How These Lifestyle Changes Can Prevent Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

Being diagnosed with any chronic illness can be stressful and may have an effect on your quality of life if it continues to progress. 

But with Chronic Kidney Disease, some promising new research is offering practical solutions. A recent study suggests that certain lifestyle behavioral changes can significantly slow or even prevent the progression of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) in a variety of patients. 

Most of these lifestyle changes are easy for you to address and could have some positive results for your condition and your ongoing quality of life. 

But the study also demonstrates the importance of keeping up to date with the latest information on your illness and how to look after yourself, finding support, and on working to implement these key lifestyle changes. Because sometimes we all need a little encouragement. 

The Study

The objective of the study (carried out by Evangelidis N, Craig J, Bauman A, et al) was to evaluate behavioral change techniques in lifestyle interventions for preventing the progression of CKD.

4263 participants with CKD (stages 1-5) were analyzed in relation to several lifestyle behaviors including diet, physical activity, smoking and/or alcohol consumption – all of which affect the progression of the illness. 

Participants who were encouraged to implement these important lifestyle changes via behavioral instruction, social support, behavioral demonstration, feedback on behavior, and behavioral practice, were more likely to succeed in adapting their routine and keeping on top of their CKD.

So What Does This Mean For You?  

It is well established that switching to a healthier diet, quitting smoking, reducing or cutting out alcohol completely, and exercising regularly will reduce the risk of CKD developing in the first place, and prevent it from progressing in patients who suffer with the illness. 

But this study shows how much more likely you are to succeed in making these changes if you receive instructions on how to do so, join a support group of people also looking to adapt their routine, receive feedback on your progress, and implement some sort of incentive for “good behavior”. 

So the objective is a healthier lifestyle. All good and well in theory. But if you struggle (as lots of people do) to change hardwired routines, it’s time to look into some social support, education, and incentives, to keep you on the right track.   

Focus on Change

First things first, educate yourself. Talk to your doctor about your current lifestyle routine and what you should try and change. Get hold of any available information on diet, exercise, and substance addiction, and work out where you need to focus first.  

If your diet needs some attention, try joining a healthy-eating support group or cooking class who can motivate you, give feedback, and provide encouragement and incentives. Set yourself up with a diet plan and remember to treat yourself (with something healthy!) when you hit your goals. 

If you need to do more exercise, find a sport or activity you can do regularly and that you will enjoy. Start small and work your way up (even walking for 40 minutes a day can have positive effects), invest in a class or instructor, and reward yourself for good behavior. Get bonus points if it’s something you can do with other people, as the social support will incentivize you to keep going.   

If you are currently a smoker, talk to your doctor about quitting. There may be nicotine replacement treatments, counseling, or local support groups to aid you in giving up. Quitting an addiction is not always easy, but with guidance and support you can enjoy a much better quality of life when you succeed. 

Similarly, if you need to cut down on or quit drinking alcohol, you don’t need to do it alone. Find support, get incentivized, and keep yourself educated on the multitude of benefits. 

Anything which motivates you to make these healthy changes with help keep you going, and work to prevent your CKD from progressing.