Kidney health

  

Keep your kidneys healthy

The steps you take to keep your kidneys healthy help the rest of your body too. Talk to your health care provider about the steps that suit you.

If you are at risk for kidney disease, the most important steps you can take to keep your kidneys healthy are:

Get your blood and urine tests to check for kidney disease.

Manage your diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease.

Tips to help keep your kidneys healthy:

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Keep your blood pressure to the target set by your health care provider. For most people, the target blood pressure is below 140/90 mm Hg. This can delay or prevent kidney failure.

If you have diabetes, control your blood sugar.

Keep your cholesterol levels in the target range.

Take medicines the way your provider tells you to. (! Some blood pressure medicines called ACE inhibitors important and ARBs can protect your kidneys. Ask your health care provider for more information.)

Cut back on salt. Aim for less than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.

Choose foods that are healthy for your heart: fresh fruit, fresh or frozen vegetables, whole grains and low-fat dairy products.

Limit alcohol consumption.

Be more physically active.

Lose weight if you are overweight.

If you smoke, take steps to quit. Smoking can damage kidneys worse.

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