MANAGING

CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE

While there is no cure for CKD, management relies on slowing its progression and preventing complications. Management includes:

Control Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar
Follow a Kidney-Friendly Diet
- Limit salt (sodium) to help control blood pressure.
- Avoid ultra-processed food such as canned soups, deli meats, salty snacks, chips, and frozen dinners.
Stay Active
Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol
Take Medications as Prescribed

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

(also known as CKD)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) occurs when your kidneys are damaged over a long period and can no longer filter blood as efficiently as healthy kidneys. Your kidneys have many roles, such as removing waste, helping produce red blood cells, maintaining bone health, and balancing fluid levels. But, in CKD, these functions are compromised, leading to health issues such as anemia (low red blood cell count), heart disease, and weaker bones.

With the right care and lifestyle changes, you may slow the progression of CKD and maintain a good quality of life.

Regular checkups, a kidney-friendly diet, and staying active are key steps in managing your condition and living well with CKD.

CAUSES

Various conditions may cause CKD, and most commonly from:

Diabetes
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Other causes: Genetic factors such as APOL-Mediated Kidney Disease or autoimmune diseases.

SYMPTOMS

In the early stages, CKD may not cause any noticeable symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms can include:

Fatigue or feeling weak
Swelling in your feet, ankles, or hands (due to fluid retention)
Foamy urine (a sign of protein in the urine)
Shortness of breath
Trouble concentrating or confusion