Your kidneys work continuously to filter waste and extra fluid from the blood. They also contribute to fluid and electrolyte balance, blood-pressure regulation and other important functions.

Kidney disease can develop gradually and may cause few or no obvious symptoms in its early stages. This makes taking care of your kidneys important even when you feel healthy. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease or a family history of kidney disease may have a higher risk and may need regular kidney assessment.

Kidney protection is not about following one special drink, supplement or home remedy. It involves managing the factors that can damage the kidneys and identifying kidney problems early.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized evaluation and long-term care for kidney health and kidney diseases.

1. Know Your Kidney Health Before Problems Become Obvious

One of the most useful steps in kidney care is knowing whether your kidneys are functioning normally.

Depending on your age, medical history and risk factors, a doctor may recommend:

• Serum creatinine

• eGFR

• Urinalysis

• Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio

• Blood pressure measurement

• Blood glucose or HbA1c

• Electrolyte testing

• Kidney imaging when clinically indicated

A kidney problem cannot always be identified from symptoms alone. Early chronic kidney disease can be silent, so testing may be particularly important for people at increased risk.

2. Keep Blood Pressure Under Control

High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels and filtering structures of the kidneys. Kidney disease can also contribute to high blood pressure, creating a cycle in which each condition can worsen the other.

To support kidney health:

• Check your blood pressure as advised.

• Take prescribed blood-pressure medicines consistently.

• Reduce excessive dietary sodium.

• Stay physically active when medically appropriate.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Attend scheduled medical reviews.

Your personal blood-pressure target should be determined by your healthcare professional, particularly if you already have CKD.

3. Manage Diabetes Carefully

High blood glucose over time can damage the small blood vessels and filtering structures of the kidneys.

If you have diabetes, kidney protection may involve:

• Monitoring blood glucose

• Following your individualized diabetes treatment plan

• Checking HbA1c when advised

• Managing blood pressure

• Testing urine albumin

• Monitoring eGFR

• Taking prescribed medicines correctly

Diabetic kidney disease may develop without obvious symptoms, which is why recommended blood and urine testing is important.

4. Do Not Ignore Protein in the Urine

Protein, particularly albumin, normally remains largely within the bloodstream.

Persistent albumin in the urine can be a marker of kidney damage even when kidney filtration is still relatively preserved.

If a urine test shows protein or albumin, your doctor may recommend repeat testing and additional evaluation.

Depending on the cause, treatment may include blood-pressure management and kidney-protective medicines.

Protein in urine should not simply be treated with a home remedy because its cause can range from diabetes and hypertension to glomerular or other kidney diseases.

5. Be Sensible About Salt

A high-sodium diet can contribute to elevated blood pressure and fluid retention.

Reducing excessive salt intake can therefore support both cardiovascular and kidney health. NIDDK recommends healthy food choices and limiting sodium as part of kidney-disease prevention.

Practical habits include:

• Use less added salt during cooking.

• Limit highly salted packaged foods.

• Check food labels where available.

• Be cautious with pickles, papads, processed snacks and salty sauces.

• Prefer fresh foods more often.

If you already have CKD, your dietary plan may need additional adjustments based on potassium, phosphorus, protein and other laboratory results.

6. Do Not Follow a Generic “Kidney Diet”

There is no single diet that is appropriate for every person.

Someone with normal kidney function does not necessarily need the same dietary restrictions as a person with advanced CKD.

Depending on kidney function and other health conditions, a renal dietitian or doctor may modify:

• Sodium

• Protein

• Potassium

• Phosphorus

• Fluid

• Calories

• Carbohydrate intake

For example, excessive protein intake may be inappropriate for some people with CKD, while inadequate protein can contribute to malnutrition. Dietary recommendations therefore need to be individualized.

7. Drink an Appropriate Amount of Fluid

Adequate hydration is important, but more water is not always better for the kidneys.

Healthy people generally need regular fluid intake, with requirements influenced by factors such as climate, activity and other health conditions.

However, people with advanced CKD, kidney failure, heart failure, significant edema or dialysis may have individualized fluid restrictions.

Therefore, avoid internet advice suggesting that everyone should drink a fixed large quantity of water to “flush” the kidneys.

Your fluid requirement should match your medical condition.

8. Be Careful With Painkillers

Some commonly available pain medicines can harm the kidneys, particularly when used frequently or in situations such as dehydration.

NSAIDs, including medicines containing ibuprofen or naproxen, can contribute to kidney injury and require particular caution in people with kidney disease.

Before regularly using an over-the-counter painkiller, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it is appropriate for you.

