Archive · 11 Dec 2025
Expert Advice on Managing Low eGFR
A 74-year-old person has a kidney function (eGFR) of 53, which is lower than normal.
A doctor explains that this is Stage 3A chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is not an emergency but needs careful management.
The doctor says that while it's unlikely to return to normal, it's possible to keep the kidneys working well for a long time.
To do this, the person should control their blood pressure and blood sugar, eat less salt, stay hydrated, eat the right amount of protein, stay active, avoid certain painkillers, and get regular kidney tests.
The key is to start these habits early to keep the kidneys healthy.
An eGFR of 53 indicates Stage 3A chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Kidney function naturally declines with age, and many people live well at this level.
Improving eGFR to normal (>59) is unlikely, but stabilizing it is possible.
Key actions include controlling blood pressure and blood sugar, limiting salt intake, staying hydrated, choosing kidney-friendly proteins, staying active, avoiding certain painkillers, and getting regular kidney tests.
Early intervention and consistent habits can help maintain stable kidney health for a long time.
- Who
- A 74-year-old individual with an eGFR of 53
- What
- Management and potential improvement of kidney function
- When
- Immediately after identifying low eGFR
- Where
- General advice applicable worldwide
- Why
- To prevent further decline in kidney function and maintain stability
- eGFR Level
- 53 ml/min/1.73 m²
- Stage of CKD
- Stage 3A
- Target Blood Pressure
- ~130/80
- Daily Salt Intake
- <5 grams
- Recommended Activity
- Walking 30 minutes a day