Living with One Kidney: Important Precautions and Care

People who have only one kidney need to be careful of several things, including:

- Avoiding activities that could damage the kidney. This includes contact sports, such as football and hockey, and activities that involve heavy lifting or jarring movements.

- Getting regular checkups with a nephrologist. A nephrologist is a doctor who specializes in kidney disease. They can monitor the health of the remaining kidney and make sure it is functioning properly.

- Taking medications as prescribed. People with one kidney may need to take medications to help protect the kidney from damage and to prevent complications.

- Drinking plenty of fluids. Staying hydrated is important for everyone, but it is especially important for people with one kidney. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to flush out toxins and keep the kidney healthy.

- Eating a healthy diet. A healthy diet can help to reduce the risk of developing kidney disease and other complications. People with one kidney should eat a diet that is low in sodium, protein, and phosphorus.

- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol use. Smoking and excessive alcohol use can damage the kidneys. People with one kidney should avoid these habits.