Can You Improve Your eGFR? What the Science Says

You just learned that you or your loved one’s eGFR is low. What does that mean, and can you improve it? Here’s what the science says.

What is eGFR?

eGFR, or estimated glomerular filtration rate, is a blood test that estimates how well the kidneys work. It’s a calculation that includes creatinine, a waste product in the blood that is removed in the urine. Creatinine levels are found with a simple blood test. Doctors use the results of this blood test and an eGFR calculator to help diagnose chronic kidney disease and its stage.

An eGFR of:

• 90 or higher is in the normal range

• 60 -89 may mean early-stage kidney disease

• 15 -59 may mean kidney disease

• 15 or lower may mean kidney failure

A urine test for albumin, a protein that belongs in the blood, is used in addition to eGFR to determine kidney health. If albumin is found in the urine, this may mean there’s a problem with your kidneys.

Learn more about the stages of kidney disease.

What Affects Your eGFR?

Many things can impact your risk of developing kidney disease and lowering your eGFR, including:

• High blood pressure

• Diabetes

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve)

• Age

• Smoking

• Family history of kidney failure

• Obesity

Other factors that may lower eGFR without long-term damage to the kidneys include:

• Eating a lot of meat before the test

• Using creatine supplements

• Having a lot of muscle

• Taking certain medications

• Dehydration

• Doing intense exercise right before the test

If you believe your eGFR could be affected by any of these factors, speak with your healthcare provider. They may suggest you get a measured GFR (mGFR). An mGFR takes more time to do, but it is more accurate. Are you at risk of kidney disease? Take our one-minute quiz to find out.

Can You Improve Your eGFR?

The short answer is—maybe. Some kidney conditions, like acute kidney injury, may be temporary and reversible. Treating the underlying cause, like dehydration, infection, or a medication reaction, may allow your kidney function numbers to return to normal or close to it. People with chronic kidney disease are typically unable to improve their eGFR significantly. This is because kidney damage is permanent and cannot be undone. 

What The Science Says You Can Do

While there’s no surefire way to raise eGFR, research shows that certain habits can slow or even stop kidney damage from worsening. 

6 Tips to Maintain Kidney Function

1. Control Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure

High blood pressure and diabetes are the leading causes of kidney disease. Both can permanently damage the tiny filters in your kidneys if not managed properly.

Luckily, there are many steps you can take to limit this risk:

• Take your medicines as prescribed

• Check your blood sugar and blood pressure often

• Eat well and move your body

Learn more about diabetes and high blood pressure. 

2. Eat a Kidney-Friendly Diet

There’s no one-size-fits-all kidney diet, but certain eating habits are known to help slow kidney damage.

Focus on:

• Limiting sodium (salt), saturated fats, and added sugars

• Eating more plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains

• Cutting back on red meat and salty, canned, or frozen foods

A kidney dietitian can help you create a diet that works best for you.

Learn more about healthy eating and kidney disease. 

3. Aim for Healthy Hydration

Good hydration is a key part of keeping your kidneys healthy. But not everyone has the exact same hydration needs. Talk with your doctor about how much fluid is right for you.

• Don’t let yourself get dehydrated if you have early-stage kidney disease or are at risk,

• Drinking too much may be harmful if you have advanced kidney disease or heart issues.

Learn more about healthy hydration for kidney health. 

4. Watch NSAIDs Use 

Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can harm your kidneys if taken at high doses or used too often.

To cut down on this risk, try to limit the use of these medications. Ask your health care provider about pain patches or rubs for pain relief.

Learn more about NSAID-related kidney damage. 

5. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps lower blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, and improve heart health—all of which support kidney function.

Learn more about staying fit with kidney disease. 

6. Quit Smoking

Smoking damages blood vessels, including the ones in your kidneys. It also makes it harder to manage other health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure.

Quitting can slow down kidney damage and improve your overall health.

Learn how to quit smoking.