Get Kidneys Disease Basic
kidneys (two bean-shaped organs located in your lower back) are your body’s filtration system, cleaning wastes and extra fluids from your body, and producing and balancing chemicals that are necessary for your body to function. Healthy kidneys also:
- Clean and filter your blood
- Produce urine
- Produce hormones
- Control blood pressure
- Keep bones strong
Following a kidney-friendly diet, managing health conditions such as diabetes and hypertension and not smoking may help your kidneys function better and longer, even when you have kidney disease.
When You’re New to Kidney Disease
Talking to your doctor
It’s common for patients to feel overwhelmed in a doctor’s office, because there is a lot of information to take in at once. The best way to gain control is to become your own advocate. It’s OK to ask as many questions as you like and to ask for the information to be repeated. If being assertive is difficult, ask a friend or family member to come with you. Keep notes so you can remember any additional questions or concerns that occur between visits. It’s good to become proactive when you’re new to kidney disease. Here are some questions to ask your doctor:
- What caused my kidney disease?
- What percentage of kidney function do I have now?
- What are my lab test results, including my GFR?
- What treatment is available for my symptoms?
- What are the next steps?
- What can I do to keep my kidneys from becoming more damaged?
Keep learning with no-cost kidney education
Looking for more information about CKD, kidney diet tips, treatment options and insurance coverage for dialysis? Kidney patients and their care partners can take an in-person or online Kidney Smart® education class at no cost.