Kidney Disease: Causes, Medications to Avoid, Treatments, and Kidney-Friendly Foods in 2025

Understanding Kidney Disease and Its Causes

The kidneys have a crucial role in filtering waste, excess fluids, and toxins from the blood, maintaining electrolyte balance, and supporting overall bodily functions. Kidney disease refers to damage or decreased kidney function, which can develop slowly or suddenly:

• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): A gradual loss of kidney function over months or years. CKD is divided into five stages, ranging from mild impairment (stage 1) to kidney failure (stage 5).
• Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): A rapid decline in kidney function occurring within hours or days, often caused by illness or medication exposure. AKI may progress to CKD if damage continues.

Frequent causes of kidney disease include:

• Diabetes: The leading cause of kidney failure due to prolonged high blood sugar damaging kidney blood vessels.
• High Blood Pressure: Leads to damage of delicate vessels and filtering structures in the kidneys.
• Other Causes: Such as autoimmune disorders, infections, inherited conditions, and kidney stones.
• Medication and Toxic Exposure: Some drugs can harm kidney tissue or cause acute injury.

Early detection using blood tests (like the estimated glomerular filtration rate - eGFR) and urine tests is essential for managing kidney disease and slowing its progression.

Medications That Can Cause or Worsen Kidney Disease

Medications differ in their impact on kidneys. Some may induce direct kidney damage, while others build up due to impaired kidney function, leading to toxicity if doses are not properly adjusted. It’s important to monitor kidney health when taking these drugs.

Common Medication Categories to Use with Caution or Avoid

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs):Prolonged use or high doses of ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin can reduce kidney blood flow, increase blood pressure, and potentially cause damage, especially in individuals with CKD.
• Antibiotics, Antifungals, and Antivirals:Many are eliminated through the kidneys. Incorrect dosing can result in toxicity or acute kidney injury.
• Diabetes Medications:Drugs such as metformin generally require dose adjustments for lower eGFR levels; glyburide should be avoided when eGFR is below 60. Insulin and glimepiride may be used with caution.
• Blood Thinners:Warfarin, apixaban, dabigatran, and rivaroxaban require dose adjustments due to increased bleeding risk when kidney function declines.
• H2 Blockers and Some Antacids:Famotidine and cimetidine accumulate in kidney impairment. Aluminum-containing antacids should be avoided due to potential brain toxicity.
• Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs):Long-term use of omeprazole, esomeprazole, and similar medications may raise the risk of acute kidney injury and CKD progression. Use under medical advice and avoid extended over-the-counter use.
• Oral Sodium Phosphates:Previously used in colonoscopy preparations (e.g., Visicol, OsmoPrep), these agents can cause or aggravate kidney damage and should be avoided in CKD, older adults, or those taking kidney-impacting drugs.
• Lithium:Used for bipolar disorder, lithium may cause nephrogenic diabetes insipidus and increase CKD risk with prolonged use; requires close blood level monitoring.

Medications Named in the Query (Xeljanz, Yorvipath, Austedo, Fintepla, Korlym, Jynarqueok, Padcev, Ingrezza, Valtoco)

Currently, no comprehensive public evidence links these specific medications directly to causing or treating kidney disease. Patients prescribed these drugs should consult their healthcare providers or review professional pharmacologic resources for guidance regarding kidney health.

Approaches to Managing Chronic Kidney Disease

Although kidney damage is generally irreversible, CKD progression can be managed and slowed with appropriate care:

• Lifestyle Adjustments:
  • Follow a kidney-friendly diet developed by healthcare professionals or dietitians.
  • Engage in regular physical activity.
  • Maintain strict control of blood sugar and blood pressure.
• Medications:
  • Optimize management of diabetes and hypertension.
  • Decrease proteinuria (protein in the urine) using ACE inhibitors or ARBs, where suitable.
  • Adjust doses or avoid nephrotoxic drugs as kidney function declines.
• Monitoring:
  • Regular eGFR and urine tests to track progression.
  • Medication dose adjustments based on kidney function results.
• Advanced Interventions:In later stages (4-5), dialysis or kidney transplantation may be required to replace kidney functions.

Foods and Drinks That May Support Kidney Health

Nutrition is critical in managing CKD and kidney health. Including affordable, kidney-friendly foods can help maintain proper nutrition without overloading the kidneys.

Recommended Low-Cost Kidney-Supportive Foods for 2025:

• Beans:Rich in fiber and plant-based protein, containing important minerals like iron, potassium, and magnesium. Potassium and phosphorus from beans are less easily absorbed, but intake should be individualized.
• Tofu:A source of protein low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, also providing essential amino acids, calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats.
• Root Vegetables:Carrots, potatoes, and beets offer vitamins (C, A, B-complex), calcium, iron, and fiber. They are cost-effective and have long shelf lives.
• Apples:Low in potassium, phosphorus, and sodium, apples are versatile and affordable throughout the year.
• Yogurt:Including regular, Greek, or plant-based varieties, yogurt contains B12, calcium, phosphorus, and probiotics beneficial for bone and gut health.

Note: Portion sizes and suitability vary depending on individual kidney disease stage and treatment. Consult your healthcare provider or kidney dietitian to personalize your diet.

Medications to Use Carefully in Kidney Disease

• Limit or avoid NSAIDs to reduce the risk of kidney damage and hypertension worsening.
• Avoid glyburide if eGFR is below 60.
• Steer clear of aluminum-containing antacids; opt for safer alternatives.
• Avoid oral sodium phosphate bowel preps if you have CKD or are at risk.
• Use PPIs only as directed and for the shortest duration necessary.
• Monitor lithium levels closely to prevent nephrotoxicity.
• Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you take and ensure doses are adjusted according to kidney function.

Practical Tips for Those Managing Kidney Disease

• Have regular kidney function tests to monitor disease progression.
• Coordinate closely with your healthcare team for medication management and dose adjustments.
• Work with kidney dietitians to maintain a kidney-friendly and affordable diet.
• Keep physically active to support cardiovascular and kidney health.
• Seek support from patient mentoring, transplant education workshops, and online communities.
• Stay updated on current research and resources from kidney health organizations.

Conclusion

Kidney disease is a common and complex condition needing attentive management of risk factors, medications, and diet. Medications potentially harmful to the kidneys or requiring dose modifications should be handled with care alongside lifestyle and disease-specific treatments. Incorporating kidney-friendly foods and maintaining consistent monitoring can help slow progression and improve quality of life. For any medications, particularly newer or less commonly addressed ones like Xeljanz or Yorvipath, consulting with healthcare professionals is key for safe and effective care in 2025.

Sources

• Safe Medicine Use with Chronic Kidney Disease - National Kidney Foundation
• Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Symptoms, Treatment and Prevention - KidneyFund.org
• 5 Low-Cost Kidney Disease Superfoods to Add to Your Plate in 2025 - National Kidney Foundation

Disclaimer: All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The information and materials contained in these pages and the terms, conditions and descriptions that appear, are subject to change without notice.