Protecting Your Kidneys
The everyday steps that genuinely protect your kidneys.
Last updated: 2026-09-24
Most kidney disease can be prevented or slowed. Because it is silent early on, prevention means acting on risk before symptoms appear.
The steps that work
- Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes
- Keep your blood pressure in range
- Avoid long-term regular use of NSAID painkillers
- Stay hydrated
- Don’t smoke, and limit alcohol
- Stay active and keep a healthy weight
Get screened
With diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history, or age over 60, ask for a yearly eGFR and urine albumin test.
Frequently asked questions
Can kidney disease be prevented completely?
Not always, but controlling diabetes and blood pressure prevents or delays most cases.
Does drinking more water help?
Staying hydrated helps prevent stones and some acute injury, but cannot reverse established damage.