Treatments:

Reduction in kidney function cannot usually be reversed. However, if detected early enough, the progress of kidney disease can be slowed and sometimes even prevented. In the early stages, dietary changes and medications can help to increase the life of the kidneys.

If kidney function is reduced to less than 10 per cent of normal, the loss of function must be replaced by kidney dialysis or a kidney transplant. Dialysis is a treatment for kidney failure that removes waste products and extra water from the blood by filtering it through a special membrane (fine filter).

Early detection can save lives:
Early detection of kidney disease can be life saving. Medication and changes to lifestyle, along with an early referral to a kidney specialist, can prevent or delay kidney failure. If you are ‘at higher risk’ of chronic kidney disease, talk to your doctor about having a regular kidney health check. This includes:

• Blood pressure test
• Blood tests for kidney function and electrolytes.
• Urine test for protein (proteinuria) and creatinine clearance.

Lifestyle changes can keep your kidneys healthy:
Making healthy lifestyle choices can help to keep your kidneys functioning well:

• Eat lots of fruit and vegetables including legumes (peas or beans) and grain-based food like bread, pasta, noodles and rice.
• Eat some lean meat like chicken and fish each week.
• Eat only small amounts of salty or fatty food.
• Drink plenty of water instead of other drinks.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Stay fit. Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity that increases your heart rate on five or more days of the week including walking, bike riding, swimming or gentle aerobics.
• Do not smoke.
• Limit your alcohol to two small drinks per day if you are male or one small drink per day if you are female.
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly.
• Do things that help you relax and reduce your stress levels.

Where to get help:

• Your physician or kidney specialist (nephrologist)
• Kidney Health Information Service Tel. 1800 682 531 or TTY 1800 005 881

Things to remember:

• You can look after your kidneys by eating healthy food, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight.
• Many diseases can affect your kidneys.
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly.

Notes: Betterhealthchannel

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EditText of this page (last edited January 22, 2009)