Around one in seven adults in the United States have chronic kidney disease (CKD), a condition in which the kidneys become damaged and can’t work as efficiently. This allows waste products to build up in the blood. Over time, it can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood pressure and even kidney failure. If you’re been diagnosed with CKD, you may be wondering, can kidney disease be reversed? Here’s what you need to know.

Healthy kidneys filter and remove waste products and extra fluid from your blood, which are then excreted through your urine. They also help with important functions like red blood cell production, regulating blood pressure and maintaining electrolyte balance and bone health. So when your kidneys aren’t working optimally, it can affect your overall health.

Kidney disease can range from mild to severe. Early symptoms may include:

As CKD progresses, it can lead to serious complications like high blood pressure, heart disease and an increased risk of stroke. That’s why it’s so important to stay up-to-date on health screenings. (See four overlooked health screenings doctors say women shouldn’t skip.)

“Early diagnosis allows for prompt intervention, which can slow or even halt the progression of kidney damage,” says Justin Houman, MD, a board-certified urologist and kidney specialist. “In the early stages of CKD, kidney function may be stabilized or mildly improved with appropriate treatment and lifestyle changes. However, advanced CKD is usually irreversible.”

If you’ve been diagnosed with CKD, your doctor may recommend medication to help protect your kidneys. But there are also a few simple lifestyle changes that can help slow the progression of CKD, prevent damage to your kidneys and possibly even restore kidney function.

“The most common causes of kidney disease are diabetes and high blood pressure,” Dr. Houman says. “These conditions damage the delicate filtering structures in the kidneys over time. Strict blood pressure and blood sugar control are key to slowing progression.”

Adding 30 minutes of light movement like walking, swimming, cycling or yoga to your routine each day can help with both. (And you can break it up into 10-minute chunks to make it more manageable!) “Regular physical activity helps control blood pressure, improves insulin sensitivity and reduces the risk of kidney disease progression,” Dr. Houman adds.

According to a review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, muscle loss is common among people with chronic kidney disease. But strength training twice a week can help to maintain muscle mass, Dr. Houman says. Not sure where to start? Check out our round-up of tried-and-true strength training exercises here.

High-sodium diets can elevate blood pressure and strain the kidneys. And while protein is great for building muscle strength and aiding weight loss, in people with CKD, excess protein can accelerate kidney damage, Dr. Houman says.

To keep your blood pressure in check, be sure to stay below the recommended dietary allowance of 2,300 mg per day of sodium. (Keep an eye out for these 15 sneaky sources of sodium in your diet.)

With your doctor’s approval, you should also aim to stay below the standard recommendation of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body fat. To make the math easier, multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36 to find your recommended intake of protein in grams. (That’s about 58 grams of protein for a 160-lb woman.) In later stages of CKD, your doctor may recommend reducing your protein intake by about 25 percent.

Uncontrolled diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the kidneys, reducing their filtering ability, Dr. Houman says. If you have diabetes, it’s important to keep your blood glucose levels as stable as possible to prevent further kidney damage. Make room in your daily routine for diabetes self-care strategies like consistent glucose monitoring, regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet that includes healthy carbs like fruits and whole grains.

“Chronic stress can increase blood pressure and worsen kidney function,” Dr. Houman says. “To manage stress, practice mindfulness or meditation.” Better yet, invite a friend along—emotional support from strong social connections can also help relieve stress, Dr. Houman adds.

Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen “can worsen kidney function,” Dr. Houman says. “Acetaminophen is generally considered a safe alternative when used in recommended doses.” Talk to your doctor to help determine the safest pain management option for you.

“Hydration is critical, as it helps the kidneys filter waste efficiently,” Dr. Houman says. “For most people, eight to 10 cups of water per day is sufficient, but this may vary based on individual conditions.” If you have advanced CKD or heart disease, however, be sure to discuss your fluid intake with your doctor to avoid overhydration.

If you smoke, it’s best to quit altogether. And if you have CKD and drink alcohol regularly, consider scaling back to drink in moderation. “Smoking damages blood vessels and accelerates CKD progression,” Dr. Houman says. “Excessive drinking can worsen blood pressure and kidney health.” (Try this cran-strawberry mocktail recipe for a refreshing drink, sans alcohol.)

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.