Can I stop my Kidney Disease from Progressing?

Yes. If you have kidney disease there are a number of things you can do to maintain the kidney function that you have and prevent your condition from getting worse. Many people with kidney disease effectively prevent the disease from progressing. Medication prescribed by your doctor can help. Your lifestyle habits like regular exercise and healthy eating, and avoiding smoking and excess alcohol can make a big difference.

If you smoke, quit. If you don't smoke, but you're frequently around secondhand smoke, make a change. Smoking and secondhand smoke increases kidney disease and limits the effectiveness of medication you may be taking to control blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association.

Get regular exercise. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity per day like walking, cycling, or swimming. Even gardening or cleaning the house at a brisk pace can help. Exercise helps control weight and lower blood pressure, which is an important tool in preventing kidney disease from progressing.

Eat a healthy diet. The right amount of protein, fluids, sodium, potassium, phosphorous, cholesterol, and triglycerides from food sources directly affect the health of your kidneys. Following the nutritional guidelines for kidney disease is crucial to control blood pressure and protect your remaining kidney function.

Most people who develop kidney disease need to make major changes in their diet, and that can be a challenge. But it doesn't have to be. MagicKitchen.com has developed a collection of Renal Diet Meals specifically made with reduced amounts of sodium, phosphorous, potassium, and protein. You'll enjoy complete full-course meals like Three Cheese Ravioli with Meat Sauce, Western Omelet with Potatoes, Sweet and Sour Chicken with Zucchini & Onion Sauté, and many more. Check out the complete selection of meal options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.