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Lifestyle and home remedies
By Mayo Clinic staffSome steps you can take on your own that may help keep your kidneys healthier include:
- Switch to a low-salt diet. Keeping your blood pressure levels near normal may help slow kidney damage from IgA nephropathy. Your doctor may recommend changes in your diet — such as limiting your salt intake — to help manage your blood pressure. A low-salt diet can also help minimize fluid retention and swelling.
- Eat less protein. Reducing the amount of protein you eat and taking steps to decrease your cholesterol levels may help slow the progression of IgA nephropathy and protect your kidneys.
- Monitor your blood pressure levels at home. Write down each reading and bring this record with you to your doctor's appointments.
References
- IgA nephropathy. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/iganephropathy/. Accessed Sept. 21, 2010.
- Nephrotic syndrome. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merck.com/mmpe/print/sec17/ch235/ch235b.html. Accessed Sept. 22, 2010.
- Barrat J, et al. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of IgA nephropathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
- Barrat J, et al. Pathogenesis of IgA nephropathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
- Donadio JV, et al. IgA nephropathy. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2002;347:738.
- Cattran DC, et al. Treatment and prognosis of IgA nephropathy. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Sept. 15, 2010.
- Cheng J, et al. Efficacy and safety of glucocorticoids therapy for IgA nephropathy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Nephrology. 2009;30:315.
- IgA nephropathy. National Kidney Foundation. http://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/iganeph.cfm. Accessed Sept. 22, 2010.
- Anderson CF (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 23, 2010.
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