The GFR is the amount of blood that passes through your kidneys in a minute.Your body is retaining toxins if your GFR is too low.Depending on the circumstances, you can usually increase GFR by making changes to your diet and lifestyle; though, prescription medication and other professional medical treatment might be necessary for some individuals with extremely lowGFR.
Step 1: Take the test.
Your doctor can perform a blood test on you.There is a waste product in your blood.Your GFR is likely to be low if the amount of creatinine contained within a sample is too high.The amount of creatinine in your blood and urine can be measured with a creatinine clearance test.
Step 2: Understand the numbers.
Your test results are not the sole factor used to calculate your GFR.When determining the actual GFR rate, doctors take into account your age, race, body size, and gender.Your kidneys are considered to be in good health if you have a GFR greater than 90.Stage two chronic kidney disease is defined as GFR between 60 and 89 mls/min/1.73m.If you have a rate between 30 and 59 mls/min/1.73m, you are in stage three CKD.Stage five CKD means your kidneys have failed if your GFR dips below 15 mls/min/1.73m.
Step 3: Don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Your doctor can tell you more about your GFR score and how it affects your life.If your numbers are lower than you should be, your doctor will probably recommend some type of treatment, but the specifics may vary from patient to patient.You will need to make changes to your diet and lifestyle regardless of which stage you've entered.These changes may be enough to improve your GFR.If you don't have a history of problems with the kidneys, this is true.Some form of medication will be prescribed by your doctor during the later stages of the disease.This medication should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes and not as a substitute treatment.Your doctor will almost always recommend a transplant in the final stages of CKD.
Step 4: Eat more vegetables and less meat.
One issue that won't be present without the other is increased creatinine and low GFR.You may need to limit the amount of animal-based products you consume.There are plant-based sources of food that do not contain creatine or creatinine.Diabetes and high blood pressure can be reduced by maintaining a mostly vegetarian diet.
Step 5: Don't smoke.
Smoking can cause high blood pressure, as well as other health issues.Maintaining healthy blood pressure can improve your GFR.
Step 6: A low salt diet is recommended.
Diets high in salt can cause damage to your kidneys and cause your GFR to go up.If you want to eliminate salty foods from your diet, opt for low-sodium alternatives.You can use other spices and herbs instead of relying on salt.You should eat home-cooked meals more often.Since many boxed meals use salt for theirPreservative qualities, meals made from scratch are usually less salty.
Step 7: It's a good idea to consume less potassium and phosphorus.
Once the minerals have been weakened or damaged, your kidneys may not be able to filter them.Don't take supplements that contain either mineral, and stay away from foods high in either.Winter squash, potato, white beans, yogurt, halibut, orange juice, broccoli, cantaloupe, banana, pork, lentils, milk, salmon, pistachios, raisins, chicken, and tuna are some of the high-potassium foods.Fast foods, milk, yogurt, hard cheeses, cottage cheese, ice cream, quick breads, processed meats, chocolate or caramel, colas, and flavored waters are all Phosphorus-rich foods.
Step 8: Take a sip of nettle leaf tea.
If you drink one to two cups of tea each day, you may be able to increase your GFR.Check with your doctor to make sure that nettle leaf tea is safe.To make nettle leaf tea, steep two fresh nettle leaves in at least 8 oz of simmering water for 10 to 20 minutes.You can drink the tea while it's still hot.
Step 9: It's a good idea to exercise regularly.
Diabetes control can be improved with exercise.It's important to note that strenuous physical activity can increase the breakdown of creatine into creatinine, which can cause your GFR to drop further.Moderate exercise is your best option.For 30 minutes a day, three to five days a week, you might consider cycling or walking.
Step 10: You should manage your weight.
A healthy diet and regular exercise will most likely result in weight management.If the diet is specifically recommended by a doctor, you should avoid it.Maintaining a healthy weight may help regulate your blood pressure by making it easier for blood to pass through your body.You should see an improvement in your GFR once blood can flow through your body more readily.
Step 11: Speak with a nurse.
Your doctor may recommend a specialist for the best diet during the later stages of the disease.The specialists are calledrenal dieticians.Maintaining a balance between the fluids and minerals in your body can be difficult.The elements described in this article can be found in most specialized diet.You might be told to reduce your intake of certain vitamins and minerals.
Step 12: Any underlying cause should be identified.
Other underlying conditions can cause or influence low GFR rates.You have to get these other ailments under control before you can raise your GFR.Two of the most common causes are high blood pressure and diabetes.If the cause of the disease isn't easily identifiable, your doctor may give you additional tests.These may include some tests.In some cases, your doctor may recommend a procedure to remove a small sample of tissue from your body.
Step 13: Take the medication that is prescribed for you.
Certain medications may be prescribed by your doctor to help treat your overall condition if another condition or disease causes related problems.If you have high blood pressure, you might need some type of medication.Captopril, enalapril and others are angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.These drugs can help your kidneys work less hard by reducing the amount of urea in your urine.Your doctor may need to prescribe drugs that can help your kidneys produce "erythropoietin" during the late stages of your disease.You may need to take vitamins and drugs to control the levels of phosphorus in your body.
Step 14: Discuss your medications with your doctor.
If your GFR levels are low, you should talk to your doctor about any medication you plan to use.Both prescription and non-prescription drugs are included.It is possible that you need to completely avoid the drugs.Ibuprofen and naproxen are commonly used NSAID drugs.celecoxib is a common COX-II drug.Both drug classes have been linked to an increase in cases of kidney disease.Before trying any herbal remedy or alternative treatment, talk to your doctor.If you aren't careful, you could take something that could make your GFR levels dip, and that's not necessarily a good thing.
Step 15: You should check your GFR every now and then.
If you increase your GFR, you should keep checking it throughout your life.If you've ever had lower than average rates, it's even more true.Your doctor will likely recommend continued exams to help monitor the decline of GFR andKidney function as you get older.If your GFR changes, he or she may need to adjust your medication or diet.
Step 16: Go to the doctor.
If your GFR is very low and you have entered into renal failure, you'll need to go to the hospital.Hemodialysis involves the use of a machine.The lining of the abdomen is used to remove waste products from your blood.
Step 17: Don't wait for a transplant.
People with extremely low GFR can be candidates for a transplant.A transplant can take place if you're matched with the right donor.Sometimes the donor is a relative but other times it may be a stranger.Not everyone with advanced kidney disease is a good candidate for a transplant.This option may be ruled out due to age and medical history.After receiving a transplant, you need to keep an eye on your diet and overall health to prevent your GFR rate from dropping again.