Lower Your Risk for Kidney Disease

The two most common causes of chronic kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure. Nutrition can help manage these as well as reduce your risk of developing other conditions. The following nutrition and lifestyle tips can help you take care of your kidneys:

• Control Blood Sugar. Over time, high blood sugar can damage the kidneys. If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, prediabetes or metabolic syndrome, manage your blood sugar as instructed by your physician.
• Manage Blood Pressure. Nearly half of adults have high blood pressure, also called hypertension, yet many do not have it under control. Keeping sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day can help. Adults with prehypertension and hypertension are encouraged to reduce their intake to 1,500 milligrams per day. Have your blood pressure checked every time you visit the doctor or at least once a year.
• Be Physically Active. Being physically active improves blood flow through your body and improves muscle function, both of which help your kidneys. Physical activity also lowers blood pressure and helps manage blood sugar levels.
• Consider Your Plate. A well-balanced eating plan, such as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH diet, focuses on nutrient-dense foods — vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy products, and lean protein foods, including poultry, seafood, eggs, beans, nuts and seeds. These foods provide nutrients that can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of other chronic diseases.
• Use Pain Medication Only as Directed. High doses of pain medication over time may lead to kidney damage or injury. Take medicine the way your doctor or health care provider advises.

A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you develop an eating plan that is right for you, while helping you reduce your risk for kidney disease. Use the Find a Nutrition Expert tool to locate an RDN in your area.