Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Lifestyle Changes
• Method 2 of 3: Change meals
• Method 3 of 3: Using herbs
• Warnings

Kidney damage can have different causes, and sometimes they are outside our control (aging or genetic factors). If you are worried that you may develop kidney failure, know that there are methods that can help improve the condition of your kidneys and prevent the onset of the disease. These include losing weight, changing your diet, and drinking teas that are good for your kidneys (with your doctor's permission). Continue to follow your doctor's advice on diet, medication, and fluid intake.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Lifestyle Changes

1. 1 Quit smoking. Smoking increases the likelihood of kidney problems and other diseases. If you smoke, quit this habit as soon as possible to reduce your risk of kidney disease. Ask your doctor about drugs and smoking cessation programs that can help you quit smoking.
2. 2 Reduce your alcohol consumption. The safe drinking rate is one to two drinks several times a week. By consuming more, you risk damaging your kidneys. Alcoholism further increases the likelihood of developing kidney disease. For women, alcoholism is defined by the consumption of more than 3 drinks per day (or more than 7 per week), and for men - more than 4 drinks per day (or more than 14 per week).
   • If you are unable to control your drinking, see your doctor for help.
3. 3 Lose weight. Excessive weight can lead to impaired kidney function, because then they will have to work harder. If you are overweight, make it your goal to lose weight and do your best to achieve it. Seek help from your doctor if you are having problems losing weight. Good ways to lose weight include the following:
   • Keeping a food diary
   • Increased water consumption
   • Increase in sports
   • Increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables
4. 4 Increase your activity level. Exercising more will not only improve your health, but also improve kidney function, so try to get some exercise every day. Even 30 minutes of regular walking will improve your overall health.
   • If you can't find those 30 minutes at a time, then try breaking your workout into several parts to complete throughout the day. For example, break your workout into 2 sessions of 15 minutes or even 3 sessions of 10 minutes each.

Method 2 of 3: Change meals

1. 1 Drink plenty of water. Water is very important in preventing kidney stones and can improve kidney stones. If you are worried that you may develop kidney disease, then drink plenty of water. Make it a goal to drink 1.5-2 liters of water a day. If you are at risk of developing kidney stones, then drink even more water.
   • If your doctor has prescribed a specific course of fluid intake for you, stick to it.
2. 2 Eat protein in moderation. A high protein diet can overload the kidneys, so only moderate amounts of protein should be eaten to keep the kidneys healthy. Protein should be the source of about 20-30% of calories. For example, if you eat 2000 calories per day, then 400-600 calories should come from proteins.
   • To determine if your diet is meeting these targets, watch what you eat and pay attention to the calories that come from high protein foods. High protein foods include meat, eggs, fish, and dairy products.
3. 3 Reduce your sodium intake. Sodium can also impair kidney function, so try to avoid foods high in sodium and keep your intake to a minimum. To reduce the amount of sodium in your diet, cook yourself and reduce your consumption of convenience foods and instant foods.
   • If you do have to eat a convenience food, read the label carefully at the time of purchase to avoid choosing a product with added salt.
   • Keep track of how much sodium you consume daily. Consume up to 2,300 mg of sodium per day if you are under 51 and up to 1,500 mg if you are over 51.
4. 4 Choose foods that are low in fat. Eating low-fat foods will help protect your kidneys, as well as your heart and arteries. Avoid eating high-fat foods like fried foods, baked goods, and other fatty foods. Instead, opt for lean foods:
   • Lean meat
   • Low fat cheese
   • Low fat milk
   • Skinless chicken
   • Fruits
   • Vegetables
   • Beans
5. 5 Reduce your phosphorus intake if you are told to do so. If you have advanced kidney failure, then you will need to reduce your phosphorus intake. Be sure to keep your phosphorus intake to a minimum if you're told so. Foods that should be restricted include:
   • Meat semi-finished products
   • Meat products with added phosphorus
   • Dairy
   • Carbonated drinks
   • Fast food
6. 6 Monitor your potassium intake if advised to do so. To maintain a proper potassium balance, you should avoid or limit your intake of certain foods, if told, and follow a low potassium diet. Foods that tend to be high in potassium include:
   • Salt substitutes
   • Oranges
   • Bananas
   • Potato
   • Tomatoes
   • Brown and wild rice
   • Bran flakes
   • Dairy
   • Whole grain bread and pasta
   • Beans
   • Nuts

Method 3 of 3: Using herbs

1. 1 Check with your doctor before taking any herbs. Herbs can improve the health of many body systems, but do not use them if you have kidney disease.If you want to start taking herbs to improve kidney function, be sure to talk to your doctor. Many herbs contain significant amounts of electrolytes, such as potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and sodium, which can harm you if you have kidney problems. Certain herbs can also react with medications you are taking.
2. 2 Consider drinking teas that are good for your kidneys. Only take teas that are good for the kidneys if your doctor assures you that your kidneys are completely healthy. To make a cup of herbal tea, take a tea bag or teaspoon (5 grams) of dried herbs and pour boiling water over them. Pour the boiling water over the herbs and wait 10 minutes for the tea to brew. Drink two to three cups of tea a day. Herbs that may have beneficial effects on the kidneys include:
   • Dandelion leaves
   • Parsley leaves
   • Corn silk
   • Althea officinalis
   • Bearberry ordinary
3. 3 Stop taking herbs if you experience negative side effects. For some people, herbal teas can cause negative side effects (although these effects are quite mild). If you notice that your body is reacting to one of the herbs, stop taking it and see your doctor.

Warnings

• Never stop taking a medicine without talking to your doctor. Remember to tell your doctor about any natural or alternative medicines you are taking to improve kidney function.