Ways to keep kidney healthy and more resistant to deterioration

1. Hydrate yourself well. Simple language, drink lots of plain water to keep your urine pale most of the time. (usually more than 2 litres per day), during the preventative phase of the problem.
2. Avoid unnecessary medication (esp NSAID-painkiller Ponstan, Voltaren, Brufen; and Aminioglycoside antibiotic ie Gentamycin, Streptomycin (injection), and esp long term). Look for better alternative solution.
3. Avoid overloading body with protein.  Most of us only need about 2 ounces (approx 60 gm) of protein a day!  Protein leakages thru the kidney filter accelerate the deterioration of kidney function.  Consult a dietitian if you need help. (Email dietetics@pah.com.my or call 604 222 7736 to enquire/make appointment for consultation)
4. Keep your cholesterol in good level
5. Keep blood pressure and sugar/diabetes in good control
6. Supplemenet Omega 3 (either Fish Oil or Flaxseed Oil)

 Your doctor may introduce one or more of the 3 classes of medication

ACE inhibitors eg Tritace, Capoten, Coversyl (Perindopril), Zestril (Lisinopril), Renitec (Enalapril) etc
ARB eg Olmetec (Olemesartan), Cozaar (Losartan), Aprovel, Atacand (Candesartan), Diovan, Micardis etc
SGLT2 Inhibitors ie Jardiance, Forxiga etc

These medicines have been shown in medical research to be kidney protective.

All the Stem research for kidney health improvement so far, do not works.

Research on lifestyle interventions (ie nutrition, exercise, adequate rest, avoidance of harmful habits) have been shown very promising at stage 3 renal impairment or milder. (Stage 5 is where a patient needs to start dialysis or transplant.  We (doctors) are able to early detect stage 1 and stage 2 kidney illness.

What else you can do:

Keep yourself in your best health by practising all known health habits ie

1. Good diet. Pay special attention to salt intake (better use sea salt due to its wider range of mineral profile) and protein intake.
2. Handle life stress well
3. Regular exercise
4. Adequate rest/sleep
5. Have faith. Take your religion seriously. I believe in miracles and also a personal, loving GOD.

This article is not meant to diagnose nor treat your disease. It is only for general information. You should seek a face-to-face consultation with a qualified medical practitioner for a proper assessment and treatment plan.

March 12 is World Kidney Day, a day set apart to raise awareness of public on the Kidney Health and Failure so as to help public to learn and know how and what to do in keeping kidney in tip top functioning shape. 

Dr Dicky  (This page has been updated, Jun 20, 2025)