Can Kidney Disease Be Reversed?

There are two main types of kidney disease: Acute Kidney Failure and Chronic Kidney Failure.

Acute Kidney Failure, sometimes called Acute Kidney Injury, happens suddenly and is often the result of an event like extreme dehydration or blood loss. Acute Kidney Failure often can be reversed in the sense that once treated, the kidneys can return to normal function. 

Chronic Kidney Disease develops slowly over time, often the result of diabetes or high blood pressure. The chronic nature of the disease makes kidney damage reversal essentially impossible. Though the damage is permanent, there are ways to manage and slow the progression of the disease. 

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Signs of Chronic Kidney Disease

Reversing kidney problems is a challenge in part because you often don’t know you have a problem until it is too late. Some symptoms of kidney disease include:

• Fluid retention, particularly swelling in the feet and ankles
• Puffiness or swelling of the undereyes or face
• Dry, itchy skin
• Frequent urination, especially at night

While a day or two of itchy skin from allergies isn’t a huge cause for alarm, it is important to remember that you should check your kidney function yearly with your regular bloodwork to get out ahead of any potential problems. 

Managing Chronic Kidney Disease

Though the kidney damage cannot be reversed, it can be prevented from getting worse, and quality of life does not have to be overly impacted. A kidney disease diagnosis does not necessarily immediately mean dialysis or a transplant will be necessary.

The following tips can help manage kidney conditions and aid in preventing chronic kidney disease from starting:

• Stay hydrated. Adults should be drinking half their body weight in ounces of water each day. So an adult who weighs 160 pounds should be drinking 80 ounces of water. The water content in some other fluids can help you hit this goal – like green tea or juice – but beware of sugary or caffeinated beverages. The sugar, caffeine, and other additives in those drinks cancel out the benefits of the water.  
• Pay attention to your diet. Your doctor can help you work with a nutritionist to come up with a diet plan for your specific situation, but in general, you want a diet of whole, nutritious foods that are high in fiber and low in sodium and potassium. 
• Check blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Chronic Kidney Disease is often the result of Diabetes or high blood pressure. Keeping sugar intake and blood pressure under control can help ease the strain on your kidneys. 
• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake. There are a myriad of reasons to avoid smoking that do not need to be listed here. Keep in mind that since your kidneys are your body’s filtration system, all the alcohol you drink needs to be filtered through the kidneys. Too much can be damaging. 
• Regularly check your kidney function. Your doctor can check your kidney function with your yearly preventative bloodwork and let you know if there is anything to be aware of. 

The chance of kidney disease increases with age, so being proactive even when young can only benefit your long-term health, both overall and for your kidneys. Hydration is the most important thing, so go grab yourself a glass of water. 

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