Kidney health
Your kidneys play a key role in keeping your body healthy. These bean-shaped organs help filter waste and extra fluid from your blood, balance minerals and regulate blood pressure. But kidney disease is often silent — many people don’t know they have it until the damage is advanced. The good news? There are steps you can take to help protect and improve your kidney health.1
What do kidneys do?
Kidneys help:1
- Filter waste and toxins from the blood
- Balance water, salt and mineral levels
- Regulate blood pressure
- Make red blood cells and vitamin D
When your kidneys aren’t working well, waste can build up and affect other parts of your body — including your heart, bones and immune system.2
Who is at risk for kidney disease?
Anyone can develop kidney disease, but you may be more at risk if you:1,3
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure
- Have family history of kidney disease
- Are over age 60
- Have obesity2
- Smoke or use tobacco
- Have heart disease
Some ethnic groups are more likely to have kidney disease related to higher rates of diabetes and high blood pressure in their communities. This includes Black, Hispanic and Native American.4
How to help kidney health
Protecting your kidneys starts with taking care of your overall health. Here are some ways to support your kidneys:1,2
- Manage blood sugar and blood pressure: Diabetes that isn’t managed or chronically high blood pressure can cause damage to kidneys 3
- Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water helps your kidneys remove waste and toxins3
- Eat a balanced diet: Choose foods low in sodium and added sugar. Add fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins.2
- Limit over-the-counter pain medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can harm kidneys if used often2
- Don’t smoke: Smoking slows blood flow to kidneys and can worsen existing kidney issues2
- Get regular exercise: Physical activity helps control blood pressure and weight, both important for kidney health.2 Talk to your doctor before making significant changes to your activity level, especially if you have underlying medical conditions.
Kidney disease and problems
Kidney disease happens when your kidneys are damaged and can’t filter blood as well as they should. Waste and fluid can build up in your body, causing serious health issues if not treated.5
High blood pressure and diabetes are the two most common causes of kidney disease.6 There are two main types:
- Chronic kidney diseases (CKD): This develops slowly over time and is often linked to diabetes or high blood pressure. CKD is common and may not cause symptoms until it’s advanced.5
- Acute kidney injury (AKI): This happens quickly, usually over a few days. It can be caused by an illness, injury or certain medications. With quick treatment, AKI can be reversed.5
Common signs and symptoms of kidney problems include:3
- Swelling in the legs, ankles or feet
- Fatigue or low energy
- Frequent urination
- Itchy skin
- Cramping muscles
- Foamy or bloody urine
Kidney stones cause a number of symptoms and can be quite painful. They form when certain substances don’t make it out of your body the way they should.
If you have risk factors or symptoms, talk with your doctor about testing. Regular testing is recommended if you are at a high risk for kidney problems.3
Kidney screenings: What to expect
Regular kidney screenings can help catch problems early — before symptoms appear. Two simple types of tests can check how well your kidneys are working:¹
- Blood tests: Check your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) — how well your kidneys are filtering blood — and serum creatinine levels — how well the kidneys are removing waste product (creatinine)6
- Urine test: Check for protein (albumin) and blood in your urine6
Your doctor may recommend screenings if you have risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.3
Who should I see if I have concerns about my kidneys?
If you have family or personal history with kidney conditions or you’re noticing symptoms related to kidney health, visit your primary care provider (the doctor or provider you might see for your yearly physical). They’ll likely order lab tests to check markers in your blood that help measure kidney function. Depending on your lab results, you may then be referred to a nephrologist (kidney specialist) for a closer look at your kidney health.