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Understanding eGFR: Your Quick Guide to Kidney Health
Ever seen eGFR on a lab report and wondered what it actually means? It’s short for estimated glomerular filtration rate, a number that tells you how well your kidneys are filtering waste. Think of your kidneys as a coffee filter – the higher the flow, the cleaner your blood. In plain terms, a good eGFR means your kidneys are doing their job; a low number signals they might be struggling.
Doctors calculate eGFR using your serum creatinine level, age, sex, and sometimes race. Creatinine is a waste product that muscles produce constantly, and the kidneys are the only place that clears it out. By plugging these values into a formula (the most common is the CKD‑EPI equation), labs give you an estimate of your kidney’s filtering capacity in milliliters per minute per 1.73 m² of body surface area.
What’s a Normal eGFR?
For most adults, a normal eGFR sits between 90 and 120 mL/min/1.73 m². As you age, it’s natural for the number to dip a bit – a 70‑year‑old might have a “normal” eGFR of 70‑80. When the value falls below 60, doctors start to look for chronic kidney disease (CKD). Below 30, you’re entering stages where medication doses often need adjustment, and a specialist might get involved.
It’s easy to misinterpret a single number. Factors like dehydration, high protein meals, or recent intense exercise can temporarily lower eGFR. That’s why doctors usually repeat the test after a few weeks to see if the trend holds.
How to Keep Your eGFR in the Green Zone
Good news: you can influence your eGFR with everyday habits. Stay well‑hydrated – water helps kidneys flush out waste. Keep blood pressure in check; high pressure can damage the tiny filters inside your kidneys. Diabetes management is another biggie: uncontrolled sugar spikes cause extra stress on the kidneys.
Eating a balanced diet low in sodium and processed foods also helps. If you take medications that are hard on kidneys (like certain pain relievers or high‑dose antibiotics), talk to your doctor about alternatives or the lowest effective dose.
Regular check‑ups are key. Even if you feel fine, an annual blood test that includes creatinine and eGFR can catch problems early, when they’re easier to manage.
Bottom line: eGFR is a simple snapshot of how well your kidneys are filtering. Knowing what the number means, why it can change, and what you can do to protect your kidneys puts you in control of your health. Keep an eye on it, stay hydrated, and follow your doctor’s advice – your kidneys will thank you.
Telmisartan for Chronic Kidney Disease: Comprehensive Review
- By : Tamsin Riverton
- Date : Sep 8 2025
Explore how Telmisartan works, the evidence for its use in chronic kidney disease, safety tips, guideline recommendations, and practical advice for patients and clinicians.