Chronic kidney disease, also known as chronic kidney failure, is when your kidneys gradually lose function. These failing kidneys will be unable to filter excess fluid, waste, and toxins from the bloodstream. As a result, excess fluid and waste accumulate in the blood, along with unbalanced electrolytes and minerals.

In addition to certain health conditions, people with diabetes, high blood pressure, a history of heart disease, obesity, active smoking, and abnormal kidney structure are more likely to develop chronic kidney failure. However, even with the risk factors mentioned, you will not always develop kidney failure if you follow the preventive measures outlined below.

How to prevent chronic kidney failure

People who are at risk for kidney failure or kidney disease should have regular overall health checkups. Regular check-ups help detect early symptoms of kidney failure, which are not always visible in the early stages of development.

In addition, there are several other things that can be done to prevent chronic kidney failure, including:

Managing high blood pressure

Maintaining a normal blood pressure requires healthy, well-functioning kidneys. Damage to the kidneys impairs their ability to regulate blood pressure.

Chronic kidney disease, which causes a gradual decline in kidney function, will influence the elevation of blood pressure. High blood pressure can then damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, worsening the condition of chronic kidney disease. This process is known as renal hypertension.

Read more: 5 Stages of Chronic Kidney Disease Progression

Managing blood sugar levels

People with diabetes should always keep their blood sugar levels under control. High blood sugar levels that are not managed properly can lead to diabetic nephropathy, a serious complication.

Diabetic nephropathy is a common cause of chronic kidney failure that occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the nephrons (glomeruli and tubules) over time. During the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, the blood vessel walls in the glomerulus may thicken and change structurally, causing albumin (a protein) to leak into the urine.

A healthy and balanced diet

A healthy and balanced diet helps to maintain overall health, including kidney function and the risk of kidney disease. Adequate fiber, vitamin, and mineral intake can lower the risk of high blood pressure while also providing nutrients that promote kidney health.

Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grain bread, brown rice, and whole wheat pasta, have a lower glycemic index and can provide consistent energy without significantly raising blood sugar. You should also limit your salt intake because sodium raises blood pressure.

Quit smoking

Smoking can be harmful to kidney health by increasing the risk of kidney cancer, vascular disorders, high blood pressure, kidney stone formation, and causing inflammation and cell damage in the kidneys.

To protect kidney health, avoid and stop smoking.

Read more: Here's What Happens to Your Skin When You Quit Smoking

Take the recommended dosage of pain medication

Many pain medications can impair kidney function and worsen chronic kidney disease. As a result, it is critical to follow the proper dosage of these medications or consult your doctor before using them.

If you frequently experience fatigue, loss of appetite, frequent urination, difficulty sleeping and focusing, muscle pain, itching, and swelling in your feet or ankles, you should see your doctor right away. Early detection of chronic kidney disease can help prevent the disease from progressing.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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