Answer:

Chronic kidney disease is categorized into five stages based on the degree of kidney function decline. Stage three chronic kidney disease occurs when kidney damage impairs function, leading to a reduced glomerular filtration rate. The disease cannot be completely cured. However, if your mother has factors causing acute kidney damage that lead to a sudden decrease in kidney function, then by effectively managing those factors, kidney function may improve. For chronic kidney disease patients, doctors can control and slow its progression by managing risk factors that worsen the condition, such as diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease.

Selecting medications to maintain blood sugar and stabilize blood pressure is crucial for managing chronic kidney disease. Your mother also needs to adhere to prescribed medication and a diet recommended by her doctor, limiting salt, protein, and potassium to reduce kidney strain. Regular monitoring of kidney function and timely treatment are necessary to prevent the disease from worsening.

Dr. Ho Tan Thong advises a patient at Tam Anh General Clinic District 7. Illustration: Clinic provided

Besides adhering to the doctor's treatment regimen, diet and nutrition are very important for slowing the progression of chronic kidney disease. Stage three kidney failure makes it difficult to excrete toxins, so your mother's diet must limit protein intake to prevent kidney overexertion. The recommended protein intake is about 0,6-0,8 g of protein/kg of body weight/day (depending on your mother's weight). She should choose plant-based protein sources like beans, nuts, grains, or protein from fish, chicken breast, and eggs, and limit protein from red meat to reduce the burden on the kidneys.

Individuals with chronic kidney disease should restrict salt (sodium) to prevent hypertension and reduce fluid accumulation. Avoid processed foods, canned goods, and seasonings containing salt. The recommended salt intake is no more than 2,3 g of sodium/day, equivalent to about one teaspoon of salt. At stage three, the kidneys filter less effectively, so the amount of water consumed needs adjustment to prevent edema and high blood pressure. The daily water intake depends on the patient's health condition and should be discussed with a doctor.

Regular exercise and maintaining a healthy weight help your mother effectively manage blood pressure and blood sugar. She should choose gentle exercises like walking, yoga, or swimming instead of strenuous activities. If kidney failure progresses to a severe stage, and the kidneys can no longer filter waste products, kidney replacement therapy such as dialysis or kidney transplant may be necessary.

Dr. Ho Tan Thong

Nephrology - Dialysis Unit

Tam Anh General Clinic District 7