2) Take blood pressure medication – While working on shedding excess weight, doctors may prescribe medications that can lower the blood pressure and help the kidneys retain function. They may recommend a diuretic (or water pill) that will help with water retention.
3) Cholesterol medications – Doctors also may recommend statins, which are pills that work on lowering "bad" cholesterol, or LDL. This is the type that increases the risk of heart and kidney problems.
4) Lower protein in the diet – This helps to minimize waste in the blood and puts less pressure on the kidneys. This means less meat and more whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
5) Lower salt intake – Processed foods have a lot of added salt. By cutting back on canned soups, salty snacks, processed meats and cheeses, the kidneys won’t have to work as hard.
6) Less potassium – Again, the kidneys need a break, so even seemingly healthy foods can be working against them. High-potassium foods include oranges, potatoes, bananas, tomatoes and spinach. Have apples, carrots, green beans, grapes and blueberries instead.
7) Stop smoking and drinking to excess – The toxins of smoking need no explanation, but alcohol creates extra work for the kidneys. Cutting down or eliminating it will help filtration.