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Chronic kidney disease: diet and monitoring
kidney disease · CKD · chronic kidney disease · kidney failure · diet for kidney disease
In chronic kidney disease, the kidneys clean the blood less well. Diet, blood pressure, and regular tests help slow the disease.
If a doctor found chronic kidney disease, often with diabetes or high blood pressure.
⏱ Duration: tests are usually done every few months
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Painkillers. Do not take painkillers or herbs without asking your doctor, since some harm the kidneys.
- Diet. How much salt, protein, potassium, and fluid is allowed, your doctor will say. It depends on the stage.
- Blood pressure and sugar. Keep them at the numbers your doctor gave you.
What to bring
- Blood and urine test results
- A list of your medicines
- A blood pressure diary
How it goes
- Less salt: do not add salt at the table and avoid sausages, canned food, and chips
- Protein in the amount your doctor prescribed
- If your doctor limited potassium, find out which foods have a lot of it
- Drink as much fluid as your doctor says
- Measure your blood pressure and write it down
- Have blood and urine tests on schedule
What you'll feel
- In the early stages, often nothing bothers you
- Later there may be weakness, itching, or swelling, so tell your doctor
Afterwards
- Show your test results to your doctor
- Tell every doctor that you have kidney disease
- Ask about the vaccines you need
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Very little urine or none for almost a day: see a doctor urgently
- Severe shortness of breath or growing swelling: call emergency services
- Severe weakness or skipped heartbeats: call emergency services
Common questions
Can kidney disease be cured?
Often it can be slowed. The earlier treatment starts, the better.
Should I drink a lot of water?
Not always. At some stages, water is limited instead. Ask your doctor.