Is it possible to reverse kidney disease?

 Is it possible to reverse kidney disease?

For individuals with kidney disease, the question of whether it can be reversed often arises, especially considering the reversibility of other chronic health conditions like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by a progressive and irreversible decline in kidney function, regardless of the stage. However, acute kidney injury (AKI) can sometimes be reversible.1 Despite the irreversibility of CKD, there are strategies available to slow its progression.

Is there a stage at which kidney disease can be reversed?

CKD damage is irreversible at any stage, but AKI, formerly known as acute renal failure, is a reversible kidney condition. AKI is characterized by a sudden decline in kidney function, whereas CKD is a persistent and progressive disease lasting over 90 days. Healthcare providers will conduct tests to identify the cause of AKI and may recommend various treatments to restore kidney function, including antibiotics, dialysis, a specific dietary regimen, diuretics, and possibly overnight hospitalization. If you've received a CKD diagnosis, continue reading for strategies to mitigate its progression.

• Prioritize Regular Checkups

1. Certain adults face an increased risk of kidney disease due to factors such as:

• Family history of kidney disease
• High blood pressure
• Overweight
• Type 2 diabetes

If any of these risk factors apply to you, it's crucial to schedule regular checkups with a healthcare provider for kidney disease screenings. There are two primary screening tests available:

• A urine test known as ACR (urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio): This test evaluates the presence of albumin, a type of protein, in your urine. A positive result indicates insufficient blood filtration by the kidneys. To confirm early CKD, healthcare providers typically repeat this test three times over three months.
• A blood test to measure creatinine levels: Creatinine, a waste product, can accumulate in the blood when kidneys are impaired. Results are used to calculate the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), with a normal GFR being above 90. A GFR between 60 and 90 may indicate very early-stage kidney disease.

• Monitor Your Medications

2. Individuals at risk for kidney disease or with early-stage chronic kidney disease should be cautious when using over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs). These medications have the potential to harm kidney tissue and reduce blood flow, with older individuals over 65 being particularly vulnerable to these effects.

If you require OTC painkillers for pain relief, consider the following precautions:

• Consult a pharmacist or healthcare provider to ensure the safety of OTC pain medications for your condition.
• Discuss potential medication or supplement interactions with a pharmacist and how pain relievers may impact kidney function.
• Maintain a consistent pharmacy or pharmacy chain for medication tracking purposes.
• Keep healthcare providers informed about all medications and supplements you are taking.
• Stay adequately hydrated to prevent kidney injury, as these medications can contribute to dehydration.

If you have a diagnosed kidney disease, always seek guidance from a healthcare provider before taking any OTC pain medication.

• Focus on Weight Management

3. Maintaining a healthy weight plays a crucial role in mitigating the progression of kidney damage, as obesity stands as a risk factor for CKD. Obesity can trigger kidney tissue scarring and inflammation, contributing to kidney impairment.

Furthermore, sustaining a healthy weight aids in reducing the risk of diabetes and hypertension, the primary causes of chronic kidney disease.

Determining what constitutes a healthy weight varies depending on individual factors such as behaviors, environment, family history, genetics, and metabolism. Despite some factors being beyond control, there are effective strategies to achieve and maintain a healthy weight:

• Incorporating regular physical activity into your daily routine
• Striking a balance between calories consumed and expended
• Adopting a sustainable and nutritious eating plan

Additionally, indicators like body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio provide insights into weight status. For personalized guidance on achieving and sustaining a healthy weight, consult a healthcare provide.

• Prioritize Regular Exercise

4. Regular physical activity, encompassing both cardiovascular and strength training exercises, offers numerous advantages for individuals managing kidney disease. These benefits include enhancements in blood pressure regulation, bone health, cardiorespiratory function, exercise capacity, health-related quality of life, symptom management, lipid profile, muscle mass, and physical function.

A general recommendation is to aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise on most days of the week. Before initiating any exercise regimen, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider to ascertain which exercises are safe and suitable for your specific condition.

• Adopt a Nutritious Eating Plan

5. Implementing dietary modifications can play a pivotal role in decelerating the advancement of kidney disease. Considerations for a kidney-friendly eating pattern may involve:

• Consuming an appropriate amount of protein, avoiding excess intake.
• Limiting salt intake and incorporating low-sodium food options.
• Emphasizing heart-healthy foods such as lean meats, fish, fruits, and vegetables.

In advanced stages of kidney disease, individuals may need to further restrict their consumption of potassium and phosphorus. For personalized dietary recommendations tailored to your condition, consult with a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.

• Quit Smoking for Kidney Health

Smoking not only heightens the risk of heart and lung ailments but also poses a threat to kidney function. Research indicates that both current and former smokers face a significantly increased likelihood of chronic kidney disease progression.

The detrimental effects of smoking on the kidneys manifest through mechanisms such as elevated blood pressure, heightened heart rate, and diminished glomerular filtration rate (GFR) flow. Encouragingly, studies suggest that individuals who cease smoking reduce their risk of GFR decline by half compared to persistent smokers over a five-year period.

If you're considering quitting smoking, seek support from a healthcare provider or a quitline coach. They can offer tailored guidance and recommend effective interventions, including counseling and medications, to aid in your smoking cessation journey.