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Knowing your genetic risk may alert you to the lifestyle changes you need to make to protect your kidneys and prevent the disease.

Early detection and treatment can often keep Chronic Kidney Disease from getting worse.

Your lifestyle can affect your chance of developing Chronic Kidney Disease

Lifestyle choices can protect kidney function

A number of lifestyle choices can help maintain the best possible kidney function at all stages of life, whether or not you are at increased risk for Chronic Kidney Disease. For people who have already been diagnosed with the disease, progression can be slowed by adhering to the same recommendations:

• Do not smoke – If you smoke – quit! Smoking causes damage to all arteries, especially the tiny arteries of the kidneys.

• Know your dietary needs – If you are at increased risk for Chronic Kidney Disease, your doctor may recommend that you watch the amount of protein in your diet. If your diet includes too much protein, the kidneys have to work harder to excrete excess proteins into the urine. Too little protein on the other hand can lead to poor nutrition, so any major dietary changes should be discussed with your doctor or a dietitian.

• Limit intake of over-the-counter pain relief medications – these are excreted by the kidneys into urine, and if taken too frequently or in large amounts, can gradually damage the kidneys.

• Control blood sugar – If you have diabetes, control your blood glucose (blood sugar). Studies show that maintaining optimal levels of blood sugar can delay or prevent kidney failure.

• Control blood-pressure – If you have high blood pressure, try to keep it below 140/90 mm Hg. If you have also been diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, your doctor may recommend that you aim for a lower blood pressure, or below 130/80 mm Hg. If you are on medications to lower your blood pressure, your doctor will want to know if you are at increased risk of Chronic Kidney Disease and prescribe medications that protect susceptible kidneys. Blood pressure medicines called ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors and ARBs (angiotensin receptor blockers) have been found to be less harmful to kidneys than other anti-hypertension medicines.

• Limit salt in your diet – salt increases blood pressure, which damages the kidneys delicate arteries.

• Drink adequate amounts of water – and limit the intake of sodas.

• Exercise regularly – adequate and appropriate exercise along with a healthy diet can help lower blood pressure and regulate blood sugar levels.

Chronic Kidney Disease can be treated if caught early enough

The treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease depends to some extent on its severity, or stage, when diagnosed. Most patients will be prescribed ACE inhibitors and/or angiotensin-II receptor blockers to help lower blood pressure. Adequate and appropriate exercise and a healthy diet can also help lower blood pressure.

Appropriate medications and the preventive lifestyle changes listed above are usually part of the treatment plan for those diagnosed with Chronic Kidney Disease, to the extent that their health allows.

Most cases of Chronic Kidney Disease are not curable. However, the good news is that if your physician finds out that you have a kidney problem; there may be a number of ways to help slow down the progression of the disease, help you feel better, and help you make better medical decisions to keep your kidneys working as long as possible. They may also help you avoid the end stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, which requires dialysis and possibly kidney transplants.

This content was last reviewed on February 09, 2010.

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