Understanding Stage 3 Kidney Disease

How to reverse stage 3 kidney disease. Stage 3 kidney disease is a term used to describe moderate kidney damage and a decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which means the kidneys are functioning at a rate of 30-59%. This stage is further divided into two sub-stages:

Stage 3a: GFR between 45-59 ml/min
Stage 3b: GFR between 30-44 ml/min

At this stage, symptoms may start to appear, and the risk of developing complications such as high blood pressure, anemia, and bone disease increases. Common symptoms include fatigue, fluid retention, decreased urine output, and difficulty concentrating. The causes of stage 3 kidney disease vary and can include diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, infections, and genetic disorders. Treatment options for stage 3 kidney disease typically focus on managing underlying conditions and slowing the progression of kidney damage. Treatment may include medications to control blood pressure, manage blood glucose levels, and reduce proteinuria (excess protein in the urine). Dietary changes, such as reducing sodium and protein intake, may also be recommended to reduce stress on the kidneys. Regular monitoring of kidney function and management of underlying conditions are crucial to slowing the progression of stage 3 kidney disease. In some cases, advanced stages of kidney disease may require dialysis or kidney transplant to manage kidney function.

Steps for Reversing Stage 3 Kidney Disease

While there is no cure for kidney disease, there are steps that can be taken to slow its progression and even reverse some of the damage that has been done. Here are some steps that may be helpful for reversing stage 3 kidney disease:

1. Manage underlying health conditions

Managing underlying health conditions is essential for people with stage 3 kidney disease to slow down the progression of kidney damage. The following are some ways to manage underlying health conditions for stage 3 kidney disease:

High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a common cause of kidney disease, and it can also worsen kidney damage. People with stage 3 kidney disease should aim to keep their blood pressure under control. This can be achieved by taking medications prescribed by the doctor, reducing salt intake, losing weight if overweight or obese, and exercising regularly.
Diabetes: Diabetes is another leading cause of kidney disease. People with diabetes and stage 3 kidney disease should manage their blood sugar levels to prevent further kidney damage. This includes taking medications prescribed by the doctor, monitoring blood sugar levels regularly, following a healthy diet, and exercising regularly.
Proteinuria: Proteinuria is a condition where there is an excess of protein in the urine. It can worsen kidney damage and increase the risk of developing complications such as cardiovascular disease. Medications called ACE inhibitors or ARBs can help reduce proteinuria and protect the kidneys. It is important to discuss with the doctor to determine the appropriate medication and dosage.
Anemia: Anemia is a common complication of kidney disease, which can cause fatigue and weakness. Iron and erythropoietin (EPO) supplements may be prescribed to help manage anemia. A healthy diet rich in iron and other essential nutrients may also help.
Other conditions: People with stage 3 kidney disease should also manage other conditions that may worsen kidney damage, such as autoimmune diseases, infections, and genetic disorders. Proper treatment and management of these conditions may help slow down the progression of kidney disease.

2. Follow a kidney-friendly diet

Following a kidney-friendly diet is essential for people with stage 3 kidney disease to manage their condition and slow down the progression of kidney damage. A kidney-friendly diet can help reduce the workload on the kidneys, manage blood pressure, and prevent the buildup of waste products in the body. Here are some tips for following a kidney-friendly diet:

Limit sodium: People with stage 3 kidney disease should limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day. This means avoiding processed foods, canned goods, and fast foods, which are typically high in sodium. Instead, choose fresh foods and season with herbs and spices instead of salt.
Control protein intake: Consuming too much protein can put stress on the kidneys, so it is essential to control protein intake. The recommended daily protein intake for people with stage 3 kidney disease is around 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. Good sources of protein include poultry, fish, eggs, and tofu.
Limit phosphorus: Phosphorus is a mineral that can build up in the blood when the kidneys are not functioning properly. People with stage 3 kidney disease should limit their phosphorus intake to around 800-1,000 mg per day. Foods high in phosphorus include dairy products, nuts, beans, and whole grains.
Watch potassium intake: Potassium is a mineral that helps regulate fluid balance in the body. However, too much potassium can be dangerous for people with kidney disease. The recommended daily intake of potassium for people with stage 3 kidney disease is around 2,000-3,000 mg per day. Foods high in potassium include bananas, potatoes, avocados, and leafy greens.
Drink plenty of water: Drinking enough water is important for kidney function. People with stage 3 kidney disease should aim to drink enough water to stay hydrated, but not too much that it puts extra stress on the kidneys. The recommended daily water intake is around eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day.

Following a kidney-friendly diet is essential for people with stage 3 kidney disease to manage their condition and slow down the progression of kidney damage. It is important to work with a registered dietitian to create a personalized meal plan that meets individual needs and preferences.

3. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is essential for people with stage 3 kidney disease to maintain kidney function and overall health. The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine, and water is essential to this process. Here are some tips for staying hydrated:

Drink enough water: People with stage 3 kidney disease should aim to drink enough water to stay hydrated. The recommended daily water intake is around eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. However, this may vary depending on individual needs and other health conditions.
Monitor fluid intake: While it is important to stay hydrated, people with stage 3 kidney disease should also monitor their fluid intake to avoid overloading the kidneys. This includes avoiding fluids with high sugar content and limiting alcohol and caffeine intake.
Choose hydrating foods: Some foods are naturally hydrating and can help contribute to overall fluid intake. Fruits and vegetables, such as watermelon, cucumber, and strawberries, are good choices.
Talk to a healthcare provider: People with stage 3 kidney disease should talk to their healthcare provider about how much water and other fluids they should be consuming each day. Depending on individual needs and other health conditions, fluid intake recommendations may vary.
Monitor urine output: Monitoring urine output can help people with stage 3 kidney disease determine if they are staying adequately hydrated. Urine output should be pale yellow to clear. Dark yellow or amber urine may indicate dehydration.

Being hydrated is crucial for people with stage 3 kidney disease to maintain kidney function and overall health. It is important to drink enough water, monitor fluid intake, choose hydrating foods, and talk to a healthcare provider about individual fluid intake recommendations.

4. Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of complications associated with kidney disease. It's important to speak with your healthcare provider about which types of exercise are safe and appropriate for your specific situation.

5. Quit smoking

Smoking can contribute to the progression of kidney disease and other health complications. Quitting smoking can help to slow the progression of kidney disease and improve overall health.

Conclusion

Reversing stage 3 kidney disease is possible, but it requires a combination of lifestyle changes and medical management. By managing underlying health conditions, following a kidney-friendly diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, and quitting smoking, individuals with stage 3 kidney disease can improve their kidney function and overall health. It's important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses individual needs and concerns.