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Protect your kidneys
- take your blood pressure medicines, and check your blood pressure if advised
- eat less salt
- stop smoking, and keep alcohol within recommended limits
- stay a healthy weight and keep active
Medicines
Tell every doctor, dentist and pharmacist that you have CKD. Avoid anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen unless your doctor says they are safe. Some medicines are paused if you are ill and dehydrated. Ask your team about sick day rules.
Diet
Most people with mild CKD just need a healthy, balanced diet. If your CKD is more advanced, a kidney dietitian may advise on potassium, phosphate or fluid. Do not restrict these without advice.
Vaccines
Have the flu, COVID-19 and pneumonia vaccines.
Support
Kidney Care UK offers advice, counselling and grants, and Kidney Research UK has information.
Sources we used
We check this page at least once a year, and sooner when the rules change. Read how we check our facts, or tell us if something looks wrong.