Managing One Kidney After Nephrectomy: Lifestyle Adjustments

Understanding Your Body with One Kidney

Your kidneys are vital organs that filter waste from the blood, regulate electrolytes, and manage fluid balance. After a nephrectomy, the remaining kidney takes on these responsibilities, adapting to do the work of two kidneys. While the body is incredibly resilient, losing a kidney means it's extra important to take care of the one you have left to maintain optimal health.

Will My Lifestyle Need to Change?

Yes, to some extent. Managing life with one kidney often involves proactive health management. While you can live a normal life, this requires being mindful of lifestyle habits to avoid overburdening your remaining kidney.

Lifestyle Adjustments After a Nephrectomy

1. Prioritize a Kidney-Healthy Diet

A well-balanced, kidney-friendly diet can help your remaining kidney function optimally and prevent complications.

Tips for Eating Well:

• Limit Salt Intake: Too much sodium can increase blood pressure, which is a key risk factor for kidney damage. Stay under 2,300 milligrams of sodium a day.
• Optimize Protein Intake: While protein is essential, excessive consumption can strain the kidney. Aim for moderate amounts of high-quality protein, such as lean poultry, fish, eggs, beans, or nuts.
• Choose Whole Foods: Incorporate fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet. Foods like berries, leafy greens, and garlic are especially good for kidney health.
• Avoid Processed Foods: Packaged snacks, fast food, and deli meats are often high in sodium and preservatives. Skip these in favor of fresh, natural ingredients.

You don’t have to overhaul your meal plan overnight. Work with a dietitian familiar with kidney care to ensure your diet supports your unique needs.

2. Stay Hydrated — but Not Overhydrated

Hydration is key for kidney health, but managing hydration with one kidney requires balance. Drinking too little water can strain your kidney, while excessive hydration can dilute electrolytes and overwork the organ.

Ideal Hydration Practices:

• Aim for around 2 to 3 liters of water each day (or as directed by your doctor based on individual health needs).
• Pay attention to your body’s signals. Dark-colored urine often indicates dehydration, while clear urine could mean you’re drinking too much.

3. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carrying extra weight puts added pressure on your kidney since it must work harder to filter blood. By adopting healthy eating habits and staying physically active, you can keep your weight in check and reduce the likelihood of kidney-related complications.

Weight Management Tips:

Exercise regularly with low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or yoga. Aim for at least 30 minutes a day, five times a week. Incorporate fiber-rich foods into your meals to support digestive health and weight maintenance.

4. Protect Your Kidney from Injury

With only one kidney, you’ll need to take care to avoid trauma or injury to your remaining organ. This may mean modifying activities or making decisions with greater caution.

Protection Strategies:

• Avoid Contact Sports like football or boxing, which pose a higher risk of blows to the abdomen and lower back. If you enjoy these activities, discuss with your doctor whether protective kidney guards are appropriate for you.
• Be mindful of accidental injuries, such as heavy lifting or machinery work, and prioritize safety precautions.

5. Monitor Your Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar

High blood pressure and diabetes are two of the main causes of kidney damage. After a nephrectomy, managing these conditions is crucial to preserving your remaining kidney’s health.

Tips for Keeping Them in Check:

• Measure your blood pressure regularly (invest in a home monitor). A healthy range is generally considered below 120/80 mm Hg.
• Follow a balanced diet and exercise plan to control blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, adhere to your treatment plan and check your glucose levels as instructed.

6. Check Your Medications

Certain over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications can affect kidney function. With one kidney, it’s important to be selective about what you take.

Medication Guidelines:

• Avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like ibuprofen and naproxen unless specifically recommended by your doctor. These can increase the risk of kidney damage when used long-term or in high doses.
• Consult Your Doctor about herbal supplements or dietary aids, as many are not well-regulated and could potentially harm the kidney.

7. Schedule Regular Health Check-Ups

Routine medical check-ups help monitor kidney function and detect any issues early. Most doctors will periodically check your glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which measures how well your kidney filters waste. During these visits, your doctor may also run tests for protein or blood in your urine, both of which can indicate issues requiring attention.

Support for Your Kidney Journey

Living with one kidney doesn’t mean giving up the activities or lifestyle you love—it’s about moderation and awareness. Remember, you’re not alone in this process. Many people have successfully adapted to life with one kidney and find they live just as fully as they did before their nephrectomy.

Conclusion

Adjusting to life with one kidney after nephrectomy is manageable with the right habits and medical guidance. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle following a nephrectomy (kidney removal) mainly entails avoiding contact sports, eating a balanced diet with less sodium, drinking plenty of water, exercising frequently, keeping a close eye on your blood pressure, and using certain medications—especially over-the-counter pain killer medications with caution. You should also constantly consult your healthcare provider for regular check-ups and to discuss any concerns.