Can you reverse renal insufficiency

People at high risk are those who are already hospitalized, or who are critically ill from other causes and need intensive care. Acute kidney failure requires immediate treatment. The good news is that acute kidney failure can often be reversed. The kidneys usually start working again within several weeks to months after the underlying cause has been treated.

Dialysis is needed until then. If the kidneys fail completely, the only treatment options available are dialysis for the rest of your life or transplant. Acute kidney failure almost always occurs in connection with another medical condition, infection or use of kidney-harming medicines. There are many possible causes of kidney damage. Learn more.

The following steps can be taken to help prevent kidney disease progression in any of the five stages of CKD : Make a treatment plan with your nephrologist, including a schedule of how often your kidneys should be checked. Manage well any other related medical conditions, like diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have either of these, speak to your doctor about blood pressure medicines, called ACE inhibitors and ARBs, which can help keep kidney disease from worsening.

Eat a kidney-friendly diet and monitor your intake of protein, phosphorous, potassium, and sodium. A renal dietitian can help you determine the best diet for your unique situation. Get 30 minutes of activity a day, five days a week. Maintain a healthy weight. To improve your experience on our site, we use cookies.

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We use them to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Once you know you have chronic kidney disease, follow these steps from the National Kidney Foundation:. To learn more about chronic kidney disease, contact the National Kidney Foundation at or log on to www. Skip to main content. Once you know you have chronic kidney disease, follow these steps from the National Kidney Foundation: You may be told to see a nephrologist a kidney specialist.

Carefully follow your doctor's treatment plan, including having regular blood and urine tests and controlling the risk factors for the disease, including high blood pressure hypertension , coronary heart disease and diabetes. The stage of your disease will determine treatment. It's a must that you keep your blood pressure under control. This is a diet that's basically low in salt and high in potassium and calcium. It emphasizes choosing low-fat dairy products instead of high-fat ones, choosing vegetable proteins instead of animal proteins and avoiding dark cola drinks.

Talk with your doctor about the potassium factor, however. Not everyone with kidney disease needs to or should increase potassium in the diet.

Be monitored for bladder infections and have them treated if you develop them. Those with Stage 3 CKD or above may be advised to limit phosphorous-containing foods such as meat, processed foods, dark sodas and dairy products in general. When your kidneys are not functioning properly, high levels of phosphorous can build up in your blood, leading to loss of calcium in and a weakening of your bones, making them more susceptible to breakage and arthritis.

You also may be prescribed a type of medication known as a phosphate binder with your meals and snacks; this drug doesn't allow phosphorous to get into your blood. In addition, a prescription form of vitamin D may be recommended. When you have CKD in Stage 3 or above, the parathyroid glands may become hyperactive, leading to bone disease, arthritis, skin disease, itching and anemia.