Stage 3 Kidney Disease

The good news is the damage to your kidneys at this point is still relatively moderate, and there are steps you can take to slow the progression a Stage 3 Kidney Disease: How to Slow the Progression and Protect Your Health. So you’ve been diagnosed with Stage 3 chronic kidney disease and keep yourself as healthy as possible. Your kidneys may function at only 30-59% of standard capacity, but that’s still enough to live an active, everyday life if you make the right lifestyle changes and get the proper treatment.

The key is understanding what’s happening in your body, following your doctor’s recommendations carefully, and prioritizing your health. By managing blood pressure and diabetes, adjusting your diet, quitting smoking, and staying active, you can help ensure your kidneys continue functioning for as long as possible and avoid needing dialysis or a transplant. While the diagnosis is scary, knowledge is power, and there are many resources to help you live well with CKD. The future is in your hands.

What Exactly Is Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease?

So you’ve been diagnosed with Stage 3 chronic kidney disease (CKD). What exactly does that mean? In Stage 3 CKD, your kidneys have moderate damage and aren’t filtering waste from your blood as well as they should. It can allow waste to build up and cause other health issues if unmanaged.

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood. In Stage 3 CKD, they’ve lost about half of their filtering ability. Therefore, your doctor will check your glomerular filtration rate or GFR to determine your stage of kidney disease. A GFR of 30-59 ml/min indicates Stage 3.
With Stage 3 CKD, you may not notice any symptoms yet. But it’s essential to slow the progression to avoid further loss of kidney function. The great news is there are steps you can take:

Follow your doctor’s diet, like limiting sodium, potassium, and phosphorus. Eating right can help control waste buildup and high blood pressure.

Take all medications as prescribed to manage conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Controlling these comorbidities is critical.

Exercise regularly to stay in shape. Even light activities like walking, biking, or swimming can help. But check with your physician first, especially if you experience fatigue or shortness of breath.

Limit alcohol and quit smoking. Both can accelerate kidney damage.

By understanding your stage of CKD and following your doctor’s recommendations, you can help slow the progression and protect your health. While Stage 3 CKD is severe, the good news is there are many steps you can take to manage it and avoid further loss of function. Staying on top of your health at this stage is critical.

How Doctors Diagnose and Monitor Stage 3 CKD

Your doctor will run some tests to determine if you have Stage 3 CKD. The two most common are:

Blood tests to check your GFR measure how well your kidneys filter waste from your blood. A GFR between 30 to 59 ml/min means you likely have Stage 3 CKD.
Urine tests to check for excess protein in your urine, which can signal kidney damage.

Once diagnosed, your doctor will monitor your condition regularly through follow-up blood and urine tests to check how well your treatment plan works and make changes as needed. They may also order imaging scans like ultrasounds to get a better look at your kidneys.

The critical goals of Stage 3 CKD are to slow the progression of kidney disease and manage related health issues. Your physician may prescribe medications like ACE inhibitors or ARBs to control high blood pressure and lower protein in your urine. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as:

Following a kidney-friendly diet low in salt, protein, and potassium
Exercising regularly to stay in shape
Quitting smoking since it can worsen kidney damage
Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water to flush out waste

By carefully following your doctor’s recommendations, many people with Stage 3 CKD can maintain their current level of kidney function for years. However, some may progress to more advanced stages over time, so ongoing monitoring and treatment are critical. The earlier kidney disease is detected, the better your chances are of slowing its progression and avoiding complications.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Slow Disease Progression

Making some lifestyle changes is critical to help slow the progression of stage 3 CKD and maintain your health. Here are some of the crucial steps you can take:

Stage 3 Kidney Disease Follow A Kidney-Friendly Diet

Switching to a diet low in sodium, protein, and potassium is one of the best things you can do for your kidneys. Cut back on foods high in these nutrients, like chips, pretzels, red meat, and bananas. Instead, focus on fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. In addition, drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and help your kidneys function.

Stage 3 Kidney Disease-Exercise Regularly

Exercise is excellent for your overall health and helps support your kidneys. Aim for at least half an hour of moderate activity most days of the week. Walking, swimming, or light strength training are excellent options. Take care to stay hydrated and avoid overheating. Check with your doctor about any restrictions before starting an exercise program.

Stage 3 Kidney Disease Quit Smoking

If you smoke, quitting should be a top priority. Smoking damages your kidneys and speeds up the loss of kidney function. Talk to your doctor about medications and strategies to help you kick the habit for good. Your kidneys will thank you.

Stage 3 Kidney Disease Control Other Health Conditions

Ensure any other conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes are correctly managed. High blood pressure, in particular, is a leading cause of kidney damage and failure. Take all medications as prescribed, make lifestyle changes your doctor recommends, and get regular checkups to monitor your health.

