Your kidneys clean your blood. They filter out waste, including excess salt and water. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) means your kidneys don’t work well and someday won’t work at all. You can slow down this process by taking good care of your kidneys. Here’s how:

  • Did your doctor prescribe blood pressure medicine? Take it every day. Follow the instructions exactly. High blood pressure hurts your kidneys.

  • Do you have diabetes? Check your blood sugar regularly. This will help your kidneys stay healthy.

  • Did your doctor tell you to be careful about what you eat and drink? Your kidneys will have trouble with too much salt or potassium or if you drink lots of fluids.

  • Don’t take “non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.” These are sometimes called NSAIDs. Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) are NSAIDs. Ask your doctor before you take any drugs, even over-the-counter pain relievers, and aspirin. Many different drugs affect the kidneys so it is important to be careful.