A Movement for Healthier Families, a Healthier Midlands and a Healthier Future Hidden in Plain Sight

Have you ever wondered how your kidneys are doing? Not whether they hurt, but whether they are quietly doing their job. Most of us rarely think about these two remarkable organs until something goes wrong.

Your kidneys filter waste, balance fluids and minerals, and help regulate blood pressure. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) means kidney damage or reduced kidney function has persisted for at least three months. The challenge? Early CKD often has no symptoms.

Know Your Numbers

Creatinine is a waste product measured in blood. When kidney filtering declines, creatinine often rises. But muscle mass, age and other factors affect the result, so one creatinine number cannot tell the whole story.

Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) uses creatinine and other information to estimate kidney filtering. A higher number generally indicates better filtration, although interpretation depends on age and the overall clinical picture.

Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (uACR) checks whether protein is leaking into urine. A result below 30 milligrams per gram (mg/g) is generally considered normal; 30 mg/g or higher may indicate kidney damage and warrants follow-up. This test is sometimes called a “microalbumin” test.

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) measures another waste product, but hydration, diet and other factors influence it. Ask your provider to interpret these tests together, not in isolation.

The Five Stages of CKD

Stage 1: eGFR 90 or higher, with evidence of kidney damage.

Stage 2: eGFR 60-89, with evidence of kidney damage.

Stage 3: eGFR 30-59, indicating moderately reduced kidney function.

Stage 4: eGFR 15-29, indicating severely reduced kidney function.

Stage 5: eGFR below 15, indicating kidney failure.

An eGFR of 60 or higher does not establish CKD by itself. Persistent abnormalities and your medical history matter.

What Might You Notice?

Early on, perhaps nothing. As kidney disease advances, possible symptoms include fatigue, swelling, changes in urination, nausea or itching. Men, let’s talk about erectile dysfunction (ED). Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection can be associated with kidney disease, diabetes, high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease. Talk with your healthcare provider about possible underlying causes and whether kidney testing is appropriate. ED treatment may still be helpful. Remember, treating a symptom and identifying its cause are not always the same thing.

Your Monthly Kidney Protection Challenge

This month, find your most recent creatinine, eGFR and urine albumin results—or ask your healthcare provider whether you need testing, especially if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of kidney disease.

Limit animal foods, including eggs and cheese, in your diet; they are harsh for your kidneys to process.

Increase your water intake and remove sugary beverages from your diet.

Exercise—movement improves circulation.

Remove processed foods and snacks from your diet. Eat mostly fruits and vegetables.

Talk to your healthcare provider about tapering you off of some of your medications.

Before You Go...

Your kidneys may not ask for attention, but they deserve it. Protect them by managing blood pressure and blood sugar, staying appropriately hydrated, limiting excess sodium and reviewing medications, including frequent pain reliever use, with your clinician.

Until our next conversation, take good care of yourself.

Wishing you peace, love and healing,

Educational disclaimer: This conversation is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.