5 Things to Know About Chronic Kidney Disease
Most people don't think about their kidneys until there’s a problem. Learning the basics of chronic kidney disease (CKD) can help you feel more informed and in control of your health.
1. Your kidneys do more than clean your blood.
Healthy kidneys keep your body balanced. They help control blood pressure, keep your bones strong, and tell your body to make red blood cells. All these functions can be affected when your kidneys are not working well.
2. CKD usually has no early symptoms.
When someone has early stage CKD, they may feel completely fine. By the time noticeable symptoms like fatigue, swelling, or changes in urination appear, kidney disease may be more advanced. Regular check-ins with a doctor and routine lab work are important to catch CKD early.
3. High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of CKD.
High blood pressure and diabetes put a lot of stress on the kidneys. Managing these conditions is an important part of supporting long-term kidney health. Learn more about the diabetes-CKD connection, and see tips on managing high blood pressure.
4. Your daily choices can help keep your kidneys healthy.
What you eat, whether you are staying active or smoke, how much alcohol you drink, and how well you sleep can all affect your kidneys. Follow these tips:
- Eat a balanced diet and stay active. Taking control of what you eat and exercising regularly can help slow CKD and prevent more health problems. Learn the basics of eating healthy and ways to stay active.
- Quit tobacco/smoking, which speeds up kidney damage and raises your risk of diabetes along with many other health problems. Read more about tobacco use and your health.
- Limit alcohol. Alcohol negatively affects health in many ways, including making it harder for your body to manage fluids and minerals. Learn more about the negative effects of alcohol on health.
- Get help if you have sleep apnea. Heavy snoring or pauses in breathing puts stress on your kidneys and can worsen your blood pressure control. Learn more about kidney health and sleep apnea.
5. See a kidney doctor
Seeing a kidney doctor (nephrologist) at least once is also a smart step. They can create a plan that meets your specific needs. Interwell Health can help you find a kidney doctor near you.
Taking care of your kidney health can feel overwhelming, but we are here to support you. Interwell Health has a full library of resources to help you with nutrition, recipes, staying active, and emotional well-being. Start exploring and learning.
Keep going! Every small step you take adds up. The more you learn, the better equipped you will be to take control of your kidney health.
Looking for more support?
Reach out to our care team. They can help answer your questions about kidney health and create the best plan for you.
This serves only as a guide. Talk with your healthcare provider for more information based on your health needs.