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Is there anything I can do besides drinking lots of water to protect my kidneys ?

A MyMyelomaTeam Member asked a question 💭
Raleigh, NC
October 5
 · 
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Answer Summary

Members shared a wide range of helpful tips for protecting kidneys, responding to a question about what else can be done beyond drinking... Read more

Members shared a wide range of helpful tips for protecting kidneys, responding to a question about what else can be done beyond drinking water. Several members highlighted dietary changes, including eating kidney-friendly foods like berries, cabbage, and garlic, while limiting salty, processed, and high-potassium foods, and one member reported that drinking two glasses of water first thing in the morning improved all their kidney labs within six weeks. A recurring theme was the importance of managing blood pressure, limiting alcohol and caffeine, avoiding certain medications like NSAIDs, and consulting a nephrologist for personalized guidance.

A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Edna,
When I learn something off the internet about MM, I try to print it out or write it on a 3 x 5 card. I found a card about Kidney Friendly Foods.
Red Bell Pepper, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Garlic, Lemon, Lime, Onions, Apples, Cranberries, Blueberries, Raspberries, Strawberries.
Bad Food for Kidneys is a longer list.
Sweet Potatoes, Salty Foods, Raisins, Avocados, Deli Meat, Whole Wheat Bread, Bacon, Sausage, Apricots, canned food, frozen dinners, spinach, bananas, brown rice, olives, pickles, limit dairy, limit beef, limit oranges.
Paula🌹

October 6
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Keeping your blood pressure within a good range is a biggie. Avoiding medications like non steroid antiflamatory drugs like motrin. Avoiding getting sick and needing high powered antibiotics that can damage our kidneys. Review the drugs you take and make sure they don't cause kidney issues. Eating a healthy diet. Avoid having high blood sugars from diabetes or pre diabetes that can for sure cause kidney damage. Keep drinking water.🥰

October 10 (edited)
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

I do drink 4 - 12 oz bottles of water a day. I also drink 2 beers as well. The water not only helps your kidneys but stops the chemo drugs from dehydrating you.

October 9
MyMyelomaTeam

Great question — and yes, there are several things that can help protect kidney function beyond staying hydrated. Here's a summary of key steps to consider:

- Get treated promptly — Controlling myeloma is the most important step. When myeloma is better managed, kidney function often improves
- Monitor calcium and uric acid Show Full Answer

Great question — and yes, there are several things that can help protect kidney function beyond staying hydrated. Here's a summary of key steps to consider:

- Get treated promptly — Controlling myeloma is the most important step. When myeloma is better managed, kidney function often improves.
- Monitor calcium and uric acid levels — Keeping these in check helps reduce kidney stress.
- Avoid certain pain medications — Some common pain relievers can worsen kidney function, so always check with your doctor before taking anything new.
- Watch for early warning signs — Changes in urine color or frequency, swelling, fatigue, or nausea should be reported to your doctor right away.
- Stay on top of your treatment plan — Medications like bortezomib or high-dose dexamethasone have shown promise in supporting kidney recovery.
- Take a multidisciplinary approach — A MyMyelomaTeam member found that working with urology, nephrology, and oncology together gave excellent results.

The earlier kidney issues are caught and addressed, the better the chances of avoiding serious damage. Always loop in your care team before making any changes.

October 5
A MyMyelomaTeam Member

Edna,
I can tell it affects me, because I feel like I am going to have a cramp. I only drink a cup of decaf a few times a week. That doesn’t happen if I take my supplements and stay away from certain foods and drinks.
Paula🌹

5 days ago

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