This is especially important if you have:

• CKD

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Heart disease

• Dehydration

• Older age

• Previous kidney injury

Do not assume that a medicine is kidney-safe simply because it is available without a prescription.

9. Review Supplements and Herbal Products

“Natural” does not automatically mean safe for the kidneys.

Herbal products, concentrated extracts and supplements can contain active substances that may interact with medicines or affect kidney function.

If you have CKD, dialysis, a kidney transplant or another significant medical condition, discuss supplements with your healthcare professional before using them.

NIDDK also recommends discussing over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and supplements with healthcare professionals to reduce medication-related kidney risks.

10. Stop Smoking

Smoking can increase cardiovascular and overall health risks and is an important modifiable habit for people trying to protect their kidneys.

Stopping smoking can support cardiovascular health, which is particularly important because kidney disease and cardiovascular disease are closely connected.

If quitting is difficult, speak with a healthcare professional about evidence-based cessation support.

11. Stay Physically Active

Regular physical activity can support:

• Blood-pressure control

• Weight management

• Cardiovascular health

• Blood-glucose management

• Overall fitness

The appropriate amount and type of exercise depend on your age, fitness level and medical conditions.

People with advanced kidney disease or other significant health problems should ask their healthcare team which activities are appropriate.

12. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight can contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes and other conditions that increase kidney risk.

A sustainable approach is generally more useful than extreme dieting.

Focus on:

• Balanced meals

• Regular physical activity

• Appropriate portion sizes

• Adequate sleep

• Long-term weight management

If you have CKD, avoid aggressive weight-loss diets without professional guidance because nutritional requirements may be different.

13. Treat Urinary Infections Promptly

Some urinary infections can spread to the kidneys.

Symptoms such as fever, chills, flank pain, burning urination or frequent urination may require medical assessment.

NIDDK advises seeking medical care for a UTI because untreated infection can cause kidney damage in some situations.

People with recurrent infections, urinary obstruction, kidney stones or structural urinary problems may need additional evaluation.

14. Pay Attention to Kidney Stones and Urinary Obstruction

Repeated kidney stones or obstruction can affect kidney function in certain circumstances.

If you have recurrent stones, appropriate evaluation may include:

• Stone analysis

• Imaging

• Blood tests

• Urine testing

• Metabolic evaluation in selected patients

Do not repeatedly self-treat severe stone pain without determining whether a stone is obstructing urine flow.

Fever combined with urinary obstruction can require urgent medical treatment.

15. Take Prescribed Medicines Correctly

If you already have kidney disease, taking prescribed medicines as directed can be an important part of protecting remaining kidney function.

Some medicines may reduce protein leakage or help control blood pressure, diabetes or other conditions that affect kidney health.

However, kidney function can change over time, and medicine doses may need adjustment.

Keep your doctor and pharmacist informed about all medicines, including:

• Prescription medicines

• Painkillers

• Cold medicines

• Vitamins

• Herbal products

• Nutritional supplements

NIDDK notes that kidney disease can change how medicines are handled by the body, making medication review important.

16. Know When Illness Can Put the Kidneys Under Stress

Vomiting, diarrhea, fever or poor fluid intake can cause dehydration.

Dehydration can reduce blood flow to the kidneys and contribute to acute kidney injury, particularly in vulnerable patients. NSAIDs can add further kidney risk during dehydration.

If you have CKD or take medicines that affect blood pressure or kidney function, ask your healthcare professional in advance what to do if you become acutely ill.

Do not independently stop or restart prescription medicines unless you have been given a specific sick-day plan.

17. Get Enough Sleep and Manage Stress

Sleep and stress management are not substitutes for kidney treatment, but they can support overall cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Useful habits may include:

• Maintaining a regular sleep schedule

• Staying physically active

• Practising relaxation techniques

• Limiting excessive screen use before bedtime

• Seeking professional support when stress becomes difficult to manage

These measures are particularly useful when combined with appropriate management of blood pressure, diabetes and other kidney-risk factors.

18. Know the Signs That Need Medical Evaluation

Kidney disease may remain silent, but possible warning signs can include:

• Persistent swelling

• Foamy urine

• Blood in urine

• Major changes in urine output

• Persistent high blood pressure

• Unexplained fatigue

• Recurrent urinary infections

• Recurrent kidney stones

• Abnormal creatinine

• Reduced eGFR

These symptoms do not automatically mean kidney disease is present, but they warrant appropriate evaluation when persistent or unexplained.

Who Should Have Regular Kidney Checks?

Kidney screening may be particularly important for people with:

• Diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Heart or cardiovascular disease

• Family history of kidney failure

• Previous acute kidney injury

• Recurrent kidney stones

• Recurrent urinary infections

• Known kidney abnormalities

• Other conditions associated with increased kidney risk

The appropriate testing frequency depends on the person's risk profile and medical history.

