Hi there,
I’m new here and have a question. My blood tests recently came back with a eGFR of 63. I’m a 59 yo male.
My doctor said I need to drink more water, although I can’t see anything online saying this will improve kidney function. Will this help? I already drink about 2 litres.
He also mentioned cutting down on protein - this I now understand and will follow
Also, he doesn’t seem interested in other tests. Should I be having a urine test as well?
Thanks
Drinking more water may help, especially with an eGFR in the range you report yours to be. In addition to your nephrologist’s protein recommendations, I’d expect you would be told to follow a low sodium and low fat diet. Most are also encouraged to eat fresh fruits and veggies, minimize processed foods. With appropriate dietary changes and fluid intake it may be possible to improve your renal function or stabilize it.
Jayhawker
Just to add to the good advice above, avoid all anti-inflammatories such as Ibuprofen, and check all prescribed and over-the -counter medications for any potential renal warnings. Also check out any risks if ever faced with contrasts (dyes) for body scans/images.
On your question about urine test, maybe let your urologist know of your eGFR . Maybe a urine test could be appropriate for protein level etc. What were the results of other eGFR tests. Some of us do an average of the eGFR.
One of the best things you can do to preserve kidney function is to see a renal/kidney dietitian and learn about all the dietary things you can do to support kidney health. This will help your heart, energy levels, and overall good health. Look until you find a registered dietitian you can connect with and trust!
There is 0 evidence that drinking more water does anything to either help retain kidney function or to improve it. Drink when you are thirsty and monitor your urine. If your urine is dark, drink. If your urine is clear and you are not thirsty, don't drink water. If you have problems with waste buildup, which you shouldn't have at your GFR, drinking more water doesn't improve waste filtration or removal.
At a GFR of 63, you wouldn't even be diagnosed with CKD yet, as that doesn't get diagnosed until you usually have 3 consecutive blood results under 60 GFR. Blood pressure control and diabetes are effective. Also, healthy eating can help.
Such good comments on this site. Thanks.
When I refer to my doctor he’s only a GP. Is that enough at my level or should I be visiting a nephrologist?
Also, I eat really well and exercise a lot. Will seeing a renal dietician help or is it too early for that as well?
Cheers
I don't think it's every too early to see a renal dietician or a nephrologist. My gfr goes from 78-90 and I still see a neph once a year just do get a 24hour urine test and to monitor my blood work.
If you have blood work from the last couple years, take a look at them. The rate of decline of GFR is going to be a really great indicator of what you are looking at. So the average person with CKD usually declines around 1-3 points of GFR per year. Rapid progression of CKD is usually defined as a decline of >4 points of GFR per year. All of the studies that I have read usually have about 12-15 percent of the participants declining at the "rapid progression" rate.
The good news is that it's not a death sentence and your GFR is still good. You are being pro-active which is awesome. New medications are coming out that have shown to help slow the progression. Just make sure to not take any additional weight lifting supplements that have creatine in them. I see tons of protein powders that add creatine.
Do you know why your GP is focusing on your kidneys? What conditions do you have that are influencing the situation - high blood pressure? diabetes? autoimmune issues? congenital or genetic conditions? You mention that you "exercise a lot". So it may be simply that you're overdoing the exercise. Personally, I would seek out the root cause and take it from there....via a nephrologist. Many of us have assembled a team of specialists for proper care...with the GP being our guide and whole body caretaker. A good GP is worth his/her weight in gold as specialists focus only on their area of expertize. Yours seems to be a GP who is looking ahead; some aren't alerted until everything has truly gone over the edge. Please be aware that kidneys lose function as as one ages so, to many of us, your numbers look reasonably fine and suggest a decent life. But the thing is that one will want to keep it that way. So, I suggest checking in with your GP for a referral. Our nephrologist directed us to a renal focused dietitian affiliated with a nearby kidney dialysis center for a chat. Personally, we prefer a "registered" dietitian who draws and examines blood panels, and is generally paid for by health insurance plans.
As for the amount of water to drink to prevent dehydration which is tough on the kidneys, the rule of thumb is around half your weight in ounces of water per day.
What diet to follow?
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