National Kidney Month 2026: Small Kidney Tips That Can Make a Big Difference

Understanding your kidney health starts with getting the right tests: 

• Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR): a blood test that shows how well the kidneys filter waste. 
• Urine albumin-creatinine ratio (uACR): a urine test that checks how much protein (albumin) is leaking into urine. Protein belongs in the blood, so only a small amount should be present.

Since kidney disease rarely shows symptoms until it’s too late, these tests are the best way to prevent or catch kidney problems early. 

Learn more about kidney tests and what your numbers mean. 

Did you know that diabetes and high blood pressure are the top causes of kidney disease? 

Without proper treatment, these conditions can permanently damage the kidney’s blood vessels. 

Ask your healthcare team how to manage these issues to protect your kidney function. 

Learn how diabetes and high blood pressure damage the kidneys. 

A balanced, kidney-friendly diet can prevent or help slow the progression of kidney disease. 

But there is no one-size-fits-all kidney diet. It depends on overall health and the stage of kidney disease. A kidney dietitian can help you make food choices that protect kidney function.

Get kidney-friendly tips and recipes.

Exercising can help you manage your blood pressure, blood sugar, and stress–all of which can benefit the kidneys. It also helps boost mood and energy!

Get a free kidney-friendly exercise routine.

Chronic stress doesn’t just affect your mood. It impacts the whole body. 

Over time, it can:

• Increase blood pressure
• Make diabetes harder to manage
• Increase inflammation that damages blood vessels, including those in the kidneys
• Make it harder to follow treatment plans, medications, and appointments

Managing stress and supporting mental health are important parts of protecting kidney health. 

Get tips to feel better today. 

Some over-the-counter pain medicines and supplements can harm the kidneys, especially with frequent or long-term use. Always check with your healthcare team before starting anything new.

Learn more about pain medications and supplements.

No one should face kidney disease alone. NKF has trusted programs to help you learn, heal, and connect:

• NKF Peers: Get one-on-one support from someone who understands what you’re going through.
• NKF Kidney Walk: Connect with your community while fundraising for a better future for all people affected by kidney disease. 
• NKF Communities: Join an online forum to ask questions and get answers anonymously. 
• Voices for Kidney Health: Fight for better kidney legislation while meeting other passionate advocates across the country. 
• NKF Cares: Speak with a trained NKF professional toll-free at 855.NKF.CARES (855.653.2273). 

1 in 3 people are at risk of kidney disease, but most don’t know it. Whether it’s sharing patient stories, inviting friends to a Kidney Walk, or talking about something you read on NKF, every conversation counts. 

See all the ways you can get involved with NKF today.