Kidney disease prevention
2-minute read
There is plenty you can do to help keep your kidneys healthy and help prevent kidney disease.
- watch your weight — being overweight increases your risk of diabetes and high blood pressure, which in turn increase your risk of kidney disease
- eat healthily — a diet high in fruit and vegetables and low in salt, sugar and fats is best
- drink plenty of water — avoid sugary drinks (such as soft drinks)
- exercise regularly
- don’t smoke
- limit your alcohol intake to less than 2 standard drinks a day
- find ways to help you relax and reduce stress
- be aware of your risk factors — if you know you are at risk of kidney disease, you can have your kidneys checked regularly
What if I’m at ‘high risk’ for kidney disease?
If you have one or more of the risk factors for kidney disease, it’s particularly important to look after your kidney health and get your kidney function checked regularly. Risk factors include: a family history of kidney disease; existing diabetes, a heart condition or high blood pressure; and being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
If you have diabetes, it’s very important to keep your blood sugar level under control. You should also have your doctor check your blood pressure regularly, as well as your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and make sure that any urinary tract infections (UTIs) are treated straight away.
Are you at risk?
Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.
Last reviewed: January 2019
