How to improve kidney function?

Posted on Wed, 18 May 2016

Question: I was just told that my kidneys are functioning at 49%. What can I do to improve that? My doctor said he doesn't see an obvious reason (had ultrsound) but can attribute it to HBP. But 49% is low. Can I ever increase that number?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
keep blood pressure controlled

Detailed Answer:
Thank you for contacting HCM wth your health care concerns

I am sorry to hear that you have early stages of renal failure. The most common cause of renal failure is hypertension and diabetes. If you have either of these conditions then you must be sure to keep tight control on both conditions. If you can keep control your kidneys may improve. Also you need to stay away from all NSAIDs this includes ibuprofen and naprosyn. These medications are direct irritants to the kidneys. Alcohol will also affect your kidneys

The best thing to do is maintain good overall health, Eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, drink plenty of fluids, reduce weight if you are overweight and get regular check ups.

In summary
1. renal failure common with diabetes and hypertension
2. Keep tight control on diabetes and hypertension
3. Avoid NSAIDs
4. Avoid alcohol
5. Exercise regularly, lose weight and eat a heart healthy diet

I hope I answered your question. Please contact us again if you have any additional questions

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Ronald Schubert (12 hours later)

Thank you for your response. I do have HBP controlled with Micardis. But it hasn't always been controlled, so for years in the military I would have physicals and my blood pressure would be high and they would attribute it to white coat syndrome.. I said. but I work here, in the hospital, I am not anxious. Anyway, they did put me on meds but it seems over the last several years my GFR has been around 67 sometimes lower but mostly in that area. Is this something that can ever improve? If I do all the right things how long is the normal progression to failure and dialysis or is it possible it may never get that far?

Answered by Dr. Ronald Schubert (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
GFR of >60

Detailed Answer:
If what you say is correct and your GFR is Greater than 60 then you should be fine. The loss of renal function will be minimal and will probably not progress to dialysis. You are actually a long way away from dialysis at this point. Just really keep your blood pressure controlled exercise and stay otherwise healthy you should be good.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar