Self-management strategies and home remedies for chronic kidney disease

Self-management strategies and home remedies for chronic kidney disease

Managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A Comprehensive Guide

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that affects the kidneys' ability to filter blood effectively over time. Unfortunately, the kidneys cannot repair themselves naturally, but with a treatment plan from a doctor, people can help prevent or slow the progression of their CKD.

Managing Sodium Intake

One essential aspect of managing CKD is controlling sodium consumption. This can be achieved by avoiding foods high in sodium, such as preprepared foods with added sodium, and opting for spices and herbs instead of salt during cooking. Additionally, rinsing canned foods in water before eating can help reduce their sodium content. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD) recommends a person's diet contains less than 2300 milligrams of sodium per day.

Potassium Levels and Phosphorus Buildup

People with CKD may have high blood potassium levels, which can impact the heart, nerves, and muscles. To manage symptoms, it's recommended to consume a heart-healthy diet that is low in sodium and avoid certain foods like bananas, oranges, and avocados. Additionally, high levels of phosphorus can build up in the blood, causing bones to lose calcium, making them thinner and weaker, and causing itchy skin and pain in the bones and joints. Foods that are typically higher in phosphorus include bran-based cereals and oatmeal, dairy products, poultry, meat, fish, beans, lentils, nuts, and some drinks like dark-colored sodas, fruit punch, and some ice teas.

Medical Treatments

Medical treatments are necessary for CKD to help slow its progression. A doctor may recommend medications for managing blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. If a person has started dialysis treatment, they may need to increase the amount of protein in their diet, as dialysis removes protein waste from the blood.

Self-Care Tips

Beyond dietary changes, physical activity, and quitting smoking, additional self-care tips for people with CKD include:

1. Manage blood pressure and diabetes carefully, as these are primary contributors to CKD progression. Regular monitoring and adhering to prescribed treatments are essential.
2. Maintain a healthy weight through balanced eating and regular exercise to reduce stress on the kidneys and control conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
3. Prioritize quality sleep by aiming for 7–9 hours nightly, keeping consistent sleep schedules, and minimizing caffeine and screen exposure before bed, which helps reduce stress and supports overall kidney health.
4. Manage stress and mental health, since chronic stress and depression can worsen CKD outcomes. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, maintaining social connections, and seeking professional help if needed are recommended.
5. Stay well-hydrated but according to your doctor’s recommendations, as both dehydration and fluid overload can harm kidney function. Choosing water and limiting beverages high in potassium, phosphorus, or sodium is advised.
6. Avoid or limit use of over-the-counter painkillers and unnecessary supplements, which can damage the kidneys if misused.
7. Monitor your health regularly with check-ups to track blood pressure, blood sugar, and kidney function, enabling early intervention if problems arise.
8. Incorporate practices that improve circulation and recovery, like elevating legs to reduce swelling if you stand or sit long periods, and alternating warm and cold water in showers (with medical advice if heart conditions exist).
9. Cook at home to better control sodium intake and avoid processed foods that can worsen kidney strain.

These additional habits collectively help slow CKD progression and enhance quality of life beyond diet, exercise, and smoking cessation.

Avoiding Harmful Habits

Excess alcohol consumption can damage organs, raise blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. The NIDDK recommends no more than one drink per day for females and no more than two drinks per day for males. Smoking can negatively impact CKD progression and affect medications for lowering blood pressure. Quitting smoking may help slow down CKD progression.

Examples of Low-Potassium Foods

Examples of foods lower in potassium include white rice, bread, and pasta, peaches, apples, green beans, carrots, and some fruits and vegetables.

Phosphorus in Foods

Foods with added phosphorus may say "PHOS" in the ingredients list. It's essential to be aware of this when choosing processed foods and beverages.

Seek Professional Advice

A doctor can advise on whether a person may benefit from reducing their potassium intake. They can also provide guidance on protein intake depending on the type of treatment a person receives. It's crucial to follow a doctor's recommendations to manage CKD effectively and maintain the best possible quality of life.

1. Maintaining a low-sodium diet is vital in managing Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which involves avoiding foods high in sodium and opting for spices and herbs, rinsing canned foods, and limiting consumption to less than 2300 milligrams per day, as recommended by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDKD).
2. High blood potassium levels in people with CKD can impact the heart, nerves, and muscles, prompting the recommendation of a heart-healthy diet that's low in sodium and avoidance of certain foods like bananas, oranges, and avocados.
3. Elevated phosphorus levels can build up in the blood of individuals with CKD, causing bones to lose calcium, making them thinner and weaker, and leading to itchy skin and pain in the bones and joints. Common foods high in phosphorus include bran-based cereals, dairy products, poultry, meat, fish, beans, lentils, nuts, and certain drinks.
4. Apart from dietary changes, self-care tips for people with CKD include managing blood pressure and diabetes carefully, maintaining a healthy weight through balanced eating and exercise, prioritizing quality sleep, managing stress and mental health, staying well-hydrated according to a doctor's recommendations, avoiding or limiting the use of over-the-counter painkillers, and monitoring health regularly with check-ups.
5. Harmful habits like excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can exacerbate CKD progression. The NIDDK advises no more than one drink per day for females and no more than two drinks per day for males, while smoking can negatively impact CKD progression and affect medications for lowering blood pressure.
6. To effectively manage CKD, it's recommended to seek professional advice from a doctor regarding adjustments in potassium intake, protein intake depending on the type of treatment, and clarification on whether foods with added phosphorus ("PHOS" in the ingredients list) should be avoided.

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