What are the 5 stages of kidney disease?What are complications of stage IV kidney disease?...CONTINUE READING
How to prevent the progression of kidney disease
Stage IV kidney disease cannot be reversed. However, following tips may help slow down disease progression and prevent other complications:
Keep blood sugar levels under control
Maintain normal blood pressure levels
Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week
Maintain a healthy weight
Avoid or quit smoking
Avoid alcohol consumption
Visit a nephrologist (kidney specialist) to decide on an appropriate treatment plan
Check and monitor kidney function every 3 months through parameters such as creatinine, hemoglobin, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium levels
Eat a healthy, nutritious, and kidney-friendly diet:
Avoid processed and canned foods
Limit salt intake
Limit intake of saturated fats and refined sugars
Restrict intake of high-protein foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts, and whole-grain bread
Limit intake of oranges, potatoes, and tomatoes
Consume plenty of fruits and vegetables (berries, grapes, pineapples, cherries, apples, cauliflower, onions, eggplant, turnip)
Maintain fluid intake according to your doctor’s recommendation
Life expectancy with stage IV kidney disease
There is no cure for stage IV kidney disease. Treatment aims to prevent kidney failure and provide better quality of life.
According to the National Kidney Foundation, it is possible for kidney disease patients to live a long life with proper treatment. Dialysis is recommended when kidney function is at 15% or less.
Although prognosis depends on factors such as treatment adherence, diet, lifestyle, co-existing health conditions, and age, life expectancy with stage IV CKD tends to worsen with age unless a kidney transplant is performed.
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