Chronic Kidney Disease Treatment
Self-Care at Home
Chronic kidney disease is a disease that must be managed in close
consultation with your health care practitioner. Self-treatment is not
appropriate.
There are, however, several important dietary rules you can follow to help
slow the progression of your kidney disease and decrease the likelihood of
complications.
This is a complex process and must be individualized, generally with the help
of your health care practitioner and a registered dietitian.
The following are general dietary guidelines:
Protein restriction: Decreasing protein intake may slow the progression of
chronic kidney disease. A dietitian can help you determine the appropriate
amount of protein for you.
Salt restriction: Limit to 4-6 grams a day to avoid fluid retention and help
control high blood pressure.
Fluid intake: Excessive water intake does not help prevent kidney disease. In
fact, your doctor may recommend restriction of water intake.
Potassium restriction: This is necessary in advanced kidney disease because
the kidneys are unable to remove potassium. High levels of potassium can cause
abnormal heart rhythms. Examples of foods high in potassium include bananas,
oranges, nuts, and potatoes.
Phosphorus restriction: Decreasing phosphorus intake is recommended to
protect bones. Eggs, beans, cola drinks, and dairy products are examples of
foods high in phosphorus.
Other important measures that you can take include:
carefully follow prescribed regimens to control your blood pressure and/or
diabetes;
stop smoking; and
lose excess weight.
In chronic kidney disease, several medications can be toxic to the kidneys
and may need to be avoided or given in adjusted doses. Among over-the-counter
medications, the following need to be avoided or used with caution:
Certain analgesics: Aspirin; nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs,
such as ibuprofen [Motrin, for example])
Fleets or phosphosoda enemas because of their high content of phosphorus
Laxatives and antacids containing magnesium and aluminum such as magnesium
hydroxide (Milk of Magnesia) and famotidine (Mylanta)
Ulcer medication H2-receptor antagonists: cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine
(Zantac), (decreased dosage with kidney disease)
Decongestants such as pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) especially if you have high
blood pressure
Alka Seltzer, since this contains large amounts of salt
Herbal medications
If you have a condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high
cholesterol underlying your chronic kidney disease, take all medications as
directed and see your health care practitioner as recommended for follow-up and
monitoring.
