Both obesity and being underweight can pose risks for those who have CKD. Carrying extra weight can make the kidneys work harder, and being underweight is associated with an increased risk of developing end-stage kidney disease.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629219ccbdc-3b41-41c4-b609-b98293348d7d Avoid excessive alcohol: Binge drinking may contribute to CKD progression.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a992a324-7786-414d-8d50-077fd6bdbbb3 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people with CKD limit alcohol because of its impact on blood pressure.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762913ef1879-f8a9-4e11-b0c0-cb0554437bf6 Stop smoking: Smoking may speed the progression of CKD.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629a992a324-7786-414d-8d50-077fd6bdbbb3 Quitting smoking can also help decrease risk of premature death from cardiovascular disease.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762954822bba-f087-42fa-abac-f8344a6cd6e1
Treat Related Conditions Managing Related Conditions Vassalotti says that diabetes, hypertension, heart disease, heart failure, and obesity are common conditions that often coexist with kidney disease. Treating those conditions can help control or slow the progression of your CKD. Manage blood pressure. Good blood pressure control helps decrease the risks of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e59762912636f7f-6b86-456e-90b6-8e796f3070bf Lower cholesterol levels. Lowering your cholesterol can help decrease the risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in those with CKD.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629c0431408-2224-4d6a-9f17-7a4513e2c6ee Stay on top of diabetes. Because these two health conditions are so closely interconnected, it’s essential to manage both. High blood sugar can speed up the decline of kidney function.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e597629f0309a57-fd45-4f61-ae99-a0adcc854cc4 Your doctor may also prescribe a variety of other medications to treat the side effects or complications of chronic kidney disease. Diuretics, for example, can help treat the swelling and fluid retention that often accompanies kidney decline. Iron supplements may be necessary to treat anemia, a possible complication of CKD. And potassium binders can help your body clear excessive amounts of potassium.e60dc2a1-f33c-4a05-9b50-8e3e8e5976299f1bfb89-59b0-44db-a276-19013daf0ceb
The Takeaway Chronic kidney disease is a progressive condition, but it can be managed through treatment. There currently is no cure. Medications such as SGLT2 inhibitors, GLP-1 receptor agonists, renin–angiotensin system inhibitors, and statins can all help slow the progression of the disease. Dialysis and kidney transplants are the only treatment options for those who have more advanced CKD. Modifying your diet, staying active, and quitting smoking and drinking alcohol can also help give those with CKD a better quality of life.
