How to Improve Kidney Function

Protecting kidney function is about preventing damage and managing underlying conditions.

Control Blood Pressure

• Target: below 130/80
• ACE inhibitors or ARBs preferred (kidney-protective)
• Most important intervention for kidney health

Control Diabetes

• HbA1c below 7%
• Annual urine albumin screening
• SGLT2 inhibitors have kidney-protective effects

Avoid Kidney Toxins

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) — especially long-term
• Contrast dye (when possible)
• Certain antibiotics
• Herbal supplements (aristolochic acid)

Lifestyle

• Stay hydrated
• Limit salt (below 2,300 mg/day)
• Quit smoking
• Maintain healthy weight
• Exercise regularly

Monitor

• Annual creatinine/eGFR
• Annual urine albumin
• See nephrologist for Stage 3b+