To raise your GFR (Glomerular Filtration Rate) quickly, focus on immediate lifestyle changes like staying hydrated (but check with your doctor), avoiding NSAIDs (ibuprofen/naproxen), controlling blood sugar and pressure, reducing sodium and processed foods, and getting moderate exercise, but remember true kidney recovery often needs long-term, consistent effort and medical guidance for managing underlying causes like diabetes or hypertension.
Eat a healthy and balanced diet
To keep your kidneys working at their very best, try adding the following 20 foods into your weekly diet.
In the general population, approximately 38% of adults aged 70 or older have an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2, with most having moderate reductions in eGFR in the 30-59 ml/min/1.73 m2 range (1).
Causes of low gfr in adults
Other ways to boost your kidney health are to:
7 Foods to Avoid with Kidney Disease and Diabetes
Special renal vitamins are usually prescribed to provide extra water soluble vitamins needed. Renal vitamins contain vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin and a small dose of vitamin C.
Over-the-counter NSAIDS
They are not safe to use when you have kidney disease. Ibuprofen, such as Advil™ and Motrin™. Naproxen, such as Aleve™ and Naprosyn™. Aspirin for pain relief.
Top 15 Healthy Foods for People with Kidney Disease
To strengthen your kidneys, focus on a healthy lifestyle: stay hydrated with water, eat a balanced diet low in salt and processed foods, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, and avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, while also managing blood pressure and blood sugar to prevent damage.
Top 10 Drinks That Support Kidney Function and Detox
GFR improvement is possible in CKD patients at any CKD stage through stage 4–5. It is noteworthy that this GFR improvement is associated with a decrease in the number of metabolic complications over time.
Many people with kidney function will recover over time. This could take days, weeks or months.
Phenolic compounds found in ginger can also provide protection against kidney damage caused by renal ischemia/reperfusion and sepsis. Researches also indicate positive impacts in treating diabetic nephropathy and renal ischemia/reperfusion injury.
Cranberries are low in potassium and high in vitamin C, making them another great choice for people with kidney disease. Cranberry juice has also been shown to help prevent urinary tract infections, which are typical for people with kidney disease.
Diabetes and high blood pressure are the top culprits damaging kidneys most, as they harm the delicate filtering blood vessels, leading to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and failure; other major factors include smoking, obesity, dehydration, poor diet (high sugar/salt/red meat), certain medications (NSAIDs), lack of sleep, and genetic conditions. These factors create a cycle where damaged kidneys worsen blood pressure, further damaging them.
Proactive measures, such as adopting a healthy diet, staying hydrated, managing blood pressure and diabetes, and avoiding harmful substances, can contribute to maintaining and, in some cases, improving GFR levels.
When your kidneys don't work well, the phosphorus can build up in your blood and lead to bone problems. Eating lean, high-quality protein can help you get the right amount of protein-without too much fat or phosphorus. Some good choices include fish, chicken, lean red meat, a bit of low-fat dairy, and eggs.
Surprising Things That Can Hurt Your Kidneys
Antibiotics, Antifungals, and Antivirals
Many medicines used to treat infections caused by bacteria (antibiotics), fungus (anti-fungals), or a virus (antivirals) leave your body through the kidneys. So, they can build up in your body and cause extra side effects if the dose is too high for your eGFR.