Which Tests Show Whether Your Kidneys Are Healthy?

Two important components of kidney assessment are blood filtration testing and urine testing.

Serum Creatinine and eGFR

Creatinine is measured in the blood and can be used to estimate kidney filtration through eGFR.

Urine Albumin

A urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio can identify albumin leakage and help detect kidney damage.

Blood Pressure

Blood pressure provides important information because hypertension can both cause and worsen kidney disease.

Additional Tests

Depending on the situation, doctors may request:

• Electrolytes

• Blood glucose

• HbA1c

• Hemoglobin

• Calcium and phosphorus

• Ultrasound

• Other imaging or specialized testing

The correct test combination depends on the individual's medical history.

What If You Already Have Chronic Kidney Disease?

Taking care of your kidneys becomes even more important after CKD has been diagnosed.

The objective is generally to:

• Identify and treat the underlying cause

• Control blood pressure

• Manage diabetes when present

• Reduce significant albuminuria when appropriate

• Avoid unnecessary kidney-harming medicines

• Follow an individualized diet

• Monitor eGFR and urine albumin

• Address complications

• Attend regular nephrology follow-up

CKD management commonly combines medical treatment with lifestyle measures rather than relying on one intervention.

Kidney Care at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized kidney evaluation and long-term nephrology care.

Depending on the patient's needs, care may include:

• Kidney-function assessment

• Creatinine and eGFR monitoring

• Urine protein and albumin evaluation

• Blood-pressure management

• Diabetes-related kidney care

• Chronic kidney disease management

• Acute kidney injury assessment

• Kidney stone and obstruction evaluation

• Medication review

• Electrolyte and acid-base management

• Dialysis-related kidney care

• Kidney transplant-related evaluation

The appropriate plan depends on the person's kidney function, underlying condition, medications and overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way of taking care of your kidneys?

There is no single kidney-protection method. Managing blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding unnecessary kidney-harming medicines, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following an appropriate diet and getting recommended kidney testing are important components of kidney care.

How can I keep my kidneys healthy naturally?

Healthy habits such as regular physical activity, avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting excessive sodium and managing diabetes and blood pressure can support kidney health. They should not replace medical treatment when kidney disease is present.

Is drinking lots of water good for the kidneys?

Not necessarily. Adequate hydration is important, but people with advanced kidney disease, heart failure, edema or dialysis may require individualized fluid limits.

Which foods are good for kidney health?

There is no single food that cleanses or repairs the kidneys. A balanced diet with appropriate sodium and other nutrients is generally more useful than relying on a particular “kidney detox” food. People with CKD may need individualized potassium, phosphorus, protein and fluid recommendations.

Are painkillers harmful to the kidneys?

Some painkillers, particularly NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen, can increase kidney risk, especially with frequent use or dehydration. Ask a healthcare professional before regular use if you have kidney disease or other risk factors.

How often should kidney function be checked?

There is no universal testing schedule. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, family history or known kidney disease may need regular testing according to their individual risk.

Can kidney disease be prevented completely?

Not always. Some causes cannot be completely prevented, but managing conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure, avoiding kidney-harming exposures and identifying kidney disease early may help reduce the risk of kidney damage or progression.

When should I see a nephrologist?

A nephrologist may be appropriate if you have persistent abnormal creatinine, reduced eGFR, significant protein in urine, recurrent kidney stones, difficult-to-control hypertension, unexplained blood in urine or known CKD.

Conclusion

Taking care of your kidneys is a long-term process rather than a single diet, drink or supplement.

The most useful approach is to understand your kidney risk, monitor important health conditions and avoid preventable kidney injury. Blood-pressure control, diabetes management, sensible nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation, safe medicine use and appropriate kidney testing can all contribute to better kidney health.

People who already have CKD need an individualized plan because dietary requirements, fluid intake, medicines and monitoring can change as kidney function changes.

If you have risk factors or abnormal kidney tests, early evaluation can help identify problems and establish appropriate kidney care.

For personalized kidney evaluation and nephrology care, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment or individualized medical advice. Kidney-care recommendations vary according to kidney function, age, medical conditions, medications and nutritional needs. People with chronic kidney disease, kidney failure, dialysis, heart failure or other significant medical conditions should not independently change fluid intake, protein intake, potassium, phosphorus, sodium, medicines or supplements based solely on this article. Do not use herbal products or “kidney detox” remedies as a replacement for appropriate medical care. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified nephrologist for individualized kidney assessment and treatment.