It is estimated more than 38 million American adults currently struggle with kidney disease, representing around 15 percent of the adult population of the United States. Many ask themselves the question, “Is kidney disease reversible?” Chronic kidney disease (CKD) can be managed but not cured, while acute kidney injury, also known as acute renal failure, can be reversed to restore kidney function. Understanding the causes and exacerbating factors that lead to kidney disease can help you manage and even potentially eliminate symptoms.

Research into the management of kidney disease is constantly evolving. Researchers have found that adult kidneys are continuously regenerating throughout life despite past evidence to the contrary; however, certain types of kidney disease may be curable with the right level of intervention.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, Dr. Mathew Cheung and Dr. Peter Lin discuss conditions which can lead to kidney disease. In this post, you will learn what steps you can take to improve your kidney function and potentially reverse your kidney damage.

Kidney damage can occur due to various factors, such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, autoimmune disorders, certain medications, and genetic conditions. The damage can manifest as a decline in kidney function, structural abnormalities, or the presence of kidney stones.

The potential for reversing kidney damage depends on several factors, including the underlying cause, the severity of the damage, and timely intervention. While certain types of kidney damage may be irreversible, such as in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), where kidney transplantation or dialysis becomes necessary, there are instances where kidney damage can be halted or even partially reversed.

There are multiple types of kidney failure, including but not limited to:

1. Acute Prerenal Kidney Failure – This type of kidney failure is caused by temporary insufficient blood flow. It is generally curable when your physician identifies the reason for the poor blood flow.

2. Acute Intrinsic Kidney Failure – Acute intrinsic kidney failure results from the inability of kidneys to adequately filter waste from the blood, and in many cases, can be cured or reversed, as the origin is determined.

3. Chronic kidney disease – This is more difficult to reverse and must be managed through proper symptom mitigation.

Chronic kidney disease occurs when your kidney is no longer able to filter blood. As the disease progresses, it can lead to the build-up of wastes that can cause serious symptoms and other long-term diseases. Some of these conditions include, but are not limited to:

• Hypertension
• Anemia
• Malnutrition
• Nerve Damage

The best way to address these issues is through consistent follow-up and engagement with your physician, as well as comprehensive lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise, tobacco cessation and the right combination of medications and supplements, like iron and vitamin supplements for anemia, calcium and vitamin D pills and more.

There are some common treatment approach you can consider which can improve your kidney disease and possibly reverse the kidney damage

1. Medications

In some cases, medications can help slow down the progression of kidney damage. For example, medications to control blood pressure and blood glucose levels can effectively preserve kidney function and prevent further damage in individuals with hypertension or diabetes.

It is essential to note that this should be discussed with your doctor before making changes or adding new medications to the lineup. By changing your medications without the advice of your doctor, you could make a negative impact on your health.

2. Lifestyle Changes

Healthy lifestyles can positively impact kidney health. This includes maintaining a balanced diet low in sodium, limiting the intake of processed foods, quitting smoking, managing weight, and staying physically active. These measures can help control blood pressure, manage diabetes, and reduce kidney strain.

3. Dietary Modifications

Specific dietary modifications may be recommended to manage kidney damage. This may involve limiting protein intake, reducing phosphorus and potassium levels, and increasing fluid intake. These dietary changes can help alleviate the burden on the kidneys and improve overall kidney function.

Sometimes, it can seem impossible to figure out the best diet option for CKD patients. However, there are many resources to decide and aid reversible kidney damage. Here, you can read the best foods to incorporate into your diet.

4. Management of Underlying Conditions

Treating underlying conditions that contribute to kidney damage, such as infections or autoimmune disorders, is crucial. By effectively managing these conditions, the progression of kidney damage can be slowed or halted.

This is another topic that you should discuss with your doctor. If they are aware of your underlying condition, they can help you decide on the necessary course of treatment without providing further problems with the other condition.

5. Regenerative Medicine

Emerging research in regenerative medicine holds promise for reversible kidney damage. Scientists are exploring various approaches, such as stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and growth factors, to promote kidney tissue regeneration and restore functionality.

While this is still going through trials and finding more understanding over time, it is an exciting feature to discuss. If this becomes the future of medicine, it will be at the forefront of medicine for chronic kidney patients. However, as of right now, it is not the main course of treatment.

While most types of kidney disease are not reversible, it’s still possible to maintain health and quality of life by working with your doctor and making lifestyle changes pertinent to your diagnosis. It’s important to realize that no two cases of kidney failure are the same, and you should continue to rely on your care team to provide the best course of care. Make and keep regular appointments, adopt a kidney-friendly diet, and make other everyday changes to lessen symptoms.

At Vascular Care Specialists of Los Angeles, we strive to provide the best service, care, and results possible. If you have end-stage renal disease with dialysis access related problems, give us a call at 626-275-9566 to schedule an appointment. You can also visit us at www.vcsla.com for more information.