Keeping your kidneys as healthy as possible can help you manage life with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Simple lifestyle choices — like staying active, managing stress, and maintaining a healthy weight — can support your entire body, including your kidneys.

If you’re living with IgAN, it’s important to understand what affects your kidneys. This can help you make informed choices that may slow disease progression and lower your risk of kidney failure — such as the six lifestyle changes discussed below.

1. Monitor Your Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is closely linked to kidney health. Hypertension (high blood pressure) puts strain on your kidneys and can speed up IgAN disease progression.

You don’t need to be a doctor or nurse to check your blood pressure. Home blood pressure monitors let you screen for this “silent” condition anytime. Checking at home helps you see patterns and changes over time. This information can be more useful than a single reading at a doctor’s appointment.

You can buy a blood pressure monitor at a drugstore or online. In some cases, health insurance may help cover the cost. Read the instructions carefully or ask your healthcare provider to show you how to use the device correctly. With practice, checking your blood pressure can become part of your regular routine.

2. Cut Back on Salt Intake

Sodium is found in table salt and many processed foods. Most people eat much more sodium than their bodies need. That’s because sodium is added to many packaged foods. Sodium helps food last longer on the shelf and adds flavor, making it popular in restaurants.

Sodium can affect your kidneys in a few ways. Eating too much salt may:

• Raise your blood pressure
• Lead to proteinuria (protein in your urine), which may be a sign of worsening kidney damage
• Cause edema (swelling), a common symptom of kidney disease

You can lower your sodium intake with a few simple changes. Start by checking food labels and choosing low-sodium or sodium-free products. Many canned foods are high in sodium. If you can’t find a sodium-free version, rinsing the canned food with water can remove some of the sodium.

Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and cutting back on processed foods can also lower your sodium intake. Whenever possible, cook at home. You can control your meals’ sodium content by using fresh herbs and spices instead of salt to add flavor.

3. Drink the Right Amount of Water

Your kidneys help keep the right balance of water in your body. In people without kidney disease, drinking plenty of water may help lower the risk of future kidney problems. Staying hydrated throughout the day is often recommended to support kidney health.

However, your fluid needs may be different if you’re living with IgAN. Depending on your kidney function and symptoms, such as swelling, your healthcare provider may recommend a specific daily fluid goal. Always follow their advice, since it’s tailored to your needs.

4. Prioritize Quitting Smoking

If you smoke, quitting is a key step you can take for your health. Smoking not only increases the risk of cancer but also can harm your kidneys. Most people know that smoking is dangerous, but there’s still confusion about how to quit and whether alternatives, like vaping, are safe.

Some safe, proven tools can help reduce nicotine dependence. These include medications that reduce cravings and nicotine replacements, such as:

• Patches you place on your skin
• Lozenges (similar to hard candies)
• Nicotine gum

You can ask your healthcare provider for guidance on using these products. The right dose of nicotine depends on your smoking history. You’ll slowly taper the dose as your body adjusts over time. A quit coach can also offer support and strategies, as well as help you set goals. You can call 800-784-8669 for free help, or ask your healthcare provider or insurance provider for resources.

Vaping is often marketed as a safer alternative to smoking. However, mounting research suggests that vaping may still pose health risks, such as affecting kidney function.

Many people who successfully quit smoking have tried before. It’s common to make multiple attempts before quitting for good. Instead of viewing past attempts as failures, think of them as practice. Each attempt can teach you something and bring you closer to quitting.

5. Stay Physically Active

It’s important to stay active if you’re living with IgAN. Regular physical activity can support your kidney health and improve your overall wellness. Kidney disease can lead to muscle loss, but exercise can help you maintain strength.

If you’d like to become more active, ask your doctor or kidney specialist about creating an exercise plan that’s safe for you.

6. Get To Know Your Healthcare Team

Be sure to keep all your medical appointments, even if you’re feeling well. Getting regular lab tests, taking medications as prescribed, and discussing new symptoms with your healthcare providers are important at every stage of IgAN.

Your healthcare team is trained to spot early signs of worsening kidney function that you might not notice. They can also advise you on everyday topics, such as which over-the-counter medications and supplements are safe for your kidneys.

Seek care from an experienced nephrologist (kidney specialist). You may also benefit from other specialists who support different aspects of your care. For example, a dietitian can help you follow a kidney-friendly diet, and a cardiologist can help manage your blood pressure. Even if you don’t feel you need this level of support now, chronic kidney disease requires long-term care.

Start with small, gradual lifestyle changes to protect your kidneys. Eventually, you may need to follow stricter dietary guidelines if your kidney function declines. For example, you may need to monitor the amount of protein, potassium, and other nutrients you consume.

Having a care team that knows you and your medical history can make a big difference. They can keep you informed about new treatment options and help prevent or manage other health conditions that may complicate life with IgAN.

Join the Conversation

On myIgANteam, people share their experiences with IgA, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

What changes are you making to protect your kidney health? Let others know in the comments below.