What is Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR)?
GFR is a formula that takes into account your creatinine, age, race, and gender to determine how well your kidneys are functioning. Glomeruli are microscopic filters found in the kidneys that aid in the removal of toxins (waste) from the bloodstream. The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which is dependent on your body size, evaluates how much blood these filters clean every minute. eGFR is frequently included in the basic metabolic panel of a standard blood test.
The estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is used by doctors to identify if you have kidney disease and, if so, at what stage. The ability of your kidneys to filter toxins or waste from your blood is measured by eGFR. A low number could suggest renal failure, which would necessitate dialysis or a transplant.
There are treatments for Lower GFR, whether it is any treatment methods, Ayurvedic treatment to lower GFR can be based on some herbal medications, diet management, daily exercise, and yoga practice. When you have a high GFR, and you are not aware of this, then in the longer term, it can seriously affect kidney disease.
What do doctors find with the eGFR values?
eGFR aids healthcare providers in detecting renal issues, such as kidney disease. The urinary system includes your kidneys. When one or both kidneys are damaged, kidney disease develops. The glomeruli filter less blood when you have kidney disease. As a result, harmful poisons may accumulate in your blood. Symptoms of renal illness, such as frequent urination and muscular spasms, may not appear until you have lost up to 40% of your kidney function. eGFR aids in the early detection of disease, allowing you to begin therapy to delay or stop renal damage.
Who might need to know their eGFR?
eGFR is used by doctors to monitor the progression of renal disease. The test also reveals the severity (stage) of renal disease that has already developed. Kidney disease is more likely if you have certain medical conditions. If you have or are taking drugs to treat any of the following, your provider may utilize eGFR to check your kidney health.
- Kidney dysfunction due to birth abnormalities.
- Heart disease or coronary artery disease.
- Diabetes.
- Kidney illness in the family.
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs) or urinary obstructions on a regular basis.
- Hypertension (high blood pressure).
- Smoking history.
- Obesity.
How eGFR is related to kidney diseases?
Your provider may diagnose chronic kidney disease or mild kidney disease when the eGFR stays below 60 for three months. There are five stages for the GFR level:
- Stage 1 (90 or higher) indicates mild kidney damage
- Stage 2 (60 and 89) indicates an increase in kidney damage from stage 1, but the kidneys continue to function well.
- Stage 3 (30 and 59) means you have decreased kidney function and may experience symptoms.
- Stage 4 (15 and 29) – a poor kidney function, with moderate to severe kidney damage.
- Stage 5 (below 15) is a sign of kidney failure and may require dialysis or kidney transplant.
In most cases, GFR and creatinine are measured and reported jointly. Although GFR is the most accurate indicator of renal function, creatinine can also be a useful indicator of kidney health. If your GFR drops or your creatinine rises, it’s a terrible indicator. In general, a “good” GFR is considered to be greater than 60.
Is it true that if I eat healthily and exercise, my GFR will improve for 60+?
It’s possible. Eating well and exercising are important habits to develop for general health and kidney health, as well as a terrific way to take charge of your health.
Kidney health can be influenced by the foods you eat–
- Instead of processed foods, opt for fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Eat a low-sodium diet. If you have high blood pressure, protein in your urine, edema, or difficulty breathing, you should decrease your salt intake. It is suggested that you consume less sodium every day.
- If you have moderate-to-advanced renal disease, limit your protein intake (not on dialysis). A high-protein diet, which is popular for weight loss, maybe healthy for those with normal kidneys, but it can place a strain on kidneys that aren’t working well.
- A diet that is excessively low in protein, on the other hand, might induce muscle loss and leave you fragile. It is important to discuss about your nutrition needs with a specialist doctor or healthcare professional.
Is there anything else that could affect my GFR?
It is possible to decrease the course of kidney disease by eating a balanced diet and exercising regularly. Despite their greatest attempts at leading a healthy lifestyle, some people’s renal disease worsens. It’s critical to figure out what’s causing your renal problems. If you have diabetes, for example, controlling your blood sugar is the most critical thing you can do to safeguard your remaining kidney function.
Your GFR may continue to fall if you eat healthily and exercise but do not maintain acceptable blood sugar or blood pressure levels. Kidney health also depends on staying active and maintaining a healthy body weight. According to researches exercise improves kidney functioning. If you need to lose weight, consult a healthcare practitioner or a dietitian.
The conclusive approach
There are treatments that can help you lower your GFR. Ayurvedic treatment to lower GFR can be based on herbal drugs, nutrition control, daily exercise, and yoga practice, regardless of whether it is allopathic science or any treatment. When you have a high GFR and are unaware of it, it might have a major impact on renal disease in the long run.
