5 Ways to Help Slow the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

Did you know one in seven adults in the U.S. has kidney disease? Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when kidneys are no longer able to clean toxins and waste product from the blood, and cannot function at full capacity. This can happen suddenly or over time. The good news is there are many ways to help delay kidney failure, especially when CKD is diagnosed in the earlier stages. If you’ve been diagnosed with early stage CKD, use the five tips below and talk with a nephrologist (kidney doctor) for advice on how to slow its progression.

1. Control your blood pressure. Keeping your blood pressure within a healthy range may help slow the progression of kidney disease. This is especially true in people who have diabetes and protein in the urine (proteinuria). Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, meditating, consuming less salt and alcohol, and quitting smoking may help lower your blood pressure. If you’ve been diagnosed with hypertension, your doctor may prescribe blood pressure medicine for you

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