Can kidney function improve? How to keep your kidneys healthy
Dr. Joan J. Morales Lappot, MD3 min read · Leer en español
In brief"Can my kidney function get better?" is one of the most common questions I am asked. The honest answer depends on the cause, and there is a lot you can do either way.
When function can recover
After a sudden kidney injury, from dehydration, an infection, a blockage or a medicine, kidney function often improves partly or fully once the cause is fixed. Your eGFR can also rise a little when blood pressure, blood sugar or fluid balance improves, or when a harmful medicine is stopped.
When the goal is to slow it
In chronic kidney disease, scarred filters do not grow back. But the rate of decline can often be slowed dramatically, sometimes almost to a stop. Many people live their whole lives with stable CKD and never need dialysis.
Everyday habits that protect your kidneys
- Keep blood pressure at your goal and check it at home
- Control blood sugar if you have diabetes
- Eat less salt and more fresh, plant-based food
- Drink water when you are thirsty, and more in the heat
- Avoid regular use of ibuprofen and naproxen
- Stay active, sleep well and do not smoke
- Keep a healthy weight
- Get a blood and urine test every year if you are at risk
Know your numbers
Ask for your eGFR and your urine albumin result, and keep a copy. Watching the trend over time is the best way to know if your plan is working.