Five tips to support kidney health as you age

Vanessa Godfrey, MScN, BScN, CNeph(c), is a Clinical Nurse Educator in the Renal Program at William Osler Health System (Osler). She is nationally certified in nephrology and is recognized as a Best Practice Champion by the Registered Nursing Association of Ontario. With over 18 years of experience in renal care, she is dedicated to supporting people living with chronic and acute kidney disease, providing nursing care tailored to each individual’s needs.

Did you know March is National Kidney Month? William Osler Health System’s Clinical Nurse Educator, Vanessa Godfrey, shares her tips to help support kidney health as you age:

Stay hydrated, as your needs change as you grow older

As we get older, the body may not signal thirst as clearly, increasing the risk of dehydration, which can strain the kidneys. Remember to keep well hydrated throughout the day and be cautious with alcohol consumption since it can worsen dehydration and overall health risks

Keep your blood pressure and blood sugar in a healthy range

Managing high blood pressure and diabetes becomes even more important with age, as these conditions are major causes of kidney disease. Following your care plan and staying active can help protect kidney function.

Reduce salt and choose fresh foods more often

High sodium in your diet may raise blood pressure and increases stress on the kidneys. Limiting salt in cooking and avoiding eating salty foods can improve your blood pressure. Use fresh foods and season meals with herbs, spices, vinegar or citrus instead of salt. The nutrition facts on product food labels will identify if it contains a significant amount of sodium or salt. Foods with 5% daily value (DV) of sodium or less, or 125 mg of sodium or less, are good choices.

Use medications safely

As you age, your kidneys may clear medications more slowly. Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) can cause kidney injury, especially with regular or long-term use. Always check with your health care provider or pharmacist before starting any over-the-counter products, even if they are not being used regularly. Remember to bring your medications to all your health care appointments.

Know your family history and get checked regularly

Risk of kidney disease rises with age, and having a family history increases it even further. Routine urine and blood tests help detect kidney changes early, when treatment is most effective.