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How can I stabilize or improve my eGFR?

Posted by belabaliw @belabaliw, Jul 9, 2023

Hi, my eGFR came down from 38 to 28. My nephrologist put me on spironolactone 25mg to replace my Verapamil 180 mg, to stabilize my blood pressure in the morning.
I have changed my diet to non beef, pork and other high phosphorous foods. I do regular exercise walking and sleep well. I’m not diabetic. What other ways can I bring up my eGFR?
Thank you for this website you have for us who are truly trying to stabilize our kidney condition and great concern to stay healthy.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.

eva1930 | @eva1930 | Jul 17, 2023
In reply to @goldsba "I would agree the two major elements to my success in raising my GFR is diet..." + (show)
@goldsba

I would agree the two major elements to my success in raising my GFR is diet and exercise. My diet is low in sodium, sugar, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. That means focusing on foods that are high quality proteins such as vegetables, fruit, poultry and fish. I usually cook everything myself to control seasoning ingredients. Also, everything in moderation such as 1 banana per week (these are very high in potassium), nuts such as cashews (I eat raw), etc… I advise meeting with a renal dietician who can establish a diet regimen that fits your situation. Exercise is also important because blood flow through your kidneys is important to ensure proper profusion. I go the gym regularly and focus on the cardio circuit. Lastly, I meet with my nephrologist every 4 months with a blood draw every 8-12 weeks. I have improved my GFR by 10 points and been able maintain this for past 5 years. Hope this helps.

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I also believe walking, exercising and watch what what I eat is very important to keep my eGFR. Up.

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collegeprof | @collegeprof | Jul 17, 2023
In reply to @flow "Thank you Ginger and college prof for your replies. I’ve been made to feel like a..." + (show)
@flow

Thank you Ginger and college prof for your replies. I’ve been made to feel like a “ difficult patient” by Drs for wanting that frequent bloodwork, so it’s nice to hear that it’s justified.

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@gingerw

It just shows when working with multiple docs and a few health maladies, you must be your own advocate. This is also why trends are so important.

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marye2 | @marye2 | Jul 18, 2023
In reply to @mrainne "I can relate! But my BP is generally in the range of 115/75 give or take...." + (show)
@mrainne

I can relate! But my BP is generally in the range of 115/75 give or take. I do not take BP meds. I just posted a topic about exercise and creatinine. I understand as Ginger noted, GFR fluctuates and there are many factors in play. But my general history is a gradual decline. I'd also like to know the lifespan without dialysis or kidney transplant as GFR steadily reduces. What would cause a huge drop or can one guestimate that kidney function gradually declines over time and age? For example, I'm 65. My GFR is 25. Can I assume I have 10 years before I get to a GFR of 15? I'm healthy and active.

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My GFR was dropping, but certainly was not as low as yours. I added two vegetables with dinner. I also started getting serious about hydration. I bought a bottle with measurements . I add ice, a cup of juice (or you can put cucumber or fruit in the water overnight) and water. It is fairly easy to add in that 64 ounces. I use juice or pedialyte in the water to help with electrolytes. My kidneys have not shrunk and seem to work fine, so it seems like hydration was the issue. I just have to keep it up. I am 70.

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dainalopez58 | @dainalopez58 | Jan 24 7:17pm

My eGFR is 64. I have been trying to lose weight eating more protein. I also take magnesium every night and potassium after sweating a lot because I tend to get cramps. I am 66 yrs old. I exercise 3 - 4 times a week. I may have to eat less protein, sodium and perhaps stop the magnesium. I hope I can get the numbers to get lower.

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 25 1:05pm
In reply to @dainalopez58 "My eGFR is 64. I have been trying to lose weight eating more protein. I also..." + (show)
@dainalopez58

My eGFR is 64. I have been trying to lose weight eating more protein. I also take magnesium every night and potassium after sweating a lot because I tend to get cramps. I am 66 yrs old. I exercise 3 - 4 times a week. I may have to eat less protein, sodium and perhaps stop the magnesium. I hope I can get the numbers to get lower.

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@dainalopez58 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! I applaud your efforts to take control and lose weight. Most medical professionals will tell you to move more and eat healthy, minimize your stress. The numbers you refer to, must be your weight, correct? Finding an exercise program that fits your lifestyle, and that you enjoy, will probably lead you to greater success in losing weight.

With an eGFR of 64, you are in Stage 2 of kidney function. But as I always have believed, it's never too early to be mindful and watching your numbers! What exercise do you do now?
Ginger

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