Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Your kidneys play a vital role in keeping your body healthy by filtering extra fluids and waste from your blood, which then leaves your body as urine. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) happens when your kidneys gradually lose this function. As CKD progresses, harmful levels of fluid, electrolytes, and waste can build up, affecting your overall health.

Managing CKD focuses on protecting your kidneys and slowing further damage. This often includes addressing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. In some cases, when kidney function declines significantly, treatments such as dialysis or a kidney transplant may become necessary.

Tips to Prevent or Slow CKD

• Control blood sugar: Especially important for people with diabetes, since diabetes is the leading cause of CKD.
• Lower blood pressure: Aim for less than 130/80, as high blood pressure can damage kidney blood vessels.
• Stop smoking: Smoking harms blood vessels, including those in your kidneys.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Decrease salt intake: Less sodium helps control blood pressure.
• Eat a balanced diet: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and nuts, like the Mediterranean diet, can support kidney health. Limit red meats, processed foods, and sweets.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity helps manage weight, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
• Take medications as prescribed: Some medicines can affect kidney function, so always consult your doctor before starting new medications.
• Get regular check-ups: Routine monitoring by your primary care doctor or a kidney specialist helps track kidney health.
• Care for your kidneys long term: Small daily steps can make a significant difference over time.

Treatments for CKD
When CKD progresses, dialysis may be necessary. Dialysis helps clean waste and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys cannot.

Types of Dialysis

• Hemodialysis: Blood is filtered through a man-made membrane to remove waste and fluid.
• Peritoneal dialysis: The lining of your abdomen acts as a filter with a special solution to clean blood inside your body.

Our team at TidalHealth is here to help you manage kidney disease, answer questions, and guide you through every step of care.

What is chronic kidney disease (CKD)?
CKD is when your kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste and extra fluids. Over time, this can lead to serious health problems as waste accumulates in the body.

What causes chronic kidney disease?
The most common causes are diabetes and high blood pressure, which can damage the small blood vessels in your kidneys.

How can I help slow CKD?
Keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control, maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, reduce salt, eat plant-based foods, exercise regularly, take prescribed medications, and attend regular check-ups.

What happens if my kidneys stop working?
If your kidneys lose most of their function, dialysis or a kidney transplant may be needed. Dialysis uses a machine or the lining of your abdomen to help clean your blood.

Where can I get help managing CKD?
TidalHealth provides care, support, and education for people living with CKD. Our team works with you and your family to ensure you have the resources and treatment needed for your health.