Nephrologist Sumeska Thavarajah, MD, of Johns Hopkins, discusses the management of chronic kidney disease. She explains that medications are prescribed to treat risk factors that can speed up kidney damage, such as blood pressure and diabetes, and to manage complications of kidney disease like anemia. Treatment plans are individualized based on risk factors, health conditions, and lab work. Dietary changes, such as reducing intake of sodium, processed foods, and high-sugar foods, and increasing plant-based options, can help slow down the progression of kidney disease. Staying hydrated is important, but the amount of water intake is individualized. Other dietary restrictions may be based on lab work. The overall plan for slowing down the progression of kidney disease includes blood pressure control, blood sugar control, smoking cessation, regular exercise, reduction of protein in the urine, and maintaining a healthy weight. It’s also important to be aware of things that could stress the kidneys, like imaging studies that use contrast and medication interactions. Being engaged with your healthcare team and monitoring your progress is key to managing kidney disease.