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+
Source: American Association for Clinical Chemistry, NLM MedlinePlus.
Ratings summarize government-reported measures — they don't capture your personal needs. Visit the facility, ask about staffing and services, and use CMS checklists. This profile is informational only and is not a recommendation.
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