There isn't one single "miracle drug," but SGLT2 inhibitors (like Jardiance, Farxiga) and newer drugs like finerenone (Kerendia) and semaglutide (Ozempic) are considered game-changers, significantly slowing chronic kidney disease (CKD) progression, reducing heart risks, and lowering the need for dialysis or transplant, especially for those with diabetes. Specific conditions also have dedicated treatments, like budesonide (Tarpeyo) for IgA Nephropathy.
Metformin is the most common medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps to lower your blood sugar to prevent or slow damage to your kidneys.
The best drink for kidney repair and overall health is plain water, as it helps flush toxins, but mineral water, unsweetened green tea, black coffee (in moderation), low-potassium juices (like unsweetened cranberry), and herbal teas (like ginger or mint) are also great for variety and added benefits, while sugary sodas, alcohol, and coconut water should generally be avoided. Always consult a doctor for personalized advice, especially 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, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, manage blood pressure and sugar, limit over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), and maintain a healthy weight to support overall kidney function.
Eat a kidney-friendly diet and exercise regularly.
Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight are also effective ways to help manage your disease progression.
There's no medicine that can cure CKD, but medicine can help control many of the problems that cause the condition, the complications that can happen as a result of it and keep the kidneys working for longer. You may need to take medicine to treat or prevent the different problems caused by CKD.
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.
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.
Here's a breakdown of the six most common supplements people with CKD may need to support kidney health.
Beets and their juices contain Betaine which increases urine acidity, prevents build-up of struvite and calcium phosphate and reduces the chances of kidney stone formation. Other effective cleansing agents are coconut water, cucumber juice and cherries.
Some studies have suggested that cranberry juice may lower levels of a protein called cystatin C, which is a marker of kidney function. Other studies have shown that cranberry supplements improved kidney function in people with early-stage kidney disease.
Interestingly, treatment with APCV apparently enhanced the ability of the kidney to prevent creatinine accumulation in the blood by lowering the upsurge by 20.51%.
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 10 Drugs That Cause Kidney Damage
Your healthcare professional may prescribe one or more medicines to help slow down or stop your CKD from getting worse. These medicines can include an ACE inhibitor/ARB, an SGLT2 inhibitor and/or an nsMRA. Your healthcare professional may also prescribe a statin (cholesterol medicine).
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, avoid smoking and excessive alcohol, manage blood pressure and sugar, limit over-the-counter pain relievers (like NSAIDs), and maintain a healthy weight to support overall kidney function.
Vitamins to avoid when you have CKD
The fat soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) are more likely to build up in your body, so these are avoided unless prescribed by your kidney doctor. Vitamin A is especially a concern, as toxic levels may occur with daily supplements.
Vitamin B12 supplements may help treat certain symptoms of kidney disease. They can assist in preventing anemia and may also treat vitamin B12 deficiencies, which are common in people with kidney disease. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin.
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).
Vulnerable Kidneys Can't Repair
Kidneys play a vital role in filtering waste from the blood. However, unlike some other organs, damaged kidney cells have an extremely limited ability to regenerate or repair themselves.
Symptoms can include:
10 Common Habits That May Harm Your Kidneys
Establishing a Consistent Hydration Routine. Start your day with a glass of water and space your intake evenly. Contrary to popular belief, drinking water at night is bad for kidneys unless it leads to frequent nighttime urination that disrupts sleep.
I recommend whole grain, whole wheat or multigrain bread for people with kidney disease. Be careful to check the sodium in whatever bread you buy. Bread is a surprising source of salt! Historically, white bread was recommended because it has less phosphorus in it.