Self-Care for Kidney Health
Basics of good nutrition
Good nutrition starts with nutrient-dense foods. Choose foods from the 5 food groups for most of what you eat.
Eating right for kidney disease
Nutrition is key to managing kidney disease and your overall health. Making healthy food choices is important for everyone, but it is even more important if you have chronic kidney disease.
Be on the move
Regular physical activity is associated with better health. It is especially important for those with high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney disease, and heart disease.
Coping with the emotional aspects of your diagnosis
Getting diagnosed with CKD is a life-changing event. It is normal for you to feel a range of emotions. Initially, you may feel shocked by unexpected test results or sad and fearful about the idea of living with a chronic illness. The way you cope with these emotions can significantly affect your physical and mental health throughout your treatment journey.
It is important to allow yourself to feel these emotions without judgment, recognize them as a normal part of life, and look for opportunities to turn them into positive changes in your mindset and lifestyle.
Remember that you are not alone—your clinician and healthcare team can connect you with the resources you need to manage your emotions. Your family members and caregivers may also play an important role. To get the most out of this support network, you may need to take the lead—ask questions, report symptoms, share your feelings, and educate yourself about CKD.
How can I find out if I have CKD?
About 1 in 7 adults in the United States are estimated to have CKD, and most are undiagnosed. Talk with your healthcare provider to see if you have CKD.
Race and kidney disease
It’s important to know the facts. CKD affects some ethnic groups in different ways. We have therefore dedicated resources to help those who are differently and more frequently affected.