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If your doctor has ordered blood work to check your kidney health, one of the most critical values you'll come across is eGFR, or estimated glomerular filtration rate. This number gives insight into how efficiently your kidneys are filtering waste — a process vital to your overall well-being.
🔍 How eGFR Works
eGFR isn’t measured directly. Instead, it’s calculated using your creatinine level (a waste product in the blood), along with factors like your age and sex. The result gives doctors an estimate of how well your kidneys are doing their job — filtering your blood and removing toxins.
A high eGFR is usually a sign of healthy kidneys. On the other hand, a lower eGFR may suggest your kidneys are under stress or not working as they should. Persistent low eGFR values can indicate chronic kidney disease.
📌 Why eGFR Matters
This simple number helps in more ways than one:
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Early detection: Kidney disease can be silent. eGFR helps catch it before symptoms appear.
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Progress tracking: It provides a way to monitor how your kidney function changes over time.
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Treatment decisions: Doctors use eGFR to decide when to adjust medications or begin dialysis planning.
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Prevention: Even a slight dip in eGFR can prompt changes in lifestyle to protect your kidneys from further damage.
💬 What Affects Your eGFR?
Several factors can influence your kidney function, such as:
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High blood pressure or diabetes
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Frequent use of painkillers or certain medications
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Dehydration
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Dietary habits
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Age and genetics
That’s why regular monitoring is essential, especially if you fall into any high-risk groups.
🌿 Can You Help Preserve Your Kidney Function?
Absolutely. While eGFR itself may not increase drastically, taking the right steps can prevent it from dropping:
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Keep blood sugar and blood pressure under control
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Choose foods that are gentle on your kidneys
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Stay well hydrated (but don’t overdo it)
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Avoid self-medication and excess supplements
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See a kidney specialist for tailored advice
🩺 Should You See a Nephrologist?
If your eGFR is below 60 for more than three months or if your doctor notices a sudden drop, it’s important to consult a specialist. A nephrologist can investigate the cause and help manage or slow down any potential kidney damage.
Don’t leave kidney health to chance. If you’re worried about your kidney test results, consult the best kidney specialist in Mumbai for expert evaluation and personalized care.
