There's no single "average age," as kidney disease can strike at any age, but its prevalence increases significantly with age, especially after 60-65, with over 30% of people 65+ affected, compared to around 6-12% in younger adults, driven by common risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart issues, though genetic conditions can impact children and young adults too.
Early signs of kidney disease often involve subtle changes like foamy urine, increased nighttime urination, swelling (puffy eyes, ankles), persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, itching, and shortness of breath, though many symptoms only appear as kidney function declines. High blood pressure can also be both a cause and an early indicator, and some damage may only be detected through lab tests, even with no noticeable symptoms in the earliest stages (Stage 1).
For someone around 60, stage 1 stage 2 kidney disease life expectancy will be approximately 15 years. That figure falls to 13 years, 8 years, and 6 years in the second, third, and fourth stages of kidney disease, respectively.
Here are 7 Golden Rules of Prevention to lower your chances of getting kidney disease.
You can check kidney function at home using at-home test kits for urine (detecting protein/albumin) or finger-prick blood tests (checking creatinine/eGFR), often with smartphone apps for analysis, or by monitoring symptoms like increased nighttime urination (nocturia), swelling, or changes in urine (blood, foam) and discussing results with a doctor, as home tests screen but don't replace professional diagnosis.
Three key early warning signs of kidney problems are changes in urination (more or less frequent, especially at night), foamy or bloody urine, and persistent swelling, particularly around the eyes, feet, or ankles, indicating fluid retention. Other common signs include persistent fatigue, nausea, itching, and loss of appetite, as toxins build up when kidneys aren't filtering effectively.
Canned foods, some frozen foods, and most processed meats contain large amounts of salt. Snack foods such as chips and crackers are also high in salt. Table salt, some seasonings, ketchup, mustard, and certain sauces such as barbecue, soy, and teriyaki sauces are high in sodium.
Having long-standing high blood pressure, diabetes or an autoimmune disease such as lupus can cause damage to the kidneys. Regular checkups to monitor how well the kidneys are working may include blood tests and tests to check for protein in the urine.
To prevent kidney stones, limit high-oxalate foods like spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts, chocolate, and sweet potatoes, along with high-sodium items, sugary drinks, and excessive animal protein, while ensuring adequate dietary calcium and hydration. Common culprits include: spinach, rhubarb, beets, nuts (almonds, cashews), chocolate, tea, soy products, sweet potatoes, okra, and excessive salt/added sugars, though a dietitian can personalize your diet.
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.
Outlook (Prognosis) End-stage kidney disease leads to death if you do not have dialysis or a kidney transplant.
There's no cure for chronic kidney disease (CKD), but treatment can help relieve the symptoms and stop it getting worse. Your treatment will depend on the stage of your CKD. The main treatments are: lifestyle changes – to help you stay as healthy as possible.
The top 10 drugs commonly linked to kidney damage
Symptoms of 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.
Stress and uncontrolled reactions to stress can also lead to kidney damage. As the blood filtering units of your body, your kidneys are prone to problems with blood circulation and blood vessels. High blood pressure and high blood sugar can place an additional strain or burden on your kidneys.
To support kidney health, focus on plant-based foods like berries, cabbage, cauliflower, onions, garlic, and leafy greens, plus fatty fish (salmon, tuna), egg whites, and whole grains like buckwheat, while limiting salt, processed foods, and high-potassium options like orange juice, opting for water as your primary drink. A kidney-friendly diet emphasizes fresh, whole foods to help reduce inflammation and manage kidney function.
The short answer is no. Coffee does not appear to cause kidney stones. In fact, recent research suggests it may offer some protection. But to understand why, it helps to know what kidney stones are and how they form.
Lemon. Lemon contains citric acid that stops kidney stones from forming and helps break up stones that have already formed.
Acute kidney failure can be caused by factors like severe dehydration, infections, or blockages. The good news is that with the right treatment, it's often possible to reverse kidney disease in these cases. Your kidneys can return to normal function after the underlying issue is resolved.
Diets high in salt are high in sodium, which can increase blood pressure and, in turn, harm your kidneys. Flavour your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Over time, you may find it easier to avoid using added salt (sodium) on your food. Processed foods are significant sources of sodium and phosphorus.
A number of symptoms can develop if kidney disease is not found early or it gets worse despite treatment. Symptoms can include: weight loss and poor appetite. swollen ankles, feet or hands – as a result of water retention (oedema)
Sleep disorders, are common in people with chronic kidney disease and end stage renal disease. In addition to insomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, excessive sleepiness, and restless leg syndrome many have a high incidence of sleep apnea and periodic limb movements in sleep.
12 of the Best Drinks for Kidney Health
What can I do to keep my kidneys healthy?