Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) can be tough to live with, but patients who have a consistent daily care routine are able to slow its progression and live healthier lives. CKD alters the way your kidneys filter waste from your blood, and controlling it requires balancing between lifestyle choices, diet, and medical care.
At Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center, personalized patient care that empowers patients is always the focus. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have lived with kidney disease for years, the following tips can help improve your quality of life.
Monitor Your Blood Pressure
Controlling high blood pressure is very important as it worsens Chronic Kidney Disease. Your blood pressure should aim to be below 130/80 mm Hg . Monitoring it regularly either at home or during nephrologist appointments is essential.
The connection between high blood pressure and kidney damage is discussed in The Hypertension & Kidney Disease page. The clinic helps manage both conditions together for optimal long-term outcomes.
Follow a Kidney Friendly Diet
To help support kidney function, maintain a healthy diet. Limit sodium, potassium, and phosphorus while increasing fresh fruits and vegetables (in moderation), whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods as they often contain hidden salts and preservatives.
Registered dietitians at SouthernOKC can assist you with meal planning to ensure your medical requirements are met and that your meals are enjoyable.
Stay Hydrated—but Not Too Much
Drinking water can greatly help in the proper functioning of your kidneys. However, if you are in the later stages of Chronic Kidney Disease, too much fluid intake can cause complications. Always follow your doctor’s guidelines on how much fluids to drink daily.
It’s best to avoid drinks that are high in sugar or phosphorus (soda). Instead, water with lemon, or a small amount of cranberry juice is refreshing while being friendly for the kidneys.
Don’t Skip Check-Ups
Regular visits to your nephrologist helps track kidney function, manage medication, and fine-tune treatments. In CKD patients, untreated anemia is often present and if it goes unmonitored can lead to significant fatigue, weakness, and other troubling symptoms. This is mentioned in The Kidney Disease & Anemia section.
SouthernOKC has an expert team dedicated not only to managing diabetes but also focusing on anemia which commonly occurs with CKD through laboratory screening and regular checkups.
Exercise Safely and Regularly
Engaging in physical activities improves heart health along with blood pressure thereby significantly helping slow down CKD progression. It is best to start with low impact exercises like walking, swimming, or light yoga even if it is for 30 minutes five times a week.
Your doctor needs to be notified and must be consulted concerning any exercise program you want to initiate, especially if you have other health issues.
Look Out for Signs of CKD Worsening
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may progress with signs like swelling in the face or legs, increased tiredness, trouble poring and concentrating, or changes with urinating. These all need to be reported to your doctor immediately.
The Kidney Disease & Diabetes page has information on how diabetes can stealthily harm the kidneys. Protecting one’s kidney function requires early intervention and management of blood sugar levels.
Be Careful With Other Prescribed Treatments
Other prescribed treatments should not include over-the-counter pain medication such as naproxen or ibuprofen as they will continue to damage your kidneys. Check with your medical practitioner before starting any new supplements and prescriptions.
Southern OKC offers medication review services aimed to ensure the patient’s condition is well managed while using the prescribed medications.
Obtain Emotional and Social Help
People battling chronic ailments like kidney diseases often require emotional support along with a complete recovery plan because these conditions can easily drain their mental energy That said, it’s nice to know that informal support structures such family members alongside formal ones like online groups for patients can help reduce stress.
