Kidney disease care and prevention begin by dealing with the conditions responsible for damaging your kidneys: high blood pressure and diabetes. The team at Southern Kidney Specialists, throughout Middle Tennessee, work closely with patients who have a high risk for or already have chronic kidney disease. They create individualized plans that help you prevent the disease and maintain optimal health after the diagnosis. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or book online today.

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What should I know about kidney disease care and prevention?

The first thing you need to know is that most cases of chronic kidney disease are preventable by following a healthy lifestyle.

Kidney disease can run in families, and you may inherit a genetic tendency, but that doesn’t mean you’re destined to develop kidney problems. Lifestyle choices can turn genes on and off, stopping a “tendency” from leading to disease.

If you have chronic kidney disease, you should also know that diligently following your treatment regimen can slow or stop the progressive damage to your kidneys. Many people can prevent kidney failure by taking care of their health.

How does my lifestyle affect kidney disease care and prevention?

One way to avoid kidney disease is by preventing the conditions that cause the problem. Not all causes of chronic kidney disease are preventable, but you can ward off the most common threats: Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Changing your diet (avoiding sugary and salty foods), getting regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and stopping smoking can prevent these chronic conditions. Even if an underlying condition develops, proper treatment can still help you thwart chronic kidney disease.

After chronic kidney disease develops, these same lifestyle changes protect your kidneys and slow down the disease process. The only difference is that you need to make additional changes to your diet, like limiting protein, to reduce the stress on your kidneys.

What role do medications have in kidney disease care and prevention?

In the early stages of kidney disease or any chronic health condition, lifestyle changes can stop or slow down ongoing tissue damage. As chronic kidney disease (or any of the underlying conditions) progresses, you will need medication to keep them under control.

In addition to medicines that lower blood sugar, cholesterol, and high blood pressure, you may need a prescription targeting issues caused by chronic kidney disease, such as swelling due to accumulating fluid.

Your Southern Kidney Specialists provider also runs regular blood tests to monitor kidney function and check for common problems associated with kidney disease, such as electrolyte disorders, acid-base disorders, and secondary hypertension.

To learn more about preventing or caring for kidney disease, call Southern Kidney Specialists or request an appointment online today.