Keeping your kidneys healthy is vital for your overall well-being. Knowing your glomerular filtration rate (GFR) is key to kidney health.
The National Kidney Foundation says 1 in 7 U.S. adults have kidney disease, but 90% don’t know it. A lower GFR can be a worry. But, it’s important to know that GFR changes are normal. They can happen for many reasons like how much you drink, infections, or medicine side effects.
At Liv Hospital, we use proven medical methods and focus on you to improve your kidney health. We’ll talk about why GFR matters and share 7 ways to improve your GFR and boost kidney function.
Key Takeaways
- Understand the significance of GFR in maintaining kidney health.
- Learn about the factors that can cause GFR fluctuations.
- Discover 7 proven ways to improve your GFR.
- Find out how to maintain a healthy lifestyle to support kidney function.
- Explore the patient-centered approach at Liv Hospital.
Understanding GFR and Why Does GFR Fluctuate
GFR, or Glomerular Filtration Rate, shows how well your kidneys filter waste. It helps check your kidney health and spot problems early.
What is Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR)?
GFR is a test to see how well your kidneys work. It measures the amount of fluid your kidneys filter into Bowman’s capsule. A higher GFR means better kidney function. A lower GFR might mean kidney disease.
Normal vs. Low GFR Values
A normal GFR changes with age, sex, and size. Generally, a GFR of 90 mL/min/1.73m or higher is normal. A GFR below 60 for three months or more means chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD stages range from stage 1 (normal GFR) to stage 5 (kidney failure).
- Stage 1: GFR > 90 mL/min/1.73m with kidney damage
- Stage 2: GFR = 60-89 mL/min/1.73m with kidney damage
- Stage 3: GFR = 30-59 mL/min/1.73m
- Stage 4: GFR = 15-29 mL/min/1.73m
- Stage 5: GFR 2 or on dialysis
Common Causes of GFR Fluctuations
GFR can change for many reasons. Dehydration is a common cause, as it raises creatinine levels and lowers eGFR. Other reasons include infections, medication side effects, and health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. These can affect kidney function and change GFR values.
It’s important to understand GFR changes for kidney health. Healthcare providers can create treatment plans to fix these issues and improve kidney function.
Common Causes of Decreased GFR
There are many reasons why GFR can go down. These include long-term health issues, side effects from medicines, and short-term problems. Knowing what causes this can help us take steps to keep our kidneys working well.
Chronic Conditions Affecting Kidney Function
Long-term health problems can really hurt our kidneys. Diabetes and hypertension are big culprits. Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, making it hard for them to filter waste. Hypertension can also harm these vessels, leading to reduced kidney function.
For more on managing chronic kidney disease, check out this resource.
Other long-term issues that can harm the kidneys include:
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Heart disease
- Obesity
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus
Medications That May Lower GFR
Some medicines can harm our kidneys, leading to a drop in GFR. These include:
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Certain antibiotics
- Contrast dyes used in imaging studies
- Some chemotherapy drugs
Talking to your doctor about any kidney risks from medicines is very important.
Acute Factors That Temporarily Decrease GFR
Short-term issues can also lower GFR. Dehydration is a big one, as it cuts down blood flow to the kidneys. Other short-term problems include:
- Severe infections or sepsis
- Heart failure
- Liver disease
Quickly fixing these short-term issues can help get our kidneys back to normal.
By knowing what causes a drop in GFR, we can take steps to prevent it. This might help improve our kidney function.
7 Proven Ways to Improve Your GFR
To boost your GFR, it’s key to know and use several important strategies. These include lifestyle changes, diet tweaks, and medical care. By following these proven methods, you can better your kidney health and overall well-being.
1. Stay Properly Hydrated
Drinking enough water is vital for your kidneys. It helps them clear waste from your blood better. Drink at least 8-10 glasses of water a day, unless your doctor tells you differently.
2. Maintain Healthy Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can harm your kidneys over time. Keep an eye on and manage your blood pressure through lifestyle and, if needed, medicine. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress-reducing activities can help keep your blood pressure healthy.
3. Control Blood Sugar Levels
Diabetes is a big cause of kidney disease. Manage your blood sugar through diet, exercise, and medicine (if needed) to lower kidney damage risk and boost your GFR.
4. Adopt a Kidney-Friendly Diet
Eating right for your kidneys can improve your GFR. Cut down on sodium, protein, and phosphorus. Also, eat foods high in antioxidants like fruits and veggies to support your kidneys.
| Nutrient | Recommended Intake | Food Sources |
| Sodium | Less than 2,300 mg/day | Avoid processed foods, use herbs for flavor |
| Protein | 0.8 grams/kg body weight/day | Lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy |
| Phosphorus | Limit to 1,000 mg/day | Avoid processed meats, limit dairy and nuts |
Regular exercise, quitting smoking, and drinking less alcohol also help improve kidney function and GFR.
5. Exercise Regularly
Regular physical activity boosts health and kidney function. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.
6. Quit Smoking
Smoking harms your kidneys and worsens kidney disease. Quitting smoking is a big step towards bettering your GFR and health.
7. Limit Alcohol Consumption
Too much alcohol can hurt your kidneys. Drink in moderation, up to one drink a day for women and two for men, to protect your kidneys.
By using these seven strategies, you can actively work on improving your GFR and keeping your kidneys healthy.
Conclusion: Monitoring and Maintaining Kidney Health
Keeping your kidneys healthy is key to feeling good. We talked about ways to boost GFR and kidney function. These include drinking plenty of water, controlling blood pressure, and eating right for your kidneys.
It’s important to see your doctor regularly and handle any health issues. The right treatment for low GFR depends on the cause. But, changing your lifestyle can really help your kidneys.
Can kidneys get better? Absolutely, with the right care, they can. Learning how to up your GFR and kidney numbers is a big step. We stress the need to focus on kidney health to avoid more problems and live better.
FAQ
What is a normal GFR value?
A normal GFR value is usually 60 or above. The average range is 90 to 120 mL/min/1.73m². But, it can change based on age, sex, and body size.
What causes low GFR?
Low GFR can come from many sources. These include chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Also, some medications, dehydration, and health issues can cause it. We talk more about these in our article.
Can you improve kidney function and increase GFR?
Yes, you can improve your kidney function and increase GFR. By living a healthy lifestyle, managing health conditions, and changing your diet, it’s possible. Our article shares 7 proven ways to do this.
How can I raise my GFR?
To raise your GFR, stay hydrated and keep your blood pressure healthy. Control your blood sugar and eat a diet good for your kidneys. Exercise regularly, quit smoking, and drink less alcohol too.
What are the symptoms of low GFR?
Low GFR might not show symptoms at first. But, as your kidneys get worse, you might feel tired, swollen, or have changes in how you urinate. It’s important to see a doctor for a proper check-up and diagnosis.
Can certain medications affect GFR?
Yes, some medications, like NSAIDs and certain antibiotics, can lower GFR temporarily. Always talk to your doctor about your medications to know how they might affect your kidneys.
How does dehydration affect GFR?
Dehydration can make GFR drop temporarily because it reduces blood flow to the kidneys. Drinking enough water is key to keeping your kidneys and GFR healthy.
Is it possible to reverse kidney damage and improve GFR?
In some cases, you can slow or even reverse kidney damage. This can happen by managing health conditions, making lifestyle changes, and eating a diet good for your kidneys. But, how much improvement you can see depends on the damage and its cause.
How often should I check my GFR?
How often you should check your GFR depends on your health and risk factors. Talk to your doctor to figure out the best schedule for checking your kidney function.
References:
National Center for Biotechnology Information. Evidence-Based Medical Guidance. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2763564/