Limit Alcohol And Over-The-Counter Medications

Both alcohol and certain OTC drugs like ibuprofen can strain your kidneys. Limit alcohol to one drink every day for females and two for men. Only take OTC medications under the guidance of your doctor or pharmacist. They may recommend lower doses or alternative medications that are easier on your kidneys.

Making these lifestyle changes and closely following your doctor’s recommendations can help slow the progression of stage 3 CKD. While kidney damage cannot be reversed at this point, you have the power to protect your remaining kidney function and overall health. Staying committed to self-care and regular monitoring are the keys to success.

Treatment Options for Managing Stage 3 CKD Symptoms

Stage 3 Kidney Disease Medications

Several medications are commonly used to help manage symptoms and slow the progression of stage 3 CKD. These include:

ACE inhibitors or ARBs: These blood pressure medications also help protect your kidneys. Your doctor may prescribe one of these, even if you have normal blood pressure.
Diuretics: These medications help reduce fluid buildup and lower blood pressure. Diuretics are often used in combination with ACE inhibitors or ARBs.
Statins: These cholesterol-lowering drugs can help reduce your risk of heart disease, which is common in people with CKD.
Erythropoietin: This injection stimulates your body to produce more red blood cells to treat anemia, a common side effect of CKD.
Calcium and vitamin D supplements: These help keep your bones strong and prevent bone loss. People with CKD often have problems with bone health and may be at risk of osteoporosis.
Iron supplements treat iron deficiency anemia, another common side effect of CKD. But check with your doctor first, as too much iron can damage your kidneys.

Stage 3 Kidney Disease Lifestyle changes

In addition to medications, making healthy lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of CKD and reduce symptoms. Some recommendations include the following:

Follow a kidney-friendly diet low in sodium, protein, and potassium. A dietitian can help develop an eating plan tailored to your needs.
Exercise regularly to stay active and maintain muscle strength. Even light activities like walking, biking, or swimming can help. But check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Quit smoking. Smoking accelerates kidney damage and disease progression. Quitting will significantly improve your health and prognosis.
Manage other health conditions. Follow your doctor’s recommendations for controlling diabetes, high blood pressure, or other chronic illnesses that can worsen kidney disease.
Limit alcohol. While moderate alcohol use may be okay for some people with CKD, check with your doctor whether it’s safe for you and how much is acceptable. Too much alcohol can further damage your kidneys.

Making these lifestyle changes and following the treatment plan from your doctor can help slow the progression of CKD and allow you to maintain a good quality of life. In addition, be sure to get regular checkups and blood tests as directed to monitor your kidney function and make adjustments as needed.

Common Questions About Living With Stage 3 CKD

You can take several steps to help slow the decline of your kidney function. The most important things you can do are:

What can I do to slow the progression of Stage 3 CKD?

Control your blood pressure. Hypertension is a leading cause of kidney damage, so keeping it in a healthy range is critical. Work with your doctor to determine your blood pressure goal and medication regimen.
Monitor your blood sugar. If you have diabetes, tightly controlling your blood sugar can help prevent further kidney damage. In addition, follow your doctor’s medication, diet, and exercise recommendations.
Eat a kidney-friendly diet. A balanced diet low in sodium, protein, and processed foods can help support your kidney health. Focus on whole foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit excess salt, red meat, and sugary or fatty foods.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and other decaffeinated fluids to avoid dehydration and help your kidneys function properly. Most people with CKD should aim for 6-8 glasses a day.
Exercise regularly. Exercise is good for your overall health and can help control blood pressure and blood sugar. Aim for at least half hours of moderate activity most days of the week. Walking, swimming, or light strength training are all excellent options.
Avoid nephrotoxic medications. Some over-the-counter and prescription drugs can damage your kidneys. Talk to your doctor about any medications you take to ensure they’re safe or if alternatives are needed.
Don’t smoke. Smoking accelerates kidney damage and disease progression. Quitting is the thing you can do for your kidney health. Ask your doctor for resources to help you stop smoking for good.

Following these recommendations and making healthy lifestyle changes can help slow the decline of your kidney function, reduce complications, and maintain your quality of life with Stage 3 CKD. Be sure to see your doctor regularly, get the necessary tests to monitor your kidney health, and follow their guidance.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the key things you can do to slow the progression of Stage 3 CKD and keep yourself as healthy as possible. Make those lifestyle changes, follow your doctor’s recommendations, get the proper diet and exercise, quit smoking, limit alcohol and stay on top of your medications.

While CKD cannot be cured, you have the power to manage it and avoid or delay the need for dialysis or a kidney transplant. Take it day by day, make the right choices for your health, and stay positive. You’ve got this! Keep fighting the good fight, and don’t lose hope. There are many resources and support groups to help you along the way. Stay strong and keep your kidneys as healthy as you can.