Identify and reach your kidney health goals. Whether you're looking to prevent kidney issues or manage existing conditions, get empowered with knowledge and practical tips for a healthier life.
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Know Your Kidneys. Know Your Cause.
"I know firsthand that kidney disease can happen at any age, and sometimes the cause of your disease isn’t clear-cut. But I want to encourage others to be informed about their kidney health and self-advocate for a treatment plan that can allow them to live their best life." - Suni Lee
Anatomy and function of the kidneys
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs near the middle of your back, one on either side of your spine, just below your ribcage. Your kidneys filter all the blood in your body many times a day to remove extra fluid and waste. This extra fluid and waste make up your urine (pee).
Your kidneys do many other important jobs too, such as help control your blood pressure and keep your bones healthy. You need at least one healthy kidney to keep your body working the way it should.
Chronic kidney disease
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means you have lasting damage to your kidneys that can get worse over time. CKD is when your kidneys are damaged and lose their ability to filter waste and fluid out of your blood. Waste can build up in your body and harm your health.
There is no cure for kidney disease, and you cannot reverse kidney damage. If your kidneys stop working, which is called kidney failure, you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to stay alive.
Risk factors
Anyone can get kidney disease, but some people have a higher chance of getting kidney disease because they have one or more risk factors. People with diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure) are at higher risk of getting kidney disease. Other risk factors are race, ethnicity, family history, heart disease, obesity, and smoking or using tobacco. Having one of these does not mean that you will get kidney disease. But if you do, and you find and treat kidney disease early, you may be able to prevent it from getting worse.
Get tested
Most people with kidney disease do not know they have it because they do not have any symptoms until their kidneys are badly damaged. The only way to know how well your kidneys are working is to get tested. Ask your doctor about getting blood and urine tests.
Kidney disease prevention
There are steps you can take to protect your kidneys and promote general health. Your doctor will work with you to create a plan to prevent or delay the progression of kidney disease, which may include:
- Regular visits with your doctor to check your blood levels and overall health
- A kidney-friendly eating plan
- Taking all of your medicines as your doctor tells you
- Being active at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week
- Quitting smoking or using tobacco
Know your kidney numbers
Your kidney numbers help assess your chance of facing kidney problems. They will help you and your healthcare team determine next steps to prevent or slow the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Use our Know Your Kidney Numbers interactive tool to learn about:
- Your kidney health now
- Your risk of developing kidney disease in the future
- How to slow down damage to your kidneys if you have kidney disease
Take charge of your kidney health
Understand your complete diagnosis to get the best treatment for your kidney disease
Access resources to help identify and reach your kidney health goals
