Dr. Kapiljit Chakravarty, MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Nephrology) - IPGMER, HOD Department of Nephrology, B.S Medical College and Hospital, Bankura, Consultant Nephrologist & Transplant Physician
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term condition where the kidneys don't work as well as they should. An individual's physical, emotional, social, and spiritual well-being can all be impacted by a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease. People react differently when they are informed that they have kidney illness. Living with a chronic condition that will affect you for the rest of your life can be challenging. Taking prescribed medicine, being physically active and eating well will help.
Take Your Medicine
Some medications are made to guard against life-threatening issues in the future. It’s very important that you take any prescribed medicine, even if you feel well.
If you want to take any painkillers or dietary supplements, consult your care team first. Sometimes, these can harm your kidneys or interact with your medication. Speak with your care team if you have questions or adverse effects from a medication you are taking. It's also advisable to read the medication's information booklet about possible interactions with additional drugs or dietary supplements.
Get Physically Active
Physical activity is good for anyone with kidney disease, whether you have mild, moderate, or severe CKD. It can give you more energy, improve your sleep, strengthen your bones, and protect against depression. Additionally, it might lower your chance of issues like heart disease.
Exercise Regularly
Your general health can also be enhanced by regular exercise. Never be afraid to exercise. Regardless of how serious your kidney illness is, exercise is beneficial.
A few other things you can do to help manage your CKD:
Eat Well
Your overall health can be enhanced and your chance of developing new issues can be decreased with a good, balanced diet.
While you should limit salt, your food doesn’t have to be bland! Get creative with herbs, spices, mustard, and flavored vinegars in your favorite recipes. Cooking food at home instead of eating out at restaurants will also help reduce your salt intake.
A balanced diet should include:
Regular Reviews and Monitoring
Your care team will check in with you frequently to assess your health.
These appointments may involve:
Gather a Support Team
Receiving support from people throughout a prolonged illness can be quite beneficial, especially during difficult times. Always remember that it's important to discuss your feelings and thoughts with your family and friends and to ask for help when you need it.
Many people place a lot of importance on their spiritual beliefs. If this is the case for you, spiritual assistance may be a great source of relief when things get tough.
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