Once we hit our 40s, our kidney function naturally begins to decline, even without us having done something to cause it. However, there are things we can do to help prevent or slow this decline. This includes:

• • Regular movement: regular movement has a wide range of benefits that improve overall health and wellbeing
  • Maintain a healthy weight: a healthy weight can prevent the development or progression of other chronic illnesses that contribute to CKD, like diabetes
  • Healthy, balanced diet: avoid processed foods and choose the least processed or whole foods when possible
  • Adequate hydration: be careful not to under- or over-hydrate
  • Regular follow-up appointments with Primary Care and other specialists: these appointments can help catch trends and changes in your health status for early detection of CKD
  • Proper medication usage: overuse of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen, can cause kidney damage
  • Active management of other chronic conditions: when conditions like diabetes and hypertension are well managed and under control, it reduces the risk of developing CKD faster than normal

In short, kidney disease is preventable to some extent. We can delay or reduce the effects by being proactive with our health and making healthy life choices. Remember, change does not need to happen overnight. Small changes made over time can help improve your health