Understanding Life with Single Kidney: Possibilities and Challenges
Single Kidneys: Living with One and Protecting the Remaining
Your kidneys play a crucial role in filtering your blood and eliminating waste. In some cases, individuals are born with, or end up with, only one functioning kidney. Reasons for this include donating a kidney, removal due to chronic kidney disease, cancer, or congenital issues.
Cleveland Clinic, a non-profit academic medical center, strives to educate individuals on living a healthy life with one kidney. Here's what you need to know.
Can One Kidney Sustain Life?
The ability to live a long, healthy life with only one kidney hinges on various factors such as age, existing health conditions, and the initial health of the kidney.
"The healthier and younger the kidney is, the more it can grow and compensate for the loss," asserts Dr. James Simon, a nephrologist and kidney medicine specialist. In many cases, those with just one kidney can maintain normal kidney function and live a fulfilling life.
However, age can affect the kidney's capacity to function optimally. Losing a kidney in one's 60s could put more strain on the remaining one, as it will have to work harder with less capacity.
What Are the Restrictions for One-Kidney Individuals?
If the remaining kidney is in good health, there should be no limitations on daily activities, diet, or lifestyle. In some cases, avoiding high-impact sports may be advisable to minimize kidney injury risk.
Health Problems Associated with One Kidney
Even if the single kidney functions well, individuals with one kidney may experience increased blood pressure or protein in the urine over time. Regular follow-ups with a primary care provider are essential to monitor the kidney's health and address any potential issues promptly.
Age at kidney loss can impact the risk of developing chronic kidney disease, making it crucial to understand and track kidney function. Healthcare providers will monitor individuals’ estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to gauge the kidney's cleanliness efficiency.
Avoidable Foods After Losing a Kidney
If the remaining kidney is healthy and functioning, no diet modifications are necessary. Maintaining a balanced, low-sodium diet is generally beneficial for kidney health and overall wellness.
However, if kidney function declines significantly, adjustments to one’s diet may be necessary, similar to that required for individuals with two kidneys with reduced function. Lower eGFR levels can result in higher levels of essential electrolytes, necessitating dietary adjustments.
Protecting the Remaining Kidney
The health of the remaining kidney determines its longevity. Since there's only one kidney available, it's essential to take precautions to protect it and minimize potential issues.
Regular exercise, balanced meals, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) sparingly can all help safeguard the kidney.
"The only difference between having two kidneys and one kidney is now, you have half of the filtering units available to clean out your blood, so they're working twice as hard as they would have been," says Dr. Simon. "So, you want to do everything you can to protect your remaining kidney."
- Individuals living with a single kidney can maintain a normal life if the kidney is healthy and young, as it can grow and compensate for the loss.
- Age can impact the kidney's capacity to function optimally, putting more strain on the remaining one in later life.
- Regular follow-ups with healthcare providers are essential to monitor the kidney's health and address any issues promptly.
- If the single kidney functions well, there are no restrictions on daily activities, diet, or lifestyle, but avoiding high-impact sports may be advisable.
- If kidney function declines significantly, dietary adjustments may be necessary, similar to those required for individuals with two kidneys with reduced function.
- To protect the remaining kidney, regular exercise, balanced meals, staying hydrated, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption, and using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) sparingly can all help.
- Maintaining a balanced, low-sodium diet is generally beneficial for kidney health and overall wellness